STUDY IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is renowned for its high quality of life, stunning natural beauty, and world-class education. With its strong economy, multilingual environment, and excellent academic institutions, Switzerland offers an exceptional opportunity for international students seeking a top-quality education and an unforgettable study abroad experience.

Whether you are interested in business, engineering, science, humanities, or any other field, Switzerland has a wealth of academic programs to choose from, with many of its universities consistently ranked among the best in the world. As a student in Switzerland, you will have the opportunity to learn from top-notch professors, work on cutting-edge research projects, and gain valuable professional experience through internships and other career development opportunities.

In addition to its academic excellence, Switzerland is also known for its stunning scenery, with the majestic Swiss Alps, sparkling lakes, and picturesque villages providing a breathtaking backdrop for your studies. With its low crime rate, excellent healthcare system, and high standard of living, Switzerland is also consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for quality of life.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SWITZERLAND:

Languages: Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The language of instruction will depend on the program and university.

Currency: The Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, so international students should be prepared for higher living expenses.

Climate: The climate in Switzerland varies depending on the region, but it generally ranges from cold and snowy in the mountains to mild and rainy in the valleys.

Transportation: Switzerland has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, trams, and cable cars. Students may be eligible for discounted transportation passes.

Safety: Switzerland is known for its low crime rate and is generally considered a safe country.

Work Opportunities: International students are allowed to work part-time while studying in Switzerland, with a maximum of 15 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during holidays.

Cuisine: Switzerland is known for its delicious cheese, chocolate, and fondue, as well as its famous Swiss army knife.

Visa Requirements: International students from certain countries may need a visa to study in Switzerland. It’s recommended to check the visa requirements for your specific country before applying to a Swiss university.

Culture: Switzerland has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, art galleries, and music festivals throughout the country.

Natural Beauty: Switzerland is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the Swiss Alps, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear lakes.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER STUDYING IN SWITZERLAND:

World-Class Education: Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and academic institutions, offering a range of degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, science, and humanities.

Multilingual Environment: Switzerland is a multilingual country, with four official languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This means that you can study in the language of your choice and also have the opportunity to learn or improve your skills in other languages.

Stunning Scenery: Switzerland is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the majestic Swiss Alps, sparkling lakes, and picturesque villages. As a student in Switzerland, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe.

High Quality of Life: Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life, thanks to its excellent healthcare system, low crime rate, and high standard of living.

Opportunities for Career Development: Switzerland is home to many multinational corporations and research institutions, providing ample opportunities for internships, research projects, and post-graduation employment.

INTERESTED TO STUDY?
LET'S TALK TO OUR EXPERT COUNSELLORS

quick links

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN SWITZERLAND:

Here are some of the top universities in Switzerland, ranked according to the 2021 QS World University Rankings:

ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
EPFL – Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
University of Zurich
University of Geneva
University of Basel
University of Bern
University of Lausanne
University of St. Gallen
University of Fribourg
University of Neuchâtel

POPULAR COURSES:

Switzerland is known for offering high-quality education in a variety of fields. Here are some of the most popular courses for international students in Switzerland:

Business and Management: Switzerland is a hub for finance, banking, and luxury brands, making it an ideal place to study business and management. Some of the top universities in Switzerland offer business programs that are highly regarded in the industry.

Hospitality and Tourism: Switzerland is known for its hospitality industry, and many students come to Switzerland to study hotel management, tourism, and hospitality. The country is home to some of the world’s top hotel management schools.

Engineering and Technology: Switzerland is also known for its precision engineering and technological innovations. Students can pursue degrees in fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.

Life Sciences: Switzerland is a leader in life sciences research, and many top pharmaceutical and biotech companies are based in the country. Students can pursue degrees in fields like biotechnology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

Social Sciences and Humanities: Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top social sciences and humanities programs. Students can pursue degrees in fields like psychology, sociology, international relations, and linguistics.

DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST:

Passport
Application form
Two passport photos
Three Recent Photos
Curriculum Vitae / Foreign Language Skills
Diplomas
Motivation Letter / Future Plans
Written Pledge to Exit Switzerland
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
Official academic transcripts, from each university you attended
SSC & HSC documents
Language proficiency certificates for German, French, or English
Evidence you paid the application fee

REQUIRED FOR A SWITZERLAND VISA:

As a traveler in need of a visa, you will have to meet several Switzerland visa requirements in order to complete your application. The statutory Switzerland visa requirements are as follows:

Confirmation of Admission
A printed and signed copy of your application form
Two passport photos.
Your national passport
Proof of accommodation
Proof of civil status.
Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Switzerland
A cover letter.

TUITION FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN SWITZERLAND:

Bachelor’s degrees: Tuition fees for bachelor’s degrees at Swiss universities can range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 10,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Master’s degrees: Tuition fees for master’s degrees in Switzerland can range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 25,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
PhD degrees: PhD students in Switzerland are typically employed by the university or research institution and receive a salary, rather than paying tuition fees. However, some universities may charge tuition fees for PhD programs for international students who are not employed by the university.

LIVING EXPENSES:

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, so students should budget for high living expenses. Monthly living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses, can range from CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,500 per month, depending on the location and the student’s lifestyle.

