Study in Switzerland

A small country at the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a popular destination for students looking to study abroad. It shares borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein, making it a convenient base for exploring other European countries.

Switzerland is known for its high-quality education and multilingual population. Depending on your course and where you study, you may be taught in:

• English
• French
• German
• Italian.

Major student destinations include:

• Basel
• Bern
• Geneva
• Lausanne
• Zurich.

Outside of your studies, you can:

• admire the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen
• explore the medieval streets of Bern's Old Town
• see the Matterhorn from Zermatt
• take a train through the Alps to Jungfraujoch
• visit museums and galleries in Zurich and Basel
• walk across Lucerne's Chapel Bridge.

In winter, popular activities include:

• ice hockey
• ice skating
• skiing.

Swiss universities

Switzerland has three main types of higher education institutions:

• Universities (UNIs) - there are 12, offering degree programmes with a strong scientific and theoretical focus. Subjects include the humanities, sciences and some areas of engineering.
• Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (UASAs) - these nine institutions provide scientific and professional education, with a focus on applied research and practical learning. Courses include landscape architecture, health sciences, music, art, theatre, film and design.
• Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs) - these 20 institutions offer practice-oriented training for areas including pre-primary, primary, secondary and special needs education.

To find out more about these institutions, see Study in Switzerland+ - List of Swiss Universities.

In line with the Bologna Process, Swiss higher education follows a three-cycle system of degrees:

• Bachelors
• Masters
• Doctoral (PhD).

The Swiss academic year is split into two semesters - autumn and spring. Courses usually begin in September, with the spring semester starting in February, although exact dates vary by institution.

Three Swiss universities feature in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2027:

• ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (joint 8th)
• EPFL - École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (joint 22nd)
• University of Zurich (98th).

Featured institutions

Degree courses in Switzerland

Bachelors degrees typically take three years of full-time study and are worth 180 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits. They are available across Switzerland's three main types of higher education institutions.

To apply, you'll usually need a school-leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the Swiss Matura. You'll also need to meet the course's language requirements.

Some subjects and institutions have additional entry requirements, so check these before applying.

You'll usually learn through the following, although teaching methods vary by course:

• lectures
• seminars
• independent study
• practical work.

Applications are usually made directly to your chosen institution.

Search for undergraduate courses in Switzerland at Swissuniversities - Studyprogrammes.ch.

Masters degrees

Masters degrees are available in a range of subjects and enable you to develop the knowledge gained during your first degree or specialise in a particular field.

Full-time programmes usually last three or four semesters and are worth 90 or 120 ECTS credits. Teaching methods vary by subject and may combine:

• taught classes
• practical work
• independent research.

These programmes often end in a dissertation or research project.

For entry, you'll usually need a Bachelors degree from an accredited university in a relevant subject.

Many Masters programmes are taught partly or entirely in English, although availability varies by institution and subject.

Explore postgraduate courses in Switzerland at Swissuniversities - Studyprogrammes.ch.

PhDs

A PhD is the highest academic qualification available in Switzerland. Programmes usually take three to five years and involve completing an original research project under academic supervision.

You'll normally produce a Doctoral thesis and defend your research in an oral examination. Depending on the programme, you may also complete taught courses or research training.

To apply, you'll usually need a relevant Masters degree from an accredited or recognised university. You may also need to identify a suitable supervisor and submit a research proposal.

Student exchanges

UK students may be able to study in Switzerland through an exchange agreement between their university and a Swiss institution.

For example, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) students can study at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. Places and eligible courses depend on your degree, so contact your university's international or study abroad office to find out what is available.

In addition, the Turing Scheme can fund eligible study and work placements during the 2026/27 academic year. You don't apply for funding directly - your university applies and manages any available support.

From the 2027/28 academic year, the UK will participate in Erasmus+, with the Turing Scheme ending as Erasmus+ placements begin. Ask your university which funding and exchange options apply to your planned year abroad.

Course fees

Tuition fees at Swiss public universities are generally moderate compared with those in some other popular study destinations. However, fees vary depending on your course, institution and residency status.

For the 2026/27 academic year, international students at Switzerland's traditional universities can expect to pay between CHF 435 (£398) and CHF 4,000 (£3,656) per semester for a Bachelors or Masters degree. Fees at UASAs and specialist institutions may be higher.

