Study in Switzerland for Indian Students 2022

Famed for its delectable chocolates and crystal clear lakes amidst a snow-clad landscape, Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and is internationally well-known for its academic institutions meticulously designed around a decentralized education system. What’s even more enticing is that it is a multicultural and multilingual country and houses many globally established business organisations and multinational companies! To study in Switzerland is to immerse oneself at the centre of innovation, harbouring many research centres and working towards bettering the world by dedicating itself to commercial as well as the technological sector. Now, let’s explore all the essentials that you need to keep in mind while planning your academic journey to Switzerland, from the admission essentials to visa process as well as overall costs.

Why Study In Switzerland? 

Being amongst the choicest options to study in Europe, there are many factors that you need to consider while planning your academic journey here. Below we have explained some of the major reasons that will definitely convince you to study in Switzerland for your chosen academic program.

Quality Education
The Swiss government has thrived hard to inject innovative thinking in the education system of Switzerland. Many leading institutions in Switzerland have consistently maintained their place the World University Rankings by THE and QS especially ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, amongst others.

Geography and People
Do you know that Switzerland has four national languages and 26 federal states? You will see cultural variations in people when you observe the cuisine, communication, appearance of people, and so many other things. Apart from this, a blend of international students from various parts of the globe makes Switzerland an even more diverse nation.

Perfect Scenic View
When students come to study in Switzerland, they end up spending most of their time exploring every corner of the nation. And the irony is that the native people themselves tend to explore it again and again. 

Transportation System is Impeccable
The transportation system is a huge sigh of relief for students who study in Switzerland as it enables them to avoid delay. You can travel around most popular urban routes with the help of a tram, bus, and regional train services. However, boats are also available there. Almost half of the Swiss commuters tend to travel through the public transportation system.

Get Immersed in an International Network
When it comes to determining the total number of international students who come to study in Switzerland, statistics tell us that nearly 25% of students are international. The other 75%e6d8b2 of native students are going to help you immerse in Swiss culture. In addition to this, you will get a chance to learn a new language.

Go Out & Play
Switzerland is bordered by five European countries: Liechtenstein, France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. It’s convenient to reach these countries because of the efficient and well-connected transportation system in Switzerland.

Safety
Switzerland is one of the safest places to live in the world. Global Finance Magazine’s Safety Index 2019 ranks Switzerland as the 2nd safest country in the world. The country aims to provide a secure environment for international students thus making it another prominent reason why you should definitely opt to study in Switzerland.

Top Universities to Study in Switzerland

Many world-class universities of Switzerland have been consistently ranked in the QS and THE World Rankings and the country is also globally acclaimed as the most innovative in the Global Innovation Index 2019. Take a look at the following table elucidates some of the major universities to study in Switzerland as well as their prospective rankings as per QS and THE World University Rankings 2020.

University	QS World University Rankings 2020	THE World University Rankings 2020
ETH Zurich	6	13
EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne	18	38
University of Zurich	76	90
University of Geneva	110	113
University of Bern	123	144
University of Basel	151	94
University of Lausanne	153	198
University of St. Gallen	398	401
University of Fribourg	581	301
University of Neuchatel	–	501

Medical Schools In Switzerland

Here are the top Medical School in Switzerland:

• University of Zurich
• University of Bern
• University of Basel
• University of Geneva
• University of Lausanne
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
• Università della Svizzera italiana
• École Polytechnique Fédérale of Lausanne

Cheap Universities In Switzerland

Here are some of the cheapest universities in Switzerland:

• American University of Switzerland
• EU Business School
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland
• University of Geneva
• University of Lausanne
• University of Neuchatel
• ETH Zurich
• University of Basel
• University of Bern
• University of Fribourg

PhD in Switzerland

If you are planning to pursue a PhD, then Switzerland is a great place for you. Over 43 institutes in Switzerland offer PhD courses. Universities in Switzerland follow a three-cycle degree system  established by the Bologna Process. Under this, PhD covers the third cycle of the degree where Bachelors is the first cycle and Masters is the second cycle. Swis doctorate is a research based qualification that involves independent work towards an original thesis. You can follow one of these paths for the Swis PhD:

• Traditional PhD takes place in a single university where multiple faculties support you. You can get opportunities to work on training and development along with your thesis.
• Structured PhD involves formal training as a part of the PhD programme and includes collaboration between different institutions

Intakes in Switzerland 

To seek your dream education in any of the universities of Switzerland it is important to timely submit your application. Switzerland offers two intakes in a year, that is, spring and fall intake. All the universities welcome international students in both intakes.once you have selected your course and university, the next step would be to choose the right intake to apply. Tabulated below are the estimated deadlines of both the intakes- 

Intakes in Switzerland	Academic Session	Estimated Application Deadline
Spring Intake	February to June	31st August
Fall Intake	September to February	31st March

