EDUCATION IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is one of the prime destinations for Bangladeshi students who would like to look beyond English-speaking countries to study abroad. Located in Central Europe, the land of the Swiss might sound like an unconventional destination, but when it comes to studying here, there’s no dearth of benefits and opportunities.
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
Almost 60% of the country’s land is mountainous, therefore one can expect to find picture-perfect rolling hills, open pastures, forests and lakes. For those who find joy in nature and outdoor activities, student life in Switzerland will be like a dream, with pleasant a summer season and manageable winters.
Home to two global cities and sharing borders with Italy, France and Austria, Switzerland’s cities are dynamic and overflowing with opportunities to interact with different cultures and languages. Since Switzerland is located centrally, travelling to any of the countries surrounding it is easy, with minimal expenses.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SWITZERLAND
Having four national languages and several dialects, Switzerland might look intimidating to students who aren’t multilingual. However, most universities offer Graduate and Postgraduate programs in English, particularly business schools. Most locals too are at least mildly fluent in English, so day-to-day interactions will not pose much of a challenge for Indian students studying there.
ECONOMY OF SWITZERLAND
Despite its small size, Switzerland’s economy is one of the most competitive economies in the world and a force to be reckoned with. Openness to foreign investment and low rates of corruption have made it one of the most stable economies, with the country regularly ranking highest on the lists of average individual wealth and quality of living.
EDUCATION SYSTEM IN SWITZERLAND
Its booming economy and trade make Switzerland an attractive destination for students wanting to pursue business and finance, from studying to working after graduation. Universities in Switzerland are renowned throughout the world for their commitment to high standards of education and research. Foreign students who opt to study in Switzerland have benefited from the small size of classes, hands-on approach to the syllabus and opportunities to pursue research.
Higher Studies in Switzerland are done mostly in Vocational and Technical institutes and Universities. Switzerland has four official languages. Mostly the Bachelor’s degree is taught in German, French or Italian and not English. Some Universities mix that with Local official languages and English. Such as in some Bachelor’s degrees at ETH Zurich, the first year is taught in German and the second and third are taught in English.
There are two semesters: The Autumn Semester and Spring Semester. Each semester runs for 14 weeks.
UNIVERSITIES IN SWITZERLAND
There are three types of Universities in Switzerland:
- 12 Doctoral / Research Universities
- 8 Universities of Applied Science
- 20 UTE (Universities of Teacher Education)
- All humanity and science degrees can be pursued at academic Universities in Switzerland. Apart from degrees, some specialisations like health sciences can only be pursued in Universities of applied sciences.
- Doctoral / Research Universities offer bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees along with PhD in theory-based or research-based disciplines.
- Applied Science Universities are mostly for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in scientific fields and professional education. They are highly concentrated on research output.
Other specific Universities in Switzerland offer University level education other than the above-categorised institutes.
- Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP), Lausanne
- Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch (IUKB), Sion
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), Geneva
- Distance Learning University Switzerland
Switzerland is known for intensive master’s and research programs in science and technology, from genetics and pharmaceuticals to biotechnology and medicine-related subjects. Two of its universities have ranked in the world’s top 15 according to QS World University Rankings 2018 – Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The fact that the country has produced a total of 31 Nobel laureates in the Sciences is a testament to its quality education. For students of humanities and law, the University of Zurich offers a wide range of programs.
STUDENT LIFE IN SWITZERLAND
There will never be a dull moment in the life of a student in Switzerland. Universities are proactive in organizing workshops and conferences so that students can engage with their courses even outside the classroom, and develop a professional network that will help them after graduation. Universities are well equipped with facilities like libraries, canteens and gyms, while also routinely organizing hiking trips for foreign students, to help them explore the country.
WORK AND STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
Most universities have job placement units that offer part-time jobs within the campus. Those on student resident permits are allowed to work, with the only requirement being that they produce a statement from university authorities stating that working while studying will not stretch the duration of their programs.
As courses are strenuous, foreign students are only allowed to work for a maximum of 15 hours per week. Wages can be anywhere between CHF 20 to 35, depending on skills and type of job.
