Universities · Courses · Scholarships · Visas
Study in Switzerland
German, French, Italian and English-taught degrees at universities such as ETH Zurich and EPFL – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in Switzerland.
Free to get started • No obligation
- Region
- Europe
- Capital
- Bern
- Currency
- CHF
- Language
- German, French, Italian, Romansh
Why Study in Switzerland?
Planning to study in Switzerland?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider Switzerland:
- World-class research – ETH Zurich and EPFL are globally known.
- Moderate public fees – Public university fees are moderate.
- International organisations – Geneva hosts the UN and many international bodies.
- Alpine quality of life – Mountains, lakes and very safe cities.
Switzerland is a multilingual country in the heart of Europe, part of the Schengen Area but not the EU. ETH Zurich and EPFL are among Europe’s leading technical universities, and public university fees are moderate.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in Switzerland. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in Switzerland
- 01
World-class research
ETH Zurich and EPFL are globally known.
- 02
Moderate public fees
Public university fees are moderate.
- 03
International organisations
Geneva hosts the UN and many international bodies.
- 04
Alpine quality of life
Mountains, lakes and very safe cities.
Process to Study in Switzerland
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into German, French, Italian and English if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in Switzerland such as ETH Zurich and EPFL. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into German, French, Italian and English where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office, online portal or the national application system before the deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
If you are from outside the EU/EEA, apply for your visa or residence permit for study at the embassy or consulate of Switzerland responsible for you.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to Switzerland, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in Switzerland
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into German, French, Italian and English may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Health insuranceCommonly requested
Proof of health insurance valid for your stay.
Some countries or universities require a specific scheme.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in Switzerland
Explore cities with universities in Switzerland.
Zurich
The largest city and home to ETH Zurich.
Lausanne
Home to EPFL, on Lake Geneva.
Geneva
An international city of diplomacy.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in Switzerland:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including ETH Zurich and EPFL
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in Switzerland that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in Switzerland.
Language and Exams for Switzerland
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for Switzerland.
For German-taught programmes, applicants usually need TestDaF, the DSH, a Goethe-Zertifikat or an equivalent certificate; the required level is set by each programme. For French-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in French may be asked for DELF/DALF or TCF results, or to take a French placement test or preparatory course at the university. For Italian-taught programmes, applicants may be asked for a CILS, CELI or PLIDA certificate, or to pass the university’s Italian test. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in Switzerland may ask for.
Why Choose Switzerland as an International Student?
Switzerland suits international students looking for world-class research, moderate public fees and international organisations. ETH Zurich and EPFL are among Europe’s leading technical universities, and public university fees are moderate.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for Switzerland.
Working while studying
Students from the EU/EEA can generally work without restrictions. Students from outside the EU/EEA can usually work a limited number of hours under the conditions of their residence permit – check the current limits with the immigration authority.
After graduation
Graduates from outside the EU/EEA may be able to stay to look for work, or switch to a work permit once they have a job offer. Check the current options with the immigration authority.
Costs of Studying and Living in Switzerland
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
EU/EEA and international students may pay different fees.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
Zurich is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
Students from the EU/EEA are normally treated like local students for fees, while students from outside the EU/EEA may pay different fees. Always check the current fees on the university’s website.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; Zurich is usually the most expensive place to live in Switzerland. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in Switzerland
EU/EFTA citizens do not need a visa but register with the local authorities after arrival. Students from other countries usually need a national (type D) visa and a residence permit for study, applied for at the Swiss representation in their country.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance or a medical certificate where required and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in Switzerland
Programmes are taught in German, French or Italian depending on the region, with many master’s programmes in English.
For German-taught programmes, applicants usually need TestDaF, the DSH, a Goethe-Zertifikat or an equivalent certificate; the required level is set by each programme. For French-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in French may be asked for DELF/DALF or TCF results, or to take a French placement test or preparatory course at the university. For Italian-taught programmes, applicants may be asked for a CILS, CELI or PLIDA certificate, or to pass the university’s Italian test. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in Switzerland?
Yes. Universities in Switzerland such as ETH Zurich and EPFL admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in Switzerland?
Programmes are taught in German, French or Italian depending on the region, with many master’s programmes in English. For German-taught programmes, applicants usually need TestDaF, the DSH, a Goethe-Zertifikat or an equivalent certificate; the required level is set by each programme. For French-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in French may be asked for DELF/DALF or TCF results, or to take a French placement test or preparatory course at the university. For Italian-taught programmes, applicants may be asked for a CILS, CELI or PLIDA certificate, or to pass the university’s Italian test. For English-taught programmes, applicants whose previous education was not in English may be asked for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test, or to take the university’s own English test.
Do I need a visa to study in Switzerland?
EU/EFTA citizens do not need a visa but register with the local authorities after arrival. Students from other countries usually need a national (type D) visa and a residence permit for study, applied for at the Swiss representation in their country.
How much does it cost to study in Switzerland?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with Zurich usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in Switzerland?
Students from the EU/EEA can generally work without restrictions. Students from outside the EU/EEA can usually work a limited number of hours under the conditions of their residence permit – check the current limits with the immigration authority.
Planning to study in Switzerland?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in Switzerland
Start My Journey →