Health insurance: All students in Switzerland are required to have health insurance, and the cost of health insurance can range from CHF 100 to CHF 300 per month, depending on the coverage and the provider.

Travel expenses: Switzerland has an extensive public transportation system, but students should budget for travel expenses, including flights to and from Switzerland, as well as local transportation costs.

Miscellaneous expenses: Students should also budget for miscellaneous expenses, such as textbooks, school supplies, and entertainment.

SCHOLARSHIP:

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: The Swiss Government offers scholarships to international students who want to pursue research or postgraduate studies at a Swiss university or research institution. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses.

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship: ETH Zurich offers a merit-based scholarship program for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the program.

EPFL Excellence Fellowships: EPFL offers merit-based fellowships for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD at the university. The fellowship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the program.

University-specific scholarships: Many universities in Switzerland offer scholarships and financial aid to international students, based on academic merit or financial need. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

BUSINESS VISA

A business visa for Switzerland allows foreign nationals to travel to Switzerland for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and exploring potential business opportunities. Switzerland, known for its strong economy, innovation, and global business environment, attracts many international visitors seeking business connections.

Type of visa: A business visa in Switzerland is a short-stay Schengen visa, which allows you to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Who can apply: You can apply for a business visa if you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Switzerland. You must also have a valid passport and a confirmed invitation from a Swiss company or organization.

Documents required: The required documents for a business visa application in Switzerland include:

Passport
Applicant needs to submit original Passport.
Visa Application Form which must be filled with all the proper information.
Two passport-sized photographs.
A personal letter from the applicant covering personal details, the purpose of the visit, and outlining who will be responsible for the full costs of the trip.
Invitation Letter from a Switzerland Registered Host Company/Organization
Forwarding Letter: A letter from the employer’s office such as an NOC/LOI
Office ID Card: Copies of the office id card/visiting card need to be submitted (3 copies).
Trade License
Incorporation Certificate: If he/she is the owner or employed by the company.
Company Memorandum
Personal Bank Statements: The applicant must submit his/her personal bank statement for the last six months.
Personal ITR Certificate: Applicant must submit his/her last 3 years income tax return certificate.
Company Bank Statements:
Company ITR Certificate (If the company sponsors the trip)
Airline Ticket Itinerary
Hotel Reservation: A reserved itinerary for the applicant’s accommodation.
A travel medical insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in Switzerland

Visa application process: The visa application process for Switzerland can be done online or at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. The processing time for a business visa is typically 10-15 days.

Cost of visa: The cost of a business visa in Switzerland is 60 Swiss francs (CHF).

Working while on a business visa: You are not allowed to work in Switzerland while on a business visa. If you need to work in Switzerland, you will need to apply for a work permit.

Additional note applying for a business visa in Switzerland:

You must apply for your visa at least 15 days before your planned travel date.
You may be required to attend a visa interview.
The visa application process can be complex, so it is important to get help from a professional consultancy like Alex Global Consultancy to review the requirements and help you gather all of the necessary documentation before applying.

Business visas in Switzerland are typically issued for short stays and fall under the Schengen visa category, as Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have eliminated border controls at their mutual borders, allowing for easy movement between member states.

FAMILY VISIT VISA

Switzerland allows family members of Swiss citizens and residents to apply for family reunification visas. These visas are meant for spouses, children, and sometimes other close relatives of Swiss citizens or residents. The application process and requirements can vary depending on the specific situation and the relationship between the applicant and the Swiss citizen/resident. Generally, you’ll need to provide proof of the relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements. It’s best to contact the Swiss embassy or consulate for detailed information on family visa requirements.

Passport
Visa Application Form
Photographs
Cover Letter
Invitation Letter from a Switzerland Physical Person
Forwarding Letter
Relation with Invitee
Resident proof of Host
Invitee’s Photo ID Card and Utility Copy
Invitee’s Bank Statements
Office ID Card
Company Memorandum
Personal Bank Statements
Personal ITR Certificate
Company Bank Statements
Company ITR Certificate
Airline Ticket Itinerary
Hotel Reservation

TOURIST VISA

If you want to visit Switzerland for tourism purposes, you might need to apply for a tourist visa (Schengen Visa). Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen Visa allows you to visit multiple Schengen countries, including Switzerland, for a short stay. The visa generally allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa, you’ll typically need to provide a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Passport
Visa Application Form
Photographs
Cover Letter
Forwarding Letter
Plan of The Tour
Office ID Card
Company Memorandum
Personal Bank Statements
Personal ITR Certificate
Company Bank Statements
Company ITR Certificate
Airline Ticket Itinerary
Hotel Reservation
Visa Fee and Service Charge

HOW AGC HELP YOU?

Evaluating your educational background in order to position you for further study.
Choose the best universities and programs in accordance with your professional plan.
Ensuring your acceptance to the university and program of your choice.
Assisting you in obtaining scholarships if you are qualified.
Assisting you in paying your tuition fees.
Effective and professional processing of visas.
Assisting with the dependent visa application.
Getting ready for your visa interview.
Booking flights with assistance.
We also provide airport pickup services in practically every country on earth.
Arranging lodging and assisting you in locating employment in the nation of your choice.

Therefore, it’s advisable to research opportunities and consult with Alex Global Consultancy to find out more information.