How many universities does Switzerland have for international students?
There are 68 active university profiles in Switzerland on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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Home to ETH Zurich and world-leading hospitality schools
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For Indian students
Home to ETH Zurich and world-leading hospitality schools
Step-by-step process to get your Student Visa (National Visa D)
Use the current official immigration guidance for Switzerland to check when you can apply and any processing estimate for your application route. We have not verified a current processing time for this summary.
Plan university deadlines and any required pre-application steps separately from the visa decision. Confirm the documents and appointments that apply to your application, and do not rely on a generic preparation buffer or processing estimate as a guaranteed decision date.
| Planning area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| University arrangements | Confirm offer, acceptance and enrollment deadlines with your institution. |
| Documents and appointments | Check the official requirements and appointment availability for your application. |
| Visa processing | Check any current official estimate, its scope, and when the processing clock starts. |
| Travel and accommodation | Check your visa status and booking cancellation or refund terms before committing. |
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
Average salaries for international graduates in Switzerland
| Role | Average Salary | Growth Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | CHF 110,000 | +10% |
| Financial Analyst | CHF 95,000 | +6% |
| Hospitality Manager | CHF 80,000 | +4% |
| Pharmaceutical Scientist | CHF 100,000 | +8% |
| Mechanical Engineer | CHF 90,000 | +5% |
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in Switzerland if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Studying in Switzerland can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
Job Search Residence Permit gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Monthly expenses breakdown for international students
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | CHF 1,200-2,000/mo |
| Groceries | CHF 400-600/mo |
| Transport (Half-Fare Card) | CHF 100-200/mo |
| Health Insurance | CHF 80-120/mo (student rate) |
| Dining Out | CHF 18-35/meal |
| City | Average Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 1,800/mo | Finance, Tech, Engineering |
| Geneva | CHF 1,600/mo | International Orgs, Law |
| Lausanne | CHF 1,200/mo | Hospitality, Sciences |
| Basel | CHF 1,100/mo | Pharma, Life Sciences |
Scholarship listings are syncing for Switzerland
Browse the scholarship hub or open the finder below for live matches.
Open scholarship hub →ETH UZH is not a single institution but refers to two separate universities in Zurich, Switzerland: ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and the University of Zurich (Universität Zürich, UZH). ETH Zurich is a leading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics university founded in 1855, with approximately 24,500 students and a strong international presence. The University of Zurich is Switzerland's largest university, founded in 1833, with around 26,000 students and a comprehensive range of faculties including humanities, sciences, medicine, law, and theology. Both are public research universities located in Zurich and are independent institutions, though they collaborate closely on research and teaching.

📍 Lucerne, Switzerland
BHMS - Switzerland is a private university located in Zurich, Switzerland. It is known for its comprehensive programs in business, health, and social sciences. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional certifications. BHMS - Switzerland is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, with numerous research centers and partnerships with international institutions.

