Study in Switzerland: admission procedure, eligibility, fees and more!

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Euler, Laplace, Carl Jung, Bernoulli, Muller… the Swiss are recognised and respected virtually in every field known to mankind. Home to headquarters and head offices of several international organizations like WHO, WTO, ILO, International Olympics Committee, United Nations, FIFA, etc. Switzerland is a landlocked multilingual country. It is known for high scores on Environment Performance Index, economic competitiveness, human development and quality of life.

Two Swiss universities feature in the top 20 universities of the world as per the QS World University Rankings 2021 – a small feat by no means given the size of its population (8,570,146 as per 2019 census). International students make up for nearly 40% of scholars enrolled at various public and private universities in Switzerland. Universities in Switzerland offer more than 400 English-taught programs at undergraduate and master’s level. Indian students prefer to study business, engineering and technology, arts and design, tourism and hospitality and more.

IN THIS BLOG:

1.     Why study in Switzerland?
2.     List of top universities in Switzerland
3.     Eligibility criteria for universities in Switzerland
4.     Application procedure for universities in Switzerland
5.     Student visa in Switzerland
6.     What is the cost of studying in Switzerland?
7.     Jobs after studying in Switzerland

Why study in Switzerland?

With several top ranked universities, Switzerland is a preferred study destination in Europe. Take a look at the reasons below!

Top ranked universities

Swiss universities offer world class education with cutting edge courses and top notch labs and libraries. Universities in Switzerland attract the best of faculties and researchers, and students can expect to be taught by the who’s who in their field. Not just that, Swiss universities have a great industry-academia interaction which helps students secure internships while they are studying and later, jobs.

Highly valued degree

Famous for their academic rigour, universities in Switzerland make sure that students strive continuously for excellence. The Swiss degree is highly reputed and well recognized by employers all over the world.

Research opportunities

Swiss government, universities and the private sector greatly promote research and innovation. Academic publications from this country are regarded highly among the international scientific community.

Opportunity to learn new languages

With four national languages – German, French, Italian and Romansh – Switzerland, where English is widely spoken, is an ideal place for exposure to diverse cultures and languages.

Amazing natural beauty

Switzerland is unparalleled when it comes to scenic locales. Bollywood films shot in the ‘90s have indelibly etched its gleaming blue lakes, quaint bridges, old country churches and snow clad peaks into the minds of young aspirational Indians. Students can take public transport and explore the charming Swiss countryside.

List of top universities in Switzerland

Our admission experts have compiled a list of top universities in Switzerland. Ranks have been taken from QS World University Rankings 2021. Take a look below!

Eligibility criteria for universities in Switzerland

University admissions process is not centralized in Switzerland. Students will need to apply to individual universities and follow their instructions to apply. Each university has its own specific criteria but largely speaking, entry criteria for universities in Switzerland is:

Bachelor’s degree:

• Minimum 65% in Class 12 (best of 4 subjects)
• IELTS score of 6 or more/TOEFL score of 90 or more

Master’s degree:

• Recognised Bachelor’s degree from a relevant background
• 60% or above at undergraduate level
• 2-3 years of work experience preferred, but not compulsory
• IELTS score of 6 or more/ TOEFL score of 90 or more

Aside from the above, universities and programs will have their own specific eligibility criteria. Check university website for these.

Application procedure for universities in Switzerland

You will need to apply online on the university’s website. You will need to submit your official transcripts at all academic levels, copy of degree certificates, proof of academic accomplishments, chronological CV, proof of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL score), proof of German language proficiency if applicable, passport, letters of recommendation and motivation letter. In some cases, for Master’s degree, GRE or GMAT score may be required. Next you will need to pay the application fees online. When your application has been submitted successfully, it will be reviewed by admissions committee and you will receive a decision before the deadline.

Student visa in Switzerland

You will be required to apply for national D type visa at the Swiss embassy. This is a long stay visa that allows you multiple entry. You must start the visa application process at least 3 months in advance before you are set to leave for college. To apply for visa you will need to fill out a form and attach the following documents:

• Scanned passport
• Acceptance letter from university and fee receipt
• Proof of language skills
• Proof of enough funds to support yourself
• Proof of your address
• Four passport size photos
• Health Insurance
• Witten statement that you’ll leave the country on completing your studies

The embassy will let you know what other documents you need to provide.

Once you are in Switzerland, you will have 14 days to register at the local Residents’ Registration Office and apply for a residence permit.

What is the cost of studying in Switzerland?

Tuition fees of Swiss universities varies from CHF 600 to CHF 2,500 per semester. An MBA can cost up to CHF 90,000. Total living expenses can work out up to CHF 35,000 per year. This includes food, supplies, clothes, health insurance, accommodation, transport, etc. (Current exchange rate 1 CHF = 81 INR)

Jobs after studying in Switzerland

While studying in Switzerland, international students can work for 15 hours a week during the term and for full time during holidays. Given the high costs of living, this option is useful for students to earn and pay their day to day expenses. Once students graduate, they need to find a job within six months and apply for a work permit. You will need to stay in touch with your university’s career office, leverage your network and scout for jobs in newspapers and websites to find a job. Knowledge of German language is helpful if you want to work in Switzerland.

If you want more information on studying and working in Switzerland, you can connect with our expert counsellors. Get your profile evaluated for free and have your personalized roadmap drawn to apply successfully to Swiss universities.

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