Many students have a dream to study in Europe where there is high quality education, global exposure and cultural diversity. Switzerland is among the top most chosen countries by the students to study abroad. A student chooses to study in Switzerland because it has world-class universities, innovative research environment, safety, and amazing living standards.
In this blog you will explore how to study in Switzerland on a budget, Switzerland universities, about Living cost Switzerland, Switzerland student visa, scholarship, etc.
Why Study in Switzerland?
1. It has some of the best Switzerland universities like ETH Zurich & EPFL
2. It has excellent global rankings and academic reputation
3. It is safe, clean, and has a student-friendly environment
4. You can access world-class research and labs
5. There is high post-study employment prospects in Europe
6. It is not restricted to a particular language but has multilingual education (German, French, Italian, English)
7. You can get opportunities in fields like hospitality, finance, engineering, and management
Cost of Studying in Switzerland for Students: Tuition Fees
| Program | Public Universities (CHF/year) | INR | Private Universities (CHF/year) | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 500 – 2,500 | ₹47,000 – ₹2.37 lakh | 12,000 – 25,000 | ₹11.4 lakh – ₹23.7 lakh |
| Master’s | 1,000 – 4,000 | ₹95,000 – ₹3.8 lakh | 18,000 – 40,000 | ₹17.1 lakh – ₹38 lakh |
| MBA | 2,000 – 8,000 | ₹1.9 – ₹7.6 lakh | 30,000 – 90,000 | ₹28.5 – ₹85 lakh |
| Short courses | 600 – 3,000 | ₹57,000 – ₹2.85 lakh | 10,000 – 35,000 | ₹9.5 – ₹33 lakh |
A Public University is extremely affordable
A Private University or college charges global standard fees.
Cost of Living in Switzerland for Students
| Expense | Cost (CHF) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 400 – 1,200 | ₹38,000 – ₹1,14,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 250 – 450 | ₹23,750 – ₹42,750 |
| Travel | 50 – 80 | ₹4,750 – ₹7,600 |
| Health Insurance | 100 – 300 | ₹9,500 – ₹28,500 |
| Study Materials | 40 – 80 | ₹3,800 – ₹7,600 |
| Mobile & Internet | 30 – 60 | ₹2,850 – ₹5,700 |
| Entertainment | 80 – 150 | ₹7,600 – ₹14,250 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 200 | ₹9,500 – ₹19,000 |
| Total Monthly Cost | 1,000 – 2,200 CHF | ₹95,000 – ₹2.1 lakh |
Prices can vary so keep checking for updates
How to Lower your Living Cost in Switzerland?
1. Choose student dorms or shared apartments as they are cheaper and cost effective.
2. Cook at home more often to save money
3. Use student travel pass as passes are more cost effective
4. Buy used textbooks to save money
5. Apply for scholarships to cover up your tuition fees
6. Work part time so that you can earn while you learn.
7. Prefer to live in budget friendly cities like Bern, Basel, and Lausanne.
Switzerland student visa requirements?
For long-term study, you will need a Switzerland student visa (National Visa D)
Following are the documents that are required:
1. Passport
2. Switzerland university acceptance letter
3. Financial proof (~CHF 21,000 or ₹19.95 lakh per year)
4. Proof of accommodation
5. Health insurance
6. Tuition fee receipt
7. Academic transcripts
8. Visa form
Popular and Budget Friendly Courses in Switzerland
To study in Switzerland you need to have some budget friendly courses options with you. So, following are some of them:
1. Hospitality & Tourism
2. Business & MBA
3. Engineering
4. International Relations
5. Data Science
6. Computer Science
8. Luxury Brand Management
9. Environmental Science
10. Masters programs in business, technology & research
Most Affordable Cities to Study in Switzerland
| City | Affordability | Why Pick It |
|---|---|---|
| Bern | Medium | Balanced lifestyle, good student housing |
| Lausanne | Medium | Popular university town |
| Basel | Medium | Lower food & travel costs |
| Lucerne | Affordable | Peaceful & budget-friendly |
| Zurich | Expensive | Top-ranked universities |
| Geneva | Very Expensive | Diplomatic hub |
Tips to Study in Switzerland in Budget
1. Choose an university which is a public Switzerland university
2. Live in shared apartments so that you can save money
3. Apply for scholarships early so that it can help in tuition fees
4. Work part-time to earn while you learn
5. Cook meals at home so that you can save money that you could have used in restaurants
6. Use student discounts
7. Track monthly spending
8. Pick a more affordable city
9. Use marketplaces for second-hand essentials
FAQ’s
1. How to go to Switzerland for a job?
Ans: You will need an employer-sponsored work permit. Also, apply for jobs, secure a job offer, and your employer will submit the work visa request to Swiss authorities.
2. How can I study and work in Switzerland?
Ans: With a student residence permit, you can work 15–20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
3. What are some good well-paid student jobs in Switzerland?
Ans: Some of the best-paying student jobs include Research assistant, Tutor, Hospitality worker, Retail staff, University roles, IT support jobs, etc
4. Are there any affordable universities in Switzerland?
Ans: Yes. Public universities are the most affordable like University of Geneva, University of Bern, University of Basel, EPFL, ETH Zurich (low fees but competitive)
5. Is Switzerland expensive for international students?
Ans: Tuition fees are low, but living costs are high. Smart budgeting and part-time jobs help manage expenses.
6. Can I stay back after studies in Switzerland?
Ans: Yes. You can apply for a job search permit for 6 months after graduation to find employment.