Since autumn 2025, overseas Bachelors and Masters students who move to Switzerland to study at ETH Zurich or EPFL have generally paid three times the standard tuition fee. Exemptions and transitional arrangements apply, so check the institution's eligibility criteria.

You may also need to pay application, exam, registration and student association fees. Check the current costs with your chosen institution before applying.

The cost of living in Switzerland is relatively high and varies by location. As a guide, students may need to budget between CHF 1,850 (£1,691) and CHF 2,500 (£2,285) per month for:

• accommodation
• food
• health insurance
• transport
• other living expenses.

Learn more about the cost of living in Switzerland at Expatistan.

Funding to study in Switzerland

Scholarships and grants for Bachelors and Masters students in Switzerland are limited, so you'll usually need to arrange sufficient funding before beginning your course. More funding opportunities are available at PhD level.

UK students may be eligible for scholarships offered by individual universities, faculties or departments. Eligibility criteria and the level of support vary, and awards may not cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses, so check your chosen institution's website.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available to eligible British early-career researchers who have completed a Masters degree. They support Doctoral-level research projects at Swiss universities and research institutions rather than standard Bachelors or taught Masters programmes. Find out more about Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

International students can usually work for up to 15 hours per week during term time and full time during semester breaks. UK and other non-European Union (EU)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) students can generally begin working six months after starting their studies. Your employer must apply for the necessary authorisation, and all employment must be reported to the relevant authorities.

Student visas

UK citizens can visit Switzerland and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. You also don't need an entry visa for a longer stay, but you'll need a residence permit if your course lasts more than three months.

You must register with the responsible authority in your canton (region) within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland and apply for a residence permit. You'll usually need:

• a valid passport
• confirmation that you've been accepted onto a course
• evidence that you have sufficient funds
• proof of suitable accommodation
• evidence of health insurance.

Requirements and application procedures vary by canton, so check with the relevant cantonal migration authority and your university before travelling.

Visa requirements differ for other nationalities. Depending on your citizenship and the length of your course, you may need a type C Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days or a type D national visa for a longer stay. Applications can take several weeks or months, depending on your circumstances and the responsible canton.

Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland. However, UK students who remain covered by the UK system, don't work during their studies and have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) may be exempt from taking out Swiss insurance. If you have private insurance offering equivalent cover, you may also be able to apply for an exemption. Check the rules with your local authority.

For more information, see Study in Switzerland+ - Entry, visa and residence permits. You can also visit the Swiss Embassy in the UK - Visa and entry to Switzerland.

How to apply

Switzerland doesn't have a centralised admissions procedure, so you'll usually apply online directly to your chosen higher education institution.

As part of your application, you may need to provide:

• a copy of your passport
• copies of your qualifications and academic transcripts
• proof of your language proficiency
• a personal statement or letter of motivation
• references
• a CV or portfolio, depending on the course.

Documents that aren't in German, French, Italian or English may need to be accompanied by an official translation. You may also need to pay a non-refundable application fee.

Your institution will assess your application and tell you whether you've received an offer. You may need to provide original or certified documents before you can enrol.

Application deadlines vary by institution, qualification and nationality, so check them well in advance.

Language requirements

Switzerland has four national languages:

• French
• German
• Italian
• Romansh.

The language used by universities varies by region and course, although English is also used for some programmes.

You'll need to demonstrate proficiency in the language in which your course is taught. Universities set their own requirements and may accept recognised language qualifications, so check the course details before applying.

Many programmes taught partly or entirely in English are available, particularly at Masters and PhD levels. Learning the main language spoken in your region can make everyday life easier and help you settle in.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Switzerland and the UK are part of the Bologna Process, which makes higher education qualifications easier to understand and compare across participating countries. However, recognition isn't automatic and may depend on your qualification, employer or profession.

If you need formal confirmation of how your qualification compares with a UK award, contact UK ENIC.

You should also check the requirements of the relevant professional regulator if you plan to enter a regulated profession.

Find out more

• For tips on studying and living in the country, see Study in Switzerland+.
• Discover what it's like to work in Switzerland.