WORK PERMIT IN SWITZERLAND
Graduated students have the option to apply for a six-month-long residency permit to explore job opportunities in the fields of their degree programs. Once employed, a work permit can be applied for. For those who wish to study further, a residency permit is renewed after admission is secured.
Students of International Relations and related majors will find no dearth of opportunities to advance their careers after finishing their studies, seeing as Switzerland is home to many international organizations like the United Nations and World Economic Forum. Foreign language students will also find jobs quickly as translators and interpreters in international organizations as well as MNCs.
Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a mountainous country located in western Europe. Mostly famous around the world for its idyllic ski towns and chocolate, it is also known for how high its standards of living, education and work are. Switzerland is fast becoming a lucrative destination for Bangladesh Students planning to study abroad.
Flanked by countries like Italy, France, Germany and Austria, Switzerland is a hub of cultures and languages with as many as four national languages. It is an ideal educational destination for those interested in degree programs related to language and culture. Known for having a rich topography, the country also provides a plethora of travel options for those living there.
STAY BACK IN SWITZERLAND
Who would want to leave Switzerland? There are some rules and regulations set by Swiss immigration for both EFTA/EU students and non-EU students. For any kind of extension in your stay, employment is necessary.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
If the beautiful landscapes, excellent quality of life, and being the most neutral country in the world do not cut it for you, and if the excellent academics and world-class research output are not enough to convince you to opt for study in Switzerland, we have seven solid reasons that can change your mind.
1. Quality Education
Swiss Universities offer a wide range of courses across disciplines, at various levels (undergraduate, post-graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral), and at different institutions of higher education like academic universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education, etc. Some of the top-ranking educational institutions in the world are from this country. Whether one wants to study hotel management or hospital management, MBA or Master in Science or Arts, Switzerland will offer the best institutions and internationally accepted courses.
Top Universities in Switzerland:
ETH Zurich
Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
University of Zurich
University of Geneva
University of Bern
2. Best Student Cities
As can be seen above, Zurich and Geneva are home to some of the Top Ranked Universities in the world. Not only they are home to the Best Universities in Switzerland, but Zurich also has the famous Swiss Stock Market, the world’s fourth-largest. Lake Zurich and Geneva are the main attraction of the cities. Lausanne and Bern are other mention-worthy student cities, with Lausanne being a francophone culturally rich city and the Bern being declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Student Cities in Switzerland are the perfect mix of traditional and modern.
3. International Hub to the World
We have already talked about the Zurich stock market, but it does not stop there. It is home to many international organizations from around the world, including FIFA. The other internationally significant city in Switzerland is Geneva. Home to the most number of headquarters of NGOs, including the prestigious WHO and WTO, World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation respectively. This will take us to our next two points.
4. A Country of Innovation
One needs only to count the number of Nobel prizes that have gone to the citizens of Switzerland to understand what we are indicating. It is not a country that believes in making education a dull and boring everyday affair that students must go through, for a certain number of years. Education in Switzerland is synonymous with thinking newly and differently and leads to innovations that help humankind.
5. Career Options
This is the best part about studying in Switzerland. As a country whose standard and system of imparting education is not only renowned but also well respected across the world, a student passing out of any course finds himself or herself walking on the red carpet of professional life, straightaway. This is a huge advantage when the general norm is to struggle and find a foothold in an industry.
6. Scenic Landscapes
It is a peaceful European country, placed right in the lap of nature. With time, Switzerland has become modern but has managed to retain its beautiful equation with nature. Spanning eight countries, the Alps mountain range has become a postcard image for Switzerland over the years. For leisure travellers, hikers, campers, or adventure sportsmen, Switzerland is the place for everyone who loves nature.
7. Lifestyle
The Swiss lifestyle is a perfect balance between the industrious German and the relaxed French lifestyles. The country actively encourages a culture where all work is done on time and without corruption, but at the same time, the quality and enjoyment of living life are not compromised. Swiss themselves are adventure-loving people, and you can find them roaming and hiking around the country, which makes it a lively place.