📍 Lucerne, Switzerland
Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) is a prestigious institution in Switzerland, renowned for its comprehensive programs in business and hotel management. Established in 1990, BHMS has been a leader in providing high-quality education and training to students from around the world. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Science in Hotel Management, and various specialized courses. BHMS is committed to fostering a global perspective and preparing students for successful careers in their respective fields. The institution boasts state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and a vibrant campus life that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
Business School Lausanne (BSL) is a private business school located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded in 1990, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in business and management, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and responsible leadership. BSL is known for its small class sizes, experiential learning approach, and international student body. The institution focuses on developing business leaders capable of addressing complex economic, social, and environmental challenges.
📍 Canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Constructor Institute is a private university located in Switzerland, known for its focus on technology, innovation, and interdisciplinary education. It offers a range of programs in fields such as computer science, engineering, and business, with a strong emphasis on research and practical application. The institute is recognized for its modern approach to education, often collaborating with industry leaders to provide students with real-world experience and cutting-edge knowledge.
📍 Geneva, Switzerland
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is a leading institution specializing in culinary arts and hospitality education. It offers a range of programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as diploma and certificate courses in culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality management. The academy is known for its hands-on approach, combining practical training with theoretical knowledge, and is affiliated with renowned hospitality groups and culinary organizations. The institution emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the culinary field, preparing students for global careers in the hospitality and food service industries.
Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (HES-SO) is a public research university located in Switzerland, established in 1990. With over 25,000 students and approximately 5,000 international students, HES-SO offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. The institution is known for its commitment to innovation and collaboration in higher education.
IHTTI (International Hotel and Tourism Training Institute) is a Swiss hospitality school historically based in Neuchâtel, specializing in hotel management, tourism, and related professional training. It has long been associated with practice-oriented hospitality education aimed at careers in hotels, resorts, and tourism services, with programs typically combining classroom study and industry-focused preparation. As a specialized hotel and tourism institute rather than a comprehensive research university, IHTTI has served students seeking international hospitality credentials in Switzerland’s well-known hospitality-education sector. Public details commonly emphasize its private-sector hospitality training profile and Neuchâtel location; precise current enrollment, campus size, and admissions statistics are not consistently published in reliable open sources.
The International Institute in Geneva (IIG) is a private higher education institution in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on internationally oriented programs in business, international relations, media and communication, and related fields. Formerly known as International University in Geneva, it serves a compact, highly international student community and emphasizes practical, career-oriented undergraduate and graduate education in a multilingual global city. Located near Geneva’s international organizations and business district, IIG positions itself as a specialized teaching-focused school rather than a large research university. Instruction is typically in English, with curricula designed for students seeking careers in multinational companies, NGOs, diplomacy-related fields, and international management.
The James Lind Institute is a research university located in Denver, Colorado, United States, not in Switzerland. It is dedicated to medical research and education, with a focus on infectious diseases, immunology, and infectious disease. The institute is named after Dr. James Lind, a pioneer in the field of immunology, who made significant contributions to the understanding of the immune system and infectious diseases. The institute's research is funded by various grants and partnerships, and it has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The institute's facilities include state-of-the-art research labs, a library, and student housing, providing a comprehensive environment for learning and research.

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is a public research university based in Malaysia. It does not operate a campus in Switzerland; its main campuses are in Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, and Kuantan, Pahang. Therefore, details such as address, student count, and facilities for a Swiss location are not available.
The International School of Business Management (ISBM) is a private business education institution based in Switzerland that offers MBA, executive education and professional development programs aimed at local and international students. While specific enrollment numbers and campus details are not publicly disclosed, the school positions itself as a boutique, industry‑aligned program provider within the Swiss higher‑education landscape.

📍 Geneva, Switzerland
The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD) is a private, specialized university in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on international relations, diplomacy, political science, and international law. Founded in 2003, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs taught in English and attracts a diverse, internationally oriented student body. The school is housed in the historic Château de Penthes, providing an intimate academic setting near Geneva's international organizations and diplomatic community. GSD emphasizes a practice-oriented approach to diplomacy and global affairs, with faculty and guest speakers drawn from diplomatic, governmental, and international organization backgrounds. Its small class sizes and proximity to the United Nations, international NGOs, and multinational institutions support networking and experiential learning opportunities for students.

📍 Zurich, Switzerland
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is a leading independent business school based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was created in 1990 through the merger of two earlier Swiss management institutes, IMEDE in Lausanne and IMI in Geneva, and focuses on MBA, Executive MBA, and open and custom executive education rather than traditional undergraduate degrees. IMD is known for a highly international classroom, strong corporate partnerships, and programs centered on leadership, strategy, and real-world business challenges. Its lakeside Lausanne campus serves as the main hub for degree programs and executive learning, and the school is regularly ranked among the world’s top institutions for executive education and MBA offerings.

