As an overseas student from the European Union, you can work 15 hours per week during the academic year. The rest of the year there is no limitation in place for students. Non-EU international students can work 6 months after their studies have commenced.
Salaries in Switzerland are ranked as the third highest in the world, which may ease the high costs of living.
Students from outside of the European Union are required to apply for a student visa. To apply for a student visa to study in Switzerland you are advised to apply at the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
EU citizens do not require a student visa and can attend University freely. All that is required from them is to register with the cantonal Resident’s Registration Office in the town where you will study.
Other than being one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Switzerland is also a well known study abroad destination. This is because of its highly ranked universities, excellent research facilities, optimum student/faculty ratio and low tuition fees.
Studying in Switzerland for international students has always been an affirmative choice which is why the immigrant population in this country is 25.1%.
International students wanting to study abroad in Switzerland can be assured of high standards of education. Other than these, a growing economy, with the presence of well-established companies increases the job prospects for students.
Switzerland As a Study Destination: Highlights
Here’s an overview of all the factors that an international student must know about when pursuing higher studies in Switzerland:
With excellent universities, ground-breaking research facilities, higher education in Switzerland is considered to be amongst the best in the world. However, these are not the only benefits of choosing Switzerland for higher studies. Here are the top reasons to study in Switzerland for Indian students and other international students:
Switzerland is home to highly ranked universities with the teaching style being interactive.
Switzerland is a safe and friendly country which is open to welcoming new cultures.
The main reason to study in Switzerland for Indian students is the multilingual advantage. Learning French, German and Italian can help students converse better with the locals and add to the resume.
The great social life is another major reason to study abroad in Switzerland. There are multiple festivals, places to visit, and travel opportunities for students.
Education System
Switzerland’s education system is the biggest reason why international students are drawn towards applying to this country. There are multiple institutes in Switzerland that offer higher education. These universities provide different types of degrees such as:
Bachelor’s Degree: It is a full-time undergraduate degree which generally has a 3 years duration.
Masters Degree: A graduate mostly comprises 1.5-2 years of full-time study.
Master of Advanced Studies (MAS): It is a postgraduate degree that generally lasts for 1-2 years and usually consists of course work, independent study and a masters thesis.
EdabroadDoctorate Degree: A doctorate degree takes a total of 3 to 5 years to complete.
The detailed view of different types of universities in Switzerland is discussed below:
Offer programs in teaching for pre-primary level, primary level, secondary level I, secondary level II and special needs education
Apart from the universities, there are other higher educational institutions in Switzerland such as Business Schools, Medical Schools, Music Schools and Hospitality Schools.
All universities in Switzerland follow the Bologna process based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits) same credit system. The credits that a student earns during the course are taken into consideration to calculate the final result.
For Bachelor’s programs in Switzerland lasting 3 years, students have to complete a total of 180 ECTS credits.
To complete a Master’s level degree around 90-120 credit hours are required. For a MAS degree, 60-120 ECTS are required.
To complete a Master’s level degree around 90-120 credit hours are required. For a MAS degree, 60-120 ECTS are required.
Doctorate degrees require students to be able to complete 240 ECTS credits.
Switzerland has well-established and highly recognized universities across the globe. Some of the best Swiss Universities according to QS World Ranking 2022 are:
The process of admission in Switzerland differs from university to university. However, there is a common process that is followed by all. A step-by-step process of how to study in Switzerland is discussed below:
Research and understand the education system and the type of universities in Switzerland.
Find the universities offering programs related to your interest and field of study. Shortlist universities based on the programs and curriculum.
Compare fee structures and evaluate scholarship options in each of the universities you have shortlisted.
Check eligibility criteria for individual programs and make a list of documents required for the application process.
Fill the application form and upload all required documents and certificates. Pay the required application fees.
Wait for the universities to revert. Once accepted, you can apply for a student visa.