8. Location in Central Europe
Switzerland is located in central Europe, and it is landlocked. Switzerland shares its borders with five countries of the EU: Austria, Liechtenstein, France, Italy, and Germany. Moreover, it is very well connected with all of these countries. You can hop on a train and take a trip to any of these countries. Switzerland literally puts rest of the Europe on your doorstep.
9. Diversity:
Studying in Switzerland is a synonym for diversity. Officially, there are 4 languages and 26 federal states. Add to that a large population of international students, and the country becomes a global village in a true sense. People from different ethnicity and cultures make Switzerland a country where one can make friends from different countries and learn many things with the interchange of cultural influences.
10.Safest and Happiest Country:
Last but not the least, with all the perks above, there is no doubt that Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world. Along with that, the Swiss policy of staying neutral makes it one of the safest countries in the world. Whether you are roaming around the streets or the Alps, you will feel safe in Switzerland. For international students, it is one of the most essential reasons.
COST OF STUDYING IN SWITZERLAND
As interest in Switzerland as a higher education destination for International students grows, there are queries about the affordability of living in the country.
University Tuition Fees in Switzerland
Switzerland boasts 12 public universities, out of which 10 are cantonal and 2 are institutes of technology funded federally. In addition, there are several private universities offering graduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines including applied sciences, business, music and hospitality.
Tuition Fees At Public Universities
Since the government funds public universities, fees are on the lower side with small premiums for foreign students. This is why a large number of international students are attracted to the country and makeup 21% of the total student population.
Unlike undergraduate courses which are taught in one of the official languages of German, French or Italian, Master’s courses are taught in English. The cost of education differs between disciplines. Average annual tuition for international students can fall between £650 and £1,000, while for students of medicine, it can go up to £1600 a year.
Tuition Fees At Other Types Of Institutes
Private universities are much costlier than public ones, with annual tuition fees ranging from £1500 to £16000. Since Switzerland is renowned for opportunities in research, its Postgraduate and PhD programs tend to be more popular, and fees for PhDs are nominal at about £200 a year.
Most Affordable Universities In Switzerland
For Bangladeshi students looking to study abroad, affordability is the biggest concern. Everyone wants to make an informed choice and be free of debt. This list compiles the most affordable universities in Switzerland:
University | Tuition Fees |
University of Geneva | £900/year |
University of Bern | £1,500/year |
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW | £1,300/year |
University of Lausanne | £1,500/year |
Tuition Fees At Top-Ranked Universities
Most swiss universities rank in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2018, and here are some of the best universities in Switzerland:
University | Tuition Fees |
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | £1,600 Yearly |
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne | £1,100 Yearly |
University of Basel | £1,600Yearly |
University of Zurich | £1,400 Yearly |
Scholarships In Switzerland
While public universities are mostly affordable, scholarship programs are also available for international students. Most scholarships are reserved for postgraduate and research students.
For queries regarding eligibility, students should check with the Swiss Embassy office located in their city. The different kinds of scholarships students can consider are:
- Research and art scholarships to students who already have a Master’s or PhD and to foreign artists who have a Bachelor’s degree.
- University of Geneva’s Science department offers a grant amounting to £10,000 to those wishing to pursue a Master’s.
- Some universities allow interest-free loans of up to £11,000 per year to students. The University of Zurich has solidarity funds in place for those pursuing bachelors.
Insurance and Healthcare requirements in Switzerland
When Studying in Switzerland, it is compulsory for international students studying in Universities in Switzerland to have healthcare coverage or health insurance. Everyone who resides in Switzerland in general is asked by law to have compulsory health insurance for himself or herself.
Compulsory Swiss health insurance is a government healthcare plan for the citizen, and everyone applying for the same is insured regardless of the state of health one possesses. The health insurance premium amount in Switzerland can go up to as high as 600 CHF per month depending on the individual insured.
There is an option to apply for the exemption in the compulsory Swiss Healthcare plan. If you hold international health coverage equivalent to the same amount as a Swiss healthcare plan, you can apply. Moreover, you can choose a private provider to cover your healthcare requirements. Make sure with the authorities of the canton you are residing in for the exemption options.