Cost of Studying in Switzerland

The tuition costs to study in Switzerland are quite affordable along with living expenses which you need to plan beforehand to fit your set budget. Let’s explore the varied kinds of costs that you must keep in mind while opting for a course in the country. When it comes to estimating tuition fees, it largely depends upon whether you want to opt for a public or private institution. Public universities offer programs at relatively low costs and some of these popular institutions include ETH, EPFL, University of Bern, University of Basel, University of Lausanne, which mainly charge under CHF 1000 (73,450 INR) for programs. On the other hand, opting for private institutions can increase the tuition fees even more so it’s important to explore the academic costs before deciding to opt for a course. Here are the average UG and PG courses costs-

Bachelors	CHF 18,500- 24,000	INR 13,59,000- 17,62,000
Masters	CHF 3,000-13,000	INR 2,21,000- 9,55,000

Approximating the living expenses is largely dependable on the city you are choosing to study in Switzerland. On average, it is important to keep 1,300-1700 EUR/month (1,02,000-1,32,000 INR) for varied living expenses which will cover accommodation, transportation, food, supplies and miscellaneous costs. For expensive cities like Geneva, Bern, Basel and Zurich, the budgeting costs can even go higher than this reaching over 2,200 EUR/month (1,71,300 INR). Coming to accommodation rates, the average estimation can be around 600-700 EUR (46,800-54,500 INR) on a monthly basis. If you are opting for university accommodation, costs can go between 450 to 800 EUR (35,000-62,300 INR) per month and if you are choosing rentals or apartment sharing, the average costs per month can be expected between 700 and 1,200 EUR (54,500-9,34,000 INR). Expenses on transportation can be minimised by using public transports as you can get a monthly pass for around 55 EUR (4,290 INR) which can be utilised to travel across different transports like trains, buses, tramways, etc.

Note: The above-mentioned costs are just estimation taken on an average basis.

Admission Requirements

To make your way into the state-of-the-art universities of Switzerland, it is important for one to fulfill all the eligibility criteria. To study in Switzerland, here are the important entry requirements that you must follow- 

• For Undergraduate Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree: Basic education of 10+2 from a recognised board
• For PG Diploma/ Master’s Degree: A UG degree in related or similar fields along with a good GPA/ percentage 
• It is mandatory to submit the score of English language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, etc
• For PG course candidates require the score of GRE/ GMAT exams
• LOR and SOP in the prescribed format 
• If you are opting to pursue studies in Switzerland in various languages, here are the tests that you need to qualify- French: DALF, DELF/ German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD.

How to Apply To Swiss Universities

When it comes to applying to universities, we often feel perplexed. Thus, we have presented some simple step following which you can apply to study in Switzerland.

Step 1	Select the right degree subject
Step 2	Select the most suitable university
Step 3	Research the requirements of your desired universities so that you can prepare to apply accordingly
Step 4	Now collect: – A signed printout of the application form – Copy of your identity. – Two passport size photographs. -Bachelor’s diploma (If required) -Language proficiency test certificate -Your CV -Application fee receipt. Apart from this, they may take your essay test.  For the doctoral program, you may need:– A letter from an instructor of the faculty who agrees to approve dissertations and have a look at your research.- If you are in the final year at secondary school and haven’t got your diploma, then you may apply based on your grades, but remember! You will have to send a copy of your final exam result once you receive it. Get your documents translated either in English or French by a certified translator.
Step 5	There are three official languages: German, French and Italian. So you will need a language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, DSH, OSD, DELF, or DALF. However, if you don’t have a certificate, the university may take your test to estimate whether you can study in Switzerland or not.
Step 6	Fill and submit the application form online on the website of the university. Make sure you upload necessary documents properly and pay the application fee and once your candidature is processed, the selected candidate will be provided with the acceptance letter.

Student Visa Procedure

Whether you intend to pursue a short term course or a full-time degree course, to enter Switzerland as a potential student, it is necessary for you to have a student visa. To study in Switzerland, there are two types of student visas: C visa and D visa. Both visas have their time duration and purpose. Let’s see which one is suitable for you.

1. C – Visa: If you want to stay in Switzerland for a short term period, C visa is for you. You can stay for up to 3 months with this visa. 
2. D- Visa: D visa is for those students who want to stay in Switzerland for more than 3 months. Generally, students apply for such a visa when they want to do undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Remember! If you are going there with this visa, you will have to visit the cantonal migration office within the first 2 weeks to get your residence permit. 

Note: If you’re from the EU/EFTA country, you won’t need a student visa, but still, a residence permit is compulsory.

Top 10 Reasons to Study in Switzerland

1. Quality Education

Swiss universities offer a diverse range of courses across disciplines, at various levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral), and at various higher education institutions such as academic universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of teacher education, among others. This country is home to some of the world’s best educational institutions. Whether one wishes to pursue a career in hotel or hospital administration, an MBA, or a master’s degree in science or art, Switzerland will provide the greatest institutions and globally recognised courses.

2. Best Student Cities

As can be seen from the list above, Zurich and Geneva are home to some of the world’s best universities. Not only do they have the best universities in Switzerland, but Zurich also possesses the world’s fourth-largest stock exchange. The city’ primary attractions are Lake Zurich and Geneva. Other notable student cities include Lausanne and Bern, with Lausanne being a francophone culturally rich city and Bern being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Switzerland’s student cities offer the ideal blend of heritage and modernity.

