Study in Switzerland
Public tuition of roughly CHF 1,000–4,000 a year at world-top-25 universities, offset by the highest living costs in Europe. Strong for research, hospitality and finance.
Top universities
| University | QS 2026 | Tuition / year |
|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | 7 | CHF 1,290/semester |
| EPFL | 22 | CHF 1,500–1,600/yr |
| University of Zurich | 100 | CHF 1,382 |
| Basel | 131 | CHF 850/semester |
| Bern | 126 | CHF 750–1,500/sem |
| Geneva | 128 | CHF 1,000 |
| Lausanne | 212 | CHF 1,070 |
| USI Lugano | 328 | CHF 4,000–8,000 |
Programmes and what they cost
Non-EU rates. Public and private institutions are priced very differently — check which one you are looking at.
| Route | Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Masters (MS)ETH Zurich CHF 1,598 and EPFL CHF 1,460 a year — world top-25 at public prices. | CHF 1,000–4,000 public · CHF 15,000–40,000 private | 1.5–2 years |
| MBAIMD at CHF 115,000 sits at the top. Average base salary around US$131,100. | CHF 20,000–115,000 | 12–18 months |
| HospitalityEHL, Glion, Les Roches and César Ritz are a separate, higher-fee track with strong placement. | CHF 30,000–60,000 | 3–4 years |
Costs, visa and rules
Visa and permits
After you arriveRegister with your canton to collect the residence permit.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Get your degree evaluated
Indian documents need an apostille plus a Swiss ENIC evaluation — allow about three months.
- 2Meet the language bar
IELTS 6.5–7.0, plus German, French or Italian depending on the canton and programme.
- 3Apply between December and April
Most deadlines for a September start close in that window.
- 4Budget the whole first year
You cannot work during your first six months, so the money has to be there up front.
Working and staying on
6-month residence permit to find work
What to know before you apply
Indian degrees need apostille plus a Swiss ENIC evaluation — allow around three months.
Hospitality schools (EHL, Glion, Les Roches, César Ritz) are a separate, higher-fee track with strong placement.
You cannot work in the first six months of your stay, so budget the full year up front.
The residence permit costs CHF 162 on top of the visa application fee.
Scholarships
Other destinations
Applying for the next intake?
Deadlines close months before term starts. Get your timeline mapped this week.