Living Cost in Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the world’s highest quality of life, so it is only logical that the cost of living in the country is also high. Students planning to study abroad need to consider tuition, housing, transportation, food, supplies and leisure activities in their budget.
The cost of living depends on the city you live in, with the most expensive being Zurich and Geneva and the most affordable being Basel. The monthly budget in these cities falls between £1,000 to £1,500.
Accommodation
After tuition, it is an accommodation that you will spend a huge chunk of your money on. The most popular choices among foreign students in Switzerland are:
- Residence halls within campus given at subsidized rates to foreign students cost between £400 to £800 a month.
- Renting or sharing an apartment can cost anywhere between £600 to £800 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- To experience local culture and cuisine, some students opt for staying with a host family. Such arrangements are usually cheap at about £200 to £400.
Food Costs
Monthly supermarket bills can amount to about £200. A trick is to shop after 5 pm when most supermarkets sell perishable items at a 25-50% discount. Restaurant meals can cost around £20, while university canteens are inexpensive at £7 per meal.
Transportation
Switzerland’s efficient public transport is a boon for those on a tight budget, with monthly student passes costing only £50. Bicycle routes are also scattered throughout the country, and bicycles are fairly easy to rent. In major cities, only one ticket or pass is needed for access to any kind of transport, be it buses, trains or trams.
Extra Cost And Savings
Students might have to spend about £300 on health insurance and medical exams, but these are usually one-time expenses at the beginning of every term. Books and supplies can be found at discounted prices in shops within or near campus, and usually cost up to £100. All in all, the yearly cost of living in Switzerland can be rounded off to £20,000.
Study in Switzerland for FREE
A dedicated government towards education is what makes Swiss Education the excellent opportunity it is. Moreover, there are some public and private fully funded scholarships that make it possible for you to Study in Switzerland for free. The scholarships not only waive the tuition fee but also helps with other expenses
LIST OF UNIVERSITIES IN SWITZERLAND
City/Location Wise List of Universities in Switzerland
Mentioned below is the list of universities in Switzerland that are functional
Sl. No | Name of the University | Location/City | Type | Language |
1 | University of Basel | Basel, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
2 | University of Bern | Bern, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
3 | University of Fribourg | Fribourg, Switzerland | Public | French, German |
4 | University of Geneva | Geneva, Switzerland | Public | French |
5 | University of Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, Switzerland | Public | French |
6 | University of Lausanne | Lausanne, Switzerland | Public | French |
7 | University of Lucerne | Lucerne, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
8 | University of Lugano | Lugano, Switzerland | Public | Italian, English |
9 | University of St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
10 | University of Zurich | Zurich, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
11 | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne | Lausanne, Switzerland | Public | French, English |
12 | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | Zurich, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
HOW TO APPLY TO A UNIVERSITY IN SWITZERLAND
The Universities in Switzerland will have an online application procedure. Fill up the online application form for the course and pay the application fees. You will be asked to upload the proofs and required documents. Make sure you have filled out the application form and uploaded all the documents that are required.
Language Requirements for Swiss Universities
Switzerland has four official languages. German, French, Italian, and Romansh. But the courses are offered in English, too. For Universities in Switzerland, most international students will apply for English, French and German courses. Here are the language requirements of Universities in Switzerland for international students:
- English: IELTS and TOEFL
- German: TestDaF, TELC, DSH
- French: DELF and DALF
Documents Required to Study in Switzerland
Here is the standard list of documents required to apply to Universities in Switzerland:
- Application form with signature
- Passport Photos (2)
- Identity Proof
- University Transcripts
- All academics, Certificate Marksheet / Transcript of your latest education.
- Language Proficiency proof for the Language of Instruction at the University
- Resume/CV
- Evidence of Paid Application Fees
- Application Essay / Motivation Letter
If you are applying for doctoral research to study in Switzerland, you will need an additional letter from the instructor and the person who will be overlooking your research.
Student Visa in Switzerland –
It is important to apply for the Student Visa three months before the commencement of the course in order to avoid any last-minute hassles. As per the intakes in Switzerland, You should apply before March for the Fall semester, and for the Spring seme
ster, it will be advisable to apply before September ends.