3. International Hub to the World

We’ve already discussed the Zurich stock exchange, but it doesn’t end there. Many international organizations, like FIFA, have their headquarters there. Geneva is Switzerland’s other globally prominent city. The city is home to the most NGO headquarters, including the prominent WHO and WTO, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization, respectively. This will lead us to the next two points.

4. A Country of Innovation

To understand what we mean, simply calculate the number of Nobel Awards awarded to Swiss nationals. It is not a country that believes that education should be a monotonous and boring experience that students must endure for a set number of years. Education in Switzerland is associated with fresh and distinct ways of thinking, which leads to advancements that benefit humanity.

5. Career Options

The finest thing about studying in Switzerland is this. As a country whose standard and system of imparting education is not only renowned but also well respected across the world, a student passing out of any course finds himself or herself walking on the red carpet of professional life, straightaway. When the norm is to battle to gain a footing in a field, this is a big benefit.

6. Scenic Landscapes

It is a tranquil European nation nestled in the midst of nature. Switzerland has evolved through time while maintaining its wonderful relationship with nature. The Alps mountain range, which spans eight nations, has become a postcard picture for Switzerland throughout the years. Switzerland is the ideal destination for nature lovers, whether they are leisure visitors, hikers, campers, or adventure sports enthusiasts.

7. Lifestyle

The Swiss way of life is a wonderful blend of the hardworking German and the laid-back French. The country deliberately promotes a culture in which all work is completed on time and without corruption, while also maintaining the quality and enjoyment of life. Swiss people are adventure seekers who may be seen travelling and trekking around the nation, making it a lively environment.

8. Location in Central Europe:

Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe. Austria, Liechtenstein, France, Italy, and Germany are the five EU nations that Switzerland has borders with. It is also quite well linked to all of these nations. You may go to any of these nations by taking a train. The rest of Europe is literally on your doorstep in Switzerland.

9. Diversity:

Studying in Switzerland is synonymous with variety. There are 26 federal states and four official languages. When a large number of overseas students are included, the country becomes really global. Switzerland is a location where individuals of many nationalities and cultures may meet people from different nations and learn a lot from the cultural exchange..

10. Safest and Happiest Country:

Last but not least, with all of the benefits listed above, Switzerland is without a doubt one of the happiest nations on the planet.

How to study in Switzerland from India?

The National Visa (D-type) is required for any student from India who wishes to study in Switzerland. Students who aim to stay in the nation for three months will need a D-category visa. Students from India will need to schedule a visa interview using an online application. At the visa application center, the application and biometric procedures are done. During the visa application procedure, Indian students may be required to give biometrics. A visa interview is a final stage in determining whether or not your study visa application will be accepted. For Indian students, the student visa price is around INR 4,500.

How to Apply for Study Visa in Switzerland?

The steps to apply for a visa to study in Switzerland are as follows:

1. Collect Documents: Please make sure that you have these documents before applying for a student visa:
   • Acceptance letter from the institution where you have applied
   • A valid passport
   • Proof that shows you’re financially able to support yourself
   • Health insurance
   • Get your birth certificate (if you’re under 18)
   • Receipt of payment that you made as a fee for admission
   • Your CV
   • Result of the previous institution
   • A signed letter that illustrates that you will leave Switzerland once you finish the course
2. Apply: You can schedule an appointment and submit all the documents mentioned above at the Embassy of Switzerland. After submitting the documents, you can track the progress of your visa application online by using the application reference number given on your receipt. 
3. Wait: Now wait till they notify you about the result. 

Scholarships to Study in Switzerland

Name of the Scholarship	Offering Body	Eligibility	Awards
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships	Government of Switzerland	-Masters Degree  -Applicant must be born after 31st December 1983 -A letter of acceptance from professor/ university posting the program	Entire tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses along with airfare
ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship Program	ETH Zurich	-The candidates who are eligible to pursue Masters program at ETH Zurich -Applicant must have top position in bachelor’s degree	Tuition fee waiver along with partial living and studying expenses

Apart from the above mentioned scholarships, here are some other popular scholarships-

• EPFL Excellence Fellowships
• Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries
• IMD MBA Future Leaders Scholarships
• Jim Ellert MBA Scholarships at IMD 
• University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowship 
• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students 
• IO- MBA Program Scholarships at University of Geneva 

Study in Switzerland Without IELTS 

Many leading academic institutions in Switzerland allow students to pursue studies even without qualifying the IELTS exam. This advantage often acts as a crowd-puller when it comes to choosing the study abroad destination. To avail IELTS waiver at the institutions of Switzerland, it is important for the students to prove their efficiency in the English language after the intermediate level. To study in Switzerland without IELTS, candidates may be asked to pursue a short term course or certification program.

Thus, Switzerland is home to many internationally reputed institutions that are well-known for their academic and research excellence. If you are all geared to pursue higher studies in the heart of Europe but don’t know where to start, our study abroad experts are here to guide you throughout the application process, sorting out visa procedures and accommodation-related issues thus ensuring that your dream to study in Switzerland becomes a sure-shot reality.