How to study abroad in Switzerland - study cost overview

Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe, is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With a population of more than 8 million residents, Switzerland is not just a home to chocolate, cuckoo clocks, spectacular alpine mountain ranges, and 7000 lakes; it also has world top class Universities that attract countless students for higher education every year. Therefore, if you are curious to know how to study abroad in Switzerland or how to avail scholarship for your desired degree in Switzerland, then follow this article with me;

Universities In Switzerland

Swiss Universities are the world’s top 100 ranked universities, most notably ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Zurich, and the University of Geneva. Swiss universities are heavily aided by the government, which makes the tuition fee slightly lower than other nations. But the tuition fees in Private universities will generally be higher than the Public Universities.

ETH Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, University Of Zurich, University of Basel, University of Bern, University of Geneva, and University of Lausanne are some top-ranked Swiss Universities to consider for your study abroad venture.

Study Abroad Programs in Switzerland

ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Programme

The Programme is offered for Post Doc Degree in Multiple sclerosis. This scholarship is awarded by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), and it is fully Funded. It covers stipend, healthcare benefits, and other allowances. It is open to all nationals. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is 01 Dec 2023.

Official website: ECTRIMS

UNIL Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students

The UNIL Master’s Grant is offered by The University of Lausanne in Switzerland on a competitive basis to international students who are willing to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University. The application deadline for this program is 1 Nov 2023 (annual).

Official Scholarship Website: UNIL international

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students

The scholarship is available for postgraduate researchers (holding a Master’s degree) in any discipline. The scholarship covers a monthly payment, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, housing allowance, etc. The application deadline falls between September-December 2023, depending on the Swiss Embassy to which the applications must be submitted.

Official Website: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for International Students:

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship is open to qualified international candidates pursuing full-time Masters and PhD degrees in any subject, except for second degrees; LL.M, MBA; part-time degrees; bachelor’s degrees for non-European applicants; doctorate studies in dentistry and medicine. Deadlines for application are 30 April and 31 October of each year.

Official Scholarship Website: Friedrich Naumann Stiftung

Requirements to study in Switzerland for International students

Swiss higher education institutes offer many study programs for national and international students. However, the admission requirements vary from institute to institute. Following are some general admission requirements for applying to Swiss universities, considering that these may vary from one institute to another.

Language Requirements; Study Abroad in Switzerland

Switzerland has three official languages: German, French, and Italian.

The evidence of proficiency accepted for each language is as follows:

• German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, or telco.

• French: DELF or DALF

• English: IELTS or TOEFL

Admission Requirements for Bachelor Program

The following documents are required for admission to Bachelor’s Degree Program In Switzerland:

Admission application form (filled and signed).
CNIC.
Recent passport-size photos.
Secondary school certificate or equivalent (intermediate or A level).
University entrance exam passed (if any).
All transcripts issued by past education institutions.
Language proficiency certificate.(French, Italian, or German), and for English ( TOEFL or IELTS).

Also Like: Switzerland for Indian Students – A Guide for Indian Students

Admission Requirements for Master Program

The following documents are required for admission to the Master’s Degree Program in Switzerland:

Admission application form (filled and signed).
CNIC.
Passport-size pictures.
Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) with a satisfactory CGPA.
University entrance exam passed (if any).
Good grades in required subjects.
Language proficiency certificate (French, Italian, or German), and for English ( TOEFL or IELTS).

Admission Requirements for Doctorate Degree Program

The following documents are required for admission to Doctorate Degree Program (PhD.):

Admission application form (filled and signed).
Master’s degree (18 years of education) with satisfactory results.
CNIC.
Recent passport-size photos.
Good research work in relevant fields.
Impressive thesis.
Good grades in required subjects.
Language proficiency certificate.

Cost of Study in Switzerland

One of the prevailing questions among aspirants who want to study in Switzerland is the cost of studying in Switzerland because Switzerland is an expensive country to live in and study. Therefore, it is worth checking the fee and living expenses before you opt to study in Switzerland: The overall cost is divided into two categories:

1. Tuition fees.

2. Cost of living.

1. Tuition Fee

Switzerland’s private institutions demand higher tuition rates of up to 40,000 EUR a year. A few Swiss institutions provide discounts for overseas students if they pay the whole amount at the program’s start. The total number of credits or courses determines the tuition costs for various courses.

DEGREE TYPE	TUITION FEE
Bachelor’s	Public Universities 400 – 3,700 EUR/year private Universities 43,000 EUR/year
Master’s	Public Universities 400 – 5,000 EUR/year private Universities 75,000 EUR/year

2. Cost of Living

The average living cost in Switzerland depends on the type of area you choose to live in. The given estimate is calculated based on three top student-friendly areas in Switzerland.

FACTOR	AVERAGE COST PER MONTH
Living Cost	Between 1,500 and 2,500 EUR/month
Accommodation Cost	Between 600 and 700 EUR/month

Why Pakistani Students Should Study in Switzerland

Most Asian students tend to choose a study program or country which is either affordable or has good options to earn enough via part-time jobs. And Switzerland allows international students to work while studying, earning about 20-26 CHF per month; this highlights another reason why Pakistani (or developing countries) Students Should Study in Switzerland. This will help the students to easily cover their living expenses. Very few countries give such opportunities to their international students, and Switzerland is one of them. Switzerland is a very safe country to live in, especially for Pakistani students, as there is no hate or other crimes in Switzerland.

Pursuing higher education in Switzerland provides many career opportunities to Pakistani students. After completing their studies, Switzerland also allows students to stay for six months during this period. Pakistani students can find a job and apply for a work permit if their visa expires.

In conclusion, this guide has provided valuable insights if you’ve ever wondered how to study abroad in Switzerland. Switzerland’s exceptional education system and stunning landscapes make it a top choice for international students. Take the initiative to explore universities, scholarships, and visa requirements, and start your journey towards discovering how to study abroad in Switzerland. Your academic aspirations can find their perfect home in this Swiss paradise!

How to study abroad in Switzerland – study cost overview