If you are staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you will have to apply for a resident permit for the same. Switzerland Student Visa allows you to work and study in Switzerland part-time.
For more Visa-related information and Documents, continue reading below-
STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND
Known for its top-notch science, research and business programs, Switzerland is one of the emerging destinations for Indian students wanting to study abroad. The presence of international organizations like the United Nations and World Economic Forum also attracts international relations and law students to the country. It is one of the safest education destinations in the world.
International students planning to apply for a student visa need to be particularly mindful of the different kinds of visas and when to apply for them. The type of Visa you will require depends on your Time in Switzerland. Visa types and application processes are similar to a huge degree for most countries in the EU and EFTA. For example, applying for a visa to study in Germany will more or less be the same as listed in this article.
National Visa D to Study in Switzerland
If you’ve already been accepted at one of the Universities in Switzerland of your choice, you are eligible to apply for this study visa. The safest timeframe for visa application would be 3 months before your degree program is scheduled to commence. Visa processing time is usually unpredictable, it is, therefore, crucial to apply as early as possible in case of delays. If you are staying in Switzerland for more than 3 months, then you will have to apply for a residence permit for the same. The residence permit is taken from the Cantonal Migration Office of the Canton you will be residing in, within 14 days from the arrival.
Schengen Visa Switzerland
Schengen C is a short-term visa that international students can get for up to 3 months. If you’re only going to attend say, summer school or a language course, which will only take a few months at max, this is the type of visa you’re required to get. As Switzerland is one among the 26 countries that form the ‘Schengen’ group of countries, anyone with this kind of visa can move freely between the 26 countries, except in special cases. Keep in mind that Schengen Visa cannot be extended or renewed. You will have to return to your home country and apply for a visa to Switzerland again.
Dependent Visa
This kind of visa is allowed for immediate family members, including same-gender civil partners, of someone already living or working in Switzerland. A dependent visa allows also allows the holder to travel, study and work in Switzerland.
Visa requirements for a dependent visa include a valid national passport (with a validity of 3 months beyond the date of return), the applicant’s cover letter, the family member’s letter requesting a residence permit, marriage or civil partnership certificate and birth certificates of children. Switzerland Visa at Swiss VFS application costs about 6000 BDT for adults, 400 BDT for children between 6-12 years and for children under 6, there’s no cost.
Documents Required For Swiss Visa Application
Now that we’re clear on the different types of visas, let’s look at visa requirements and Switzerland visa requirements. For an education visa, students are required to apply for a visa form through the Swiss Embassy in their home country, usually by going in person.
Documents needed for both Schengen C and National Visa D are mostly the same, with some additional documents for the latter, since it is for a longer duration. Required documentation is listed below:
- Valid national passport or travel ID that is valid for six months beyond your stay in Switzerland.
- Three copies of the Application for National Visa D were filled and signed.
- Four Passport size photographs.
- Bank statements for proof that you’re financially self-sufficient to cover living costs during your program
- Healthcare insurance (with additional cover for accidents for National Visa D)
- Confirmation of course enrolment and payment of fees to the university
- If under 18, birth certificate and copies of parent’s passports and if f travelling alone, authorization to travel from guardians
- CV and motivation letter detailing why you’ve chosen to study in Switzerland and the benefits you will derive from your course (only for National Visa D)
- Copies of all degrees and diplomas you hold, including English language certifications (if applying for a visa without IELTS or TOEFL, then language certificates in either French, Italian or German are compulsory)
- Signed letter for proof that once your program ends, you will leave the country immediately.
- Police clearance Certificate ( from18 Years and above)
International students applying for National Visa D might be required to undertake a language test in any of the languages used as a mode of instruction in Swiss Universities, namely English, French or German.
The visa application fee for adults falls roughly around 6000 BDT, and it is the same no matter what country you’re applying to. Be it Switzerland or Germany visa costs are the same. Although for students applying to study, this fee is usually waived unless in special cases. All applicants are required to pay VFS Switzerland a service charge of about 3000 BDT, and payments are to be made in cash, though some consulates allow cards and bank transfers as well.