📍 Luzern, Switzerland
Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) is a leading hospitality and business management school located in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is part of the Bénédict Switzerland group of schools and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in hospitality, culinary arts, and business management. BHMS is known for its industry-focused curriculum, strong partnerships with global hospitality brands, and emphasis on practical training through internships. The school attracts students from around the world, providing a multicultural learning environment with modern facilities and a strong emphasis on career development.
📍 Switzerland, Switzerland
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is one of the world's leading universities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded in 1855, it has a long tradition of excellence in research and education, consistently ranking among the top universities globally. The university is known for its strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and it has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and influential scientists and engineers. Located in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, ETH Zurich operates across two main campuses: the historic Zentrum campus in the city center and the modern Hönggerberg campus on a hill overlooking the city. The university offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs and conducts cutting-edge research in areas such as architecture, natural sciences, computer science, and engineering. It maintains close ties with industry and plays a central role in Switzerland's research and innovation ecosystem. ETH Zurich is a public institution and attracts a large and diverse student body from Switzerland and around the world. It is organized into 16 departments and hosts a broad array of research institutes, laboratories, and centers. The university's commitment to sustainability, open science, and technological advancement shapes its teaching and research priorities, making it a key destination for students and researchers seeking a rigorous, research-intensive education.

📍 Geneva, Switzerland
The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) is a postgraduate-only academic institution based in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2008 through the merger of the Graduate Institute of International Studies (founded in 1927) and the Graduate Institute of Development Studies (founded in 1961), it specializes in international relations, development studies, international law, political economy, and related disciplines. It is widely recognized as one of the leading centers for graduate-level research and teaching in global affairs. IHEID hosts a highly diverse student body of around 1,000 master's and doctoral students from more than 100 countries, with roughly 90 percent coming from outside Switzerland. It is an independent institution recognized by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Geneva, and it maintains close ties with international organizations headquartered in Geneva, including the United Nations, WTO, and ICRC.

📍 Leysin, Switzerland
SHMS Swiss Hotel Management School is a prestigious institution located in Switzerland, renowned for its comprehensive programs in hotel management, hospitality, and related fields. Established in 1990, the school has a rich history of nurturing future leaders in the hospitality industry. With a focus on practical learning and industry-relevant curriculum, SHMS Swiss Hotel Management School prepares students for successful careers in the global hospitality sector.
The Swiss Finance Institute (SFI) is a national center of competence in finance based in Zurich and closely affiliated with the University of Zurich (UZH). Established in 2007 under Switzerland’s National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) program, SFI brings together leading finance researchers from UZH, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and USI to advance academic research, doctoral training, and knowledge transfer across banking, asset management, corporate finance, financial markets, and related fields. SFI is not a standalone degree-granting university; it operates as a research and education network that supports PhD programs, executive education, conferences, and industry-facing research projects. Its activities are integrated with partner universities’ faculties, particularly UZH’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, giving students and researchers access to Zurich’s broader academic and financial ecosystem. The University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland’s largest university and a major public research institution founded in 1833, provides the primary academic home for much of SFI’s Zurich-based work. UZH enrolls tens of thousands of students across disciplines and ranks among Europe’s leading research universities, making SFI–Zurich (UZH) a key node in Switzerland’s global finance research landscape.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) is one of the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology and is located in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPFL is a leading research university specializing in natural sciences and engineering, renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, particularly in fields such as engineering, computer science, and life sciences. The university fosters a highly international environment and collaborates closely with industry and other academic institutions worldwide.
Geneva Business School is a private institution located in Switzerland, known for its focus on business education and international outlook. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of business, including finance, marketing, and international management. With a strong emphasis on practical learning and global perspectives, Geneva Business School attracts students from around the world, providing a multicultural environment. The institution is recognized for its innovative teaching methods and strong industry connections, preparing students for careers in the global business landscape.
The University of Zurich (UZH) is Switzerland’s largest university and a leading comprehensive research university in Europe. Based in Zurich, it offers a wide range of programmes across seven faculties, including theology, law, economics and business, medicine, veterinary medicine, arts and social sciences, and science. UZH is known for strong research output, close ties to Zurich’s hospitals and research institutes, and a bilingual academic environment with German as the primary language of instruction and extensive English-language offerings at graduate level. Founded in 1833 as a cantonal university, UZH grew from earlier higher-education traditions in Zurich into a modern research institution with multiple sites across the city, including the historic city-centre campus and the Irchel science campus. It participates in major national and international research networks and is regularly ranked among the top universities worldwide. The student body is large and diverse, with a substantial share of international students, especially in master’s and doctoral programmes.
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a leading research university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is one of the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, the other being ETH Zurich. EPFL offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as engineering, computer science, basic sciences, and architecture. The university is known for its strong research focus and has a reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship.

