ForsaEdu Logo
ForsaEdu

Study in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the world’s strongest study and research destinations, home to ETH Zurich and EPFL, both among the best universities in the world. Public universities charge relatively low fees, research is outstanding and salaries are high. The country has four national languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) and many master’s and PhD programmes in English. Living costs, however, are among the highest in Europe.

1
universities listed
1
scholarships & discounts
5
government programmes
German, French, Italian, English
teaching languages
September
academic year starts

Government scholarships & national programmes

Scholarships funded by the state or its official bodies for international students.

St. Gallen Symposium & Oxford University

St. Gallen Symposium & Oxford University

Fully Funded2 scholarships

A global initiative jointly convened by the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium to empower emerging young leaders.

AIESEC Global Volunteer Program

AIESEC Global Volunteer Program

Partially Funded1 scholarship

AIESEC Global Volunteer offers cross-cultural volunteering experiences (6-8 weeks) in 120+ countries aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Provides covered accommodation, leadership development, local buddy support, and certified experience.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The world's largest humanitarian volunteer network with over 16 million volunteers across 191 National Societies. Offers global youth volunteering, crisis response training, international youth delegate exchanges with operational allowances, accommodation, and certification.

Service Civil International (SCI)

Service Civil International (SCI)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

One of the oldest international peace and volunteering movements (founded in 1920, consultative status with UNESCO and Council of Europe). Organizes hundreds of short and long-term volunteer projects worldwide focusing on peace, environment, and social justice with free board, lodging, insurance, and visa support.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships to international researchers holding a master's degree, for research, doctoral or postdoctoral work at Swiss public universities. They typically include a monthly stipend, a tuition waiver and health insurance. Applicants need prior agreement from a supervising professor in Switzerland and usually apply through the Swiss embassy in their country.

Universities(1)

Fees for international students and the highest discount or scholarship available, from each university’s official sources.

ETH Zurich
QS #7State university

ETH Zurich

المعهد الفدرالي السويسري للتكنولوجيا في زيورخ

2 scholarships
Active scholarshipsDetails

All scholarships & discounts (1)

Filter by funding type and study level.

ETH Zurich
QS #7Fully Funded

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme in Engineering (ESOP)

by ETH Zurich

Master’s
2026-11-30Details

Other international opportunities in this country (7)

Fellowships, competitions, leadership summits and volunteering hosted or run from here — not study scholarships, so not included in the scholarship count.

Study guide

The study system

Swiss higher education follows the Bologna system (ECTS): • Universities: 10 cantonal universities and the two Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL). • Universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education with a practical, professional focus. • Bachelor’s: 3 years (180 ECTS), usually taught in German, French or Italian. • Master’s: 1.5–2 years (90–120 ECTS), many taught in English. • PhD: 3–4 years; doctoral candidates are often employed as salaried research assistants.

How to get admitted

• Bachelor’s: foreign school certificates are assessed against country-specific requirements and must be equivalent to the Swiss maturity (12 years and specific general subjects). Some countries also need proof of university admission at home or the ECUS supplementary exam in Switzerland. • Language: German or French at B2 or higher for bachelor’s; English-taught master’s usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL. • Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s with good grades, plus motivation letter and references depending on the programme. • PhD: usually by applying for an advertised doctoral position or contacting a supervisor. • Applications typically run from November to April for September entry; non-European applicants should apply early because of the visa.

Fees and living costs

• Tuition: public universities charge low fees for their quality, usually a few hundred to about CHF 2,000 per semester, and some charge more to foreign students. At ETH Zurich, fees for new foreign students rose from CHF 730 to CHF 2,190 per semester from autumn 2025. • Living costs: the University of Zurich puts the minimum at about CHF 1,850 a month, and Zurich University of the Arts estimates living costs at about CHF 1,350 a month (rent about CHF 800). Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne are the most expensive. • Health insurance is compulsory; reduced plans exist for international students.

Visa, residence permit and health insurance

Non-EU students need a national D visa and a student residence permit: 1. An admission letter from a Swiss university. 2. Proof of funds: about CHF 21,000 a year (University of Zurich guideline), in the student’s own account or through a guarantee by a Swiss resident. 3. A study plan and a commitment to leave after studies, depending on the embassy and canton. Apply at the Swiss embassy or consulate at least 3 months before travelling; the permit is renewed yearly with new proof of funds.

Working while studying

• During studies: non-European students may work from 6 months after starting their studies, up to 15 hours a week during the semester, and full time during breaks (cantonal rules apply). • After graduation: graduates can get a 6-month short-term permit to look for a job, with proof of funds, accommodation and successful completion of studies. Once hired, the employer applies for a work permit.

Information last verified: October 21, 2026Official source

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.

Yes. The best known are the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for doctoral researchers and artists (CHF 2,450 a month since January 2026), the master’s excellence scholarships at ETH Zurich and EPFL, and salaried PhD positions at universities.

The University of Zurich estimates a minimum of about CHF 1,850 a month (around USD 2,200); Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne are the most expensive cities.