INTAKES IN SWITZERLAND
If you want to study in Switzerland and get a Switzerland visa to study abroad, the first thing you need to consider is the intake offered by Universities in Switzerland. Top universities in Switzerland like the University of Geneva and the University of Zurich have their own admission cycles. There are no definite intakes to study in Switzerland. However, Universities in Switzerland follow mostly two intakes: Autumn or Fall Intake, and Spring Intake.
Top Universities to Study in Switzerland
Universities in Switzerland | Intakes | Application Deadline |
University of Geneva | Fall Intake | 31 March |
Spring Intake | 31 August | |
University of Zurich | Fall Intake | 1 January – 30 April |
Spring Intake | 1 July – 30 November |
The Fall intake is for September to February. If you need a study permit for Switzerland Visa, the application process should start three months before that, and the deadlines to apply for Fall intake in Universities of Switzerland will be much before that, around 31st March.
The spring intake to Study in Switzerland is for February to June. Again, the Switzerland Visa process should start three months before, and the application deadline for Universities in Switzerland having May Intake will again come much before that, around 31st August.
Steps to Study in Switzerland for September Intake
Step 1: Start Now!
- The first thing you need to do is to look for the courses and Universities in Switzerland. Look for the courses that suit you best to your needs, academically and economically. Have a look at the admission requirements and requirements and fees for the universities that you are interested in.
- Be aware of the deadlines, too. Different universities have different deadlines, and even for different courses, the deadlines are different. Do thorough research on each course/ University you have shortlisted.
Step 2: Appear for the Exams: March to April
- A general requirement for Swiss Universities will be entrance exams and English language proficiency tests that you need to clear to get admission. GRE and G
- The time you need to consider here is for the factors like preparing for the exam, booking for the test, waiting for the results to be declared, and reappearing for the test if required.
Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: April to May
- Along with your application, you will need to submit some documents to help you stand out among the other applicants and show how you fit in that particular University.
- The SOP (Statement of Purpose) should be written by you. Start writing the SOP a month before the deadline. If you have work experience, contact your past supervisors and professors to write LORs (Letters of Recommendation) for you. If you are a fresher, the teachers and professors from the last institute you studied from, can write LORs for you.
- Once you have all the documents in place, apply before the due date.
Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: May – June
- Once you are accepted to the University, you will receive a mail from the University. If you are interested in attending the course, you should let the University know immediately.
- You might be asked to pay a non-refundable confirmation fee. Pay them before the deadlines. You should reply to the university as soon as you get a confirmation from them.
Step 5: Switzerland Visa Application / Education Loan: June to July 2
- After you have received the acceptance letter, the next step is to Study Visa in Switzerland. The visa process can sometimes take longer, so it is important to start the visa application process three months before the departure.
- You are required to have proof of your monetary fund while applying for the Visa process. Apply for the Education loan on time, and look for any study abroad scholarships if you are eligible for any.
Step 6: Tickets and Departure: September
- You are almost ready to fly. The last step before that is to look for accommodation for your stay in Switzerland. If the courses are beginning in September, you should arrive in Switzerland a month before.
- Arrange an international credit or debit card for yourself. Document all the things that you will need for flying and after that. A pre-departure list always helps you not to forget everything important. Make a list and see that every box is checked before you are about to fly.
Steps to Study in Switzerland for February Intake
Step 1: Start Now!
- The first step to study in Switzerland for February Intake is to decide on a course and a Swiss Universities that offer the course that you intend to study. Start the research as soon as possible and shortlist the Universities that are best suited for you academically and economically.
- Go through the intakes on offer, the admission requirements, and the eligibility criteria. You should do thorough research for the course you are applying to. Normally, all the details can be found on the Universities’ official websites.
- Look for the application deadlines for the Swiss Universities for the February intake. Different Universities have different deadlines and you should know when to apply before the time runs out.
Step 2: Appear for the Exams: September to October
- The most important requirement to be fulfilled will be entrance exams and language requirements. If you are willing to study at an English-speaking university, you are required to take IELTS or TOEFL, with some minimum scores required.