📍 Geneva (headquarters), across 7 cantons, Switzerland
HES-SO (Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale / University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland) is a network of universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. It is the largest network of applied sciences universities in Switzerland, with a total of 25,000 students. The network offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs in various fields such as engineering, business, health, and social sciences. HES-SO is known for its practical approach to education and its strong focus on research and innovation.
Non-predictive planning guidance for Switzerland. This panel does not assess admission chances or rank universities. No program-specific requirements have been verified here.
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Check the official program requirements for your qualification, grades and subject prerequisites.
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Check accepted exams, overall and section requirements, result validity and exemptions. IELTS and PTE use different scales.
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Confirm the program, campus, intake and current application deadline.
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Verify tuition, program duration and living costs against your budget. Do not count unawarded scholarships as available funding.
Use the directory to explore options, then review current program evidence before deciding where to apply. Final eligibility and admission decisions are made by the institution.
Explore top student-friendly cities and their living costs
Planning prototype using the limited country-page dataset. Missing job, community, and immigration evidence is shown explicitly.
| Average rent | CHF 1,800/mo | CHF 1,600/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Finance, Tech, Engineering | International Orgs, Law |
| Part-time job availability | Needs current local evidence | Needs current local evidence |
| Indian community | Check campus societies and neighborhoods | Check campus societies and neighborhoods |
| Immigration/job outlook | Needs occupation-specific evidence | Needs occupation-specific evidence |
Some universities in Switzerland may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
MBBS in Switzerland should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
MS in Computer Science in Switzerland is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
An MBA in Switzerland is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Engineering in Switzerland can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
A user-input planning model for Switzerland, not a salary forecast or financial recommendation.
Model assumptions: 60% of gross salary is available before loan payments, loan repayment spans study plus five years, and 10-year earnings ignore tax, inflation, exchange-rate changes, unemployment, and salary growth.
Check off items you've completed to see your visa readiness score
Prototype suggestions from fixed subject templates. Salary, eligibility, accreditation, and immigration outcomes are not verified here.
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Marks are planning context only. Every recorded option stays visible; this prototype does not determine eligibility.
Amount: Partial tuition
Deadline: Varies
Level: UG/PG
Amount: Need/merit based
Deadline: Before intake
Level: PG
Template-based guidance only; no live university, visa, or policy sources are queried by this tool.
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in Switzerland after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Indian students typically need CHFCHF 1,200–CHF2,000 per year for tuition and living expenses, depending on the university, course, and city.
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | CHF 1,200-2,000/mo |
| Groceries | CHF 400-600/mo |
| Transport (Half-Fare Card) | CHF 100-200/mo |
| Health Insurance | CHF 80-120/mo (student rate) |
| Dining Out | CHF 18-35/meal |
Switzerland offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. The Job Search Residence Permit (6 months) provides valuable work experience after graduation. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Application and test fees | Multiple university applications, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, score reporting, and courier costs add up. |
| Visa, medical, biometrics, insurance | These costs often come before the student receives the visa decision. |
| Housing deposit and setup | First month rent, bond/deposit, utensils, bedding, SIM, transport card, and winter clothing can be significant. |
| Course materials and placement costs | Software, lab kits, books, certification exams, and travel for interviews are often missed. |
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
There are 68 active university profiles in Switzerland on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Most universities in Switzerland require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Yes — universities in Switzerland offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
Monthly living costs in Switzerland vary by city. Rent (1BR City): CHF 1,200-2,000/mo. Groceries: CHF 400-600/mo. Transport (Half-Fare Card): CHF 100-200/mo. Health Insurance: CHF 80-120/mo (student rate). Dining Out: CHF 18-35/meal.
Switzerland offers the Job Search Residence Permit with a duration of 6 months. Completed degree at Swiss university.
You need the Student Visa (National Visa D). Application fee is CHF 88 with processing time of 6-12 weeks. Key documents include: Valid passport, Admission letter from Swiss institution, Proof of financial resources (CHF 21,000/year), and more.
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