Study in Switzerland

Prerequisites for university enrollment in Switzerland

International students who wish to study in Switzerland must first have a high school diploma, known in Switzerland as the "Certificat Fédéral de Maturité."

To enroll in a Bachelor's degree program, you will need a French Baccalauréat, a German Abitur, or another recognized diploma equivalent to the Certificat Fédéral de Maturité. You may need to pass a university entrance exam if your high school diploma is only partially recognized.

You'll need to have the appropriate language skills for the university you plan to attend (Italian for the University of Ticino, French for the University of Geneva or Lausanne, or German for the University of Basel or Zurich). Courses taught in English are often available at the Master's level and above.

Read also Universities in Geneva

Registration formalities at Swiss universities

If you meet the requirements for higher education in Switzerland (Baccalauréat, Maturité, or equivalent), you need to apply to the university of your choice. In general, the documents required for your application are as follows:

• A copy of your secondary school diploma (Maturité, Baccalauréat, etc.);
• A copy of university diplomas (if applicable) and examination transcripts, with the exact title of the course, followed;
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae;
• Two passport-size photos;
• A copy of the language test score certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Test Daf) for English and German students.

Some universities offer online pre-registration, so check your chosen university's website for details.

Also, be aware that there is usually a non-refundable application fee of around CHF 100.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation of registration. This acknowledgment usually takes about a month.

After that, you will get the school's decision on whether you have been accepted into your chosen course.

Read also Studying in Zurich

Tuition fees for foreign students in Switzerland

Fees depend on the university, study program and the student's personal circumstances. Applicants should consult the institution's fee schedule directly before applying.

Since the autumn semester of 2025, ETH Zurich and EPFL have applied two fee categories. Swiss students and certain people with equivalent status pay the standard fee of CHF 730 per semester. Except in certain circumstances, foreign students who move to Switzerland primarily to study are charged CHF 2,190 per semester. Semester contributions and accommodation expenses are added to this amount.

Transitional rules and exemptions may apply, particularly depending on when the student began their studies, their residence status and any previous ties with Switzerland.

Do you need a visa to study in Switzerland?

If you're not a citizen of an EU or EFTA country, you'll need to apply for a student visa at this stage.

Regardless of your citizenship, you must also register with the Residence Registration Office ("Einwohnerkontrolle") in your new residence to obtain a residence permit (which is different from a visa). This must be done within 14 days of your arrival in Switzerland.

Read also Visas for Switzerland

Scholarships for international students in Switzerland

Scholarships are available for international students in Switzerland. If you're coming through the Switzerland-Europe mobility exchange program (described below), you are typically eligible for a grant of CHF 1,600 per month. Contact the university in your home country for more information.

Besides exchange programs, there are various other funding options available. Your Swiss university or school will provide information on these opportunities. For more details, contact your institution's scholarships or international students office directly.

The Swiss-European Mobility Exchange Program (SEMP)

The Swiss-European Mobility Program allows students enrolled at a partner institution to complete a mobility program in Switzerland or abroad. Students remain enrolled at their home institution and generally do not pay tuition fees to the host institution.

Funding depends on the length of the mobility period, the country of origin or destination, and the rules applied by the institution. For incoming European mobility programs in Switzerland, total financial support currently ranges from CHF 1,430 to CHF 4,500. Additional support may be granted to people with disabilities or particular needs.

Applications are not submitted directly to Movetia. Students must contact the international relations office at their home university or the Swiss host institution.

For more information on international mobility opportunities, visit the Movetia website.

Useful links:

University of Zurich

University of Lausanne

University of Geneva

University of Fribourg

University of Neuchâtel

University of Bern