- The same is with the entrance exams like GRE and GMAT, the exam and score requirements will change with courses and Universities.
- Considering the exams, keep in mind the time taken for preparation, booking of the exam, time taken to publish the results, and retaking the exam if the results are not sufficient the first time.
Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: October to November
- Once you have decided on the colleges and are ready with the test results, now is the time to apply for the Universities. The application process itself, and getting a revert from the university is a time-consuming process. Start preparing for your final application.
- Start working on the SOP and LORs. Write a personalized SOP every time you apply to a college. It should say how you are a perfect fit for the University you are applying to. For letters of recommendation, contact your immediate supervisors in case you have had a job before, and the professors from the last institute you studied.
- With all the necessary documents, submit your application before the due date along with the application fees.
Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: November to December
- The Universities you have applied to will contact you in case of any development in your application. To confirm your allotment you will have to revert to the University as soon as possible. If you are positive about attending the course, do not wait for the deadlines to revert.
- There might be some confirmation fees required to be paid to confirm your allotment at the Swiss University. The confirmation fees are mostly non-refundable and need to be paid before a specific deadline, too.
Step 5: Apply for Visa / Education Loan: December to January
- Student Visa in Switzerland is another process that is time-consuming. As soon as you get the acceptance letter from the University, you should start the visa application process for Switzerland. It is advisable to start the process at least three months before the departure.
- One of the most important things while applying for a Swiss Visa is the proof of monetary funds. You need to apply for an education loan before the visa process starts. Study abroad scholarships are another great way to fund your education and expenses abroad. Apply for one if applicable.
Step 6: Tickets and Departure: January to February
- Once the visa arrives, you are almost ready to fly. The last thing to look for is accommodation in Switzerland. Start looking for places to stay before your arrival. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you take the flight.
- To help you with that, make a pre-departure checklist for all the necessities and follow it, so you do not miss out on anything important. Have an international credit or debit card.
FAQs
Why study in Switzerland?
There are a number of reasons why one should choose Switzerland as their study abroad destination. From the international standards of education to a number of after-study opportunities, there is a lot for international students at the universities in Switzerland. It would help if you had a valid residency permit to work, though. That is mandatory to study in Poland anyway so you'd be able to take up part-time jobs.
What to study in Switzerland?
From Engineering to Management, there is a lot to explore in Switzerland. The country is known for having some of the largest NGO headquarters like the WHO (World Health Organisation) and more.
How to Study in Switzerland for Free?
Unfortunately, you cannot study for free in New Zealand. However, there are fully paid scholarships in Switzerland that may allow some of the students to study in Switzerland effectively for free. These scholarships not only help the students with the tuition fees for the universities in Switzerland but also with the living expenses. Though keep in mind that the scholarships are extremely competitive and there are some expenses that students might have to bear
Can I Study English in Switzerland?
Like many European Countries surrounding Switzerland, there are a number of international universities in Switzerland with a large number of English-taught courses.
Can I work and Study in Switzerland?
Students can work and study in Switzerland during their semesters for 15 hours/per week. The students are allowed to work full-time during their semester breaks.
How Many Gaps are Acceptable for Study In Switzerland?
A gap always decreases the chances of admission to a university abroad. Here, if you can provide the university with significant work experience and internships, the applications are considered.
How to Study in Switzerland From BANGLADESH?
The process to study in Switzerland is the same as that of other international students. Lately, many Bangladeshis are choosing to study in Switzerland, especially for courses like Engineering and MBA. Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva are some of the most preferred destinations for Bangladeshi Students to study in Switzerland.
Is Studying In Switzerland Expensive?
Apart from the fully paid scholarships, and there are also other scholarships to help with the expenses to study abroad. Contrary to popular belief, a study in Switzerland is not as expensive. The university fees are aligned with the European Universities’ average and the return on that investment is fairly profitable.
How Much Cost to Study In Switzerland?
The cost of studying in Switzerland depends on two factors: the course/university you choose and the city you are in. The University fees can go up to 6000 euros for public universities, and 16000 euros for private universities’ management courses.
Where to Study In Switzerland?
As we have already mentioned, Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva are some of the best student cities in Switzerland.