Cost to study in Switzerland for international students

Key takeaways

Public universities in Switzerland charge only CHF 500–5,000 per year.
The main expense is living costs, which range from CHF 18,000 to CHF 28,000 annually.
Scholarships and part-time jobs can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Total costs average CHF 20,000–30,000 per year at public universities.
Switzerland remains one of the most prestigious study destinations in Europe, offering high-quality education and excellent career prospects despite high living costs.

When planning to study abroad, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is: “Can I actually afford this country?”. For students considering the costs of studying in Switzerland, the answer is not straightforward. Switzerland has built its reputation as a hub for innovation, research, and high-quality education, with institutions consistently ranking among the world’s best. It also happens to be one of the most expensive countries to live in.

As an international student, your costs will be divided into two main categories: tuition fees and cost of living. Tuition fees in Switzerland vary significantly depending on whether you attend a public or private university, while your living costs depend on the city, accommodation, and lifestyle choices you make.

At Edvoy, we work with thousands of students worldwide who consider Switzerland a key study destination. What we hear most often is that while the living costs can appear overwhelming, the comparatively low tuition fees and strong career prospects after graduation make Switzerland a worthwhile investment.

Tuition fees at public vs private universities
- Tuition at public universities
Tuition at private universities
Cost of living in Switzerland for students
Breakdown of expenses
Scholarships and financial aid options
- Major scholarships include:
Part-time work opportunities for students
Average total cost of studying in Switzerland
Tips to manage costs as an international student
FAQs

Tuition fees at public vs private universities

Switzerland has a clear divide between public universities (which are funded by the government) and private universities or specialised business schools.

Tuition at public universities

The most encouraging aspect of studying in Switzerland is that public universities keep tuition fees relatively low. This is because the Swiss government heavily subsidises higher education.

On average, tuition fees at public universities range between CHF 500 and CHF 5,000 per year.
Some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, such as ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and the University of Geneva, fall within this bracket.

Examples:

ETH Zurich: CHF 1,300 per year
University of Geneva: CHF 1,000 per year
University of Lausanne: CHF 1,200 per year

This means that while tuition fees in countries like the UK or the US can reach tens of thousands per year, a Swiss student can attend one of Europe’s best universities for less than the cost of a single semester elsewhere.

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Tuition at private universities

Private universities and business schools in Switzerland, on the other hand, charge significantly more.

Tuition fees range from CHF 8,000 to CHF 40,000 per year, depending on the course.
International MBA programmes or Executive Education programmes at institutions such as IMD Lausanne can cost CHF 60,000 or more.

The choice between public and private often comes down to your career goals. If you’re seeking prestige in business education or a niche specialisation, private institutions may be worth the cost. If you want internationally recognised degrees at a fraction of the cost, public universities are the more budget-friendly option.

Unsure whether to invest in a private business school or apply for a government-funded public university?

Speak to us at Edvoy. We’ll assess your career goals, budget, and long-term opportunities and help you make the right choice.

Also read: Study in Switzerland for Indian Students

Cost of living in Switzerland for students

Where Switzerland becomes expensive is not tuition, but living costs. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the average international student requires CHF 18,000 to CHF 28,000 per year to cover housing, food, transport, health insurance, and personal expenses.

This means you should expect to spend between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,800 per month, depending on the city.

Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne are significantly more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. For example, student life in Zurich may cost you over CHF 2,000 per month, while in Neuchâtel you might spend closer to CHF 1,500.

Breakdown of expenses

A clear monthly breakdown helps you visualise your expenses:

Expense category	Average monthly cost (CHF)	Key notes
Housing (rent + utilities)	600 – 1,200	Student dormitories are cheaper; private apartments are more expensive
Food and groceries	400 – 600	Dining out is costly; cooking at home saves money
Transport	70 – 100	Students get discounted travel cards
Health insurance	200 – 400	Compulsory for all students; depends on the provider
Study materials	100 – 150	Books, supplies, digital tools
Personal expenses	150 – 300	Includes phone, clothing, leisure
Total	1,500 – 2,800	Based on lifestyle and location

Important visa requirement: Switzerland requires international students to show proof of financial resources of at least CHF 21,000 per year when applying for a student visa.

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Scholarships and financial aid options

To make up for the high cost of living, international students can apply for a range of scholarships. Switzerland offers both government-funded scholarships and university-specific grants.

Major scholarships include:

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: Available for postgraduate and research-level students.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship: Covers both tuition and living expenses.
University of Lausanne Master’s Grants: Partial funding for international students.
Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships: Both merit- and need-based funding.

Some universities also offer teaching or research assistantships, particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels, which not only provide financial aid but also enhance your academic profile.

Also Read: Study Masters in Switzerland

Part-time work opportunities for students

Part-time work is another way to manage costs, though it is regulated.

EU/EFTA students: Can work up to 15 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Non-EU/EFTA students: Can also work under the same rules, but only after the first six months of study.

The average hourly wage for student jobs in Switzerland is CHF 20 to CHF 26, which is considerably higher than in many other European countries.

Typical part-time jobs include:

Retail work in supermarkets or shops
Hospitality roles in cafés or restaurants
Tutoring or language assistance
On-campus jobs, such as library or research assistants

A student working 15 hours per week at CHF 22 per hour could potentially earn about CHF 1,300 per month, which can cover most living expenses.

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Average total cost of studying in Switzerland

When tuition fees and living costs are combined, the total annual cost for an international student in Switzerland looks like this:

Public universities: CHF 20,000 – CHF 30,000 per year
Private universities: CHF 30,000 – CHF 60,000+ per year

For context:

A student at ETH Zurich might pay CHF 1,300 in tuition but CHF 22,000 in living expenses annually.
A student at IMD Lausanne might pay CHF 60,000 in tuition and another CHF 25,000 in living costs.

Switzerland remains competitive compared to countries like the US, where tuition alone can exceed USD 40,000 per year, even before living expenses.

Tips to manage costs as an international student

While Switzerland is expensive, careful planning can make your experience affordable.

Apply for scholarships early: Most deadlines are months before the academic year begins.
Choose student housing or shared accommodation: Student dorms can save CHF 400–600 compared to private apartments.
Cook at home: Restaurants are expensive; groceries from discount chains such as Migros or Coop are cheaper.
Buy a student travel card: This reduces public transport expenses by almost 50%.
Work part-time: Focus on roles that pay well and also build your CV.
Use student discounts: From museums to gyms, discounts can make leisure affordable.
Create a strict monthly budget: Monitoring expenses avoids unnecessary overspending.
Consider smaller cities: Living in Bern or Neuchâtel is significantly cheaper than Zurich or Geneva.

If you are worried about managing your budget in Switzerland, our advisors at Edvoy can guide you on cost-effective choices, from cities to accommodation options.

FAQs

Is it possible to study in Switzerland without knowing German or French?

Yes. While Switzerland is multilingual, many master’s programmes and some bachelor’s programmes are offered entirely in English, especially in fields like engineering, business, and sciences. Universities such as ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, and EPFL have a strong catalogue of English-taught courses aimed at international students.

Is health insurance compulsory for international students in Switzerland?

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, including international students. On average, it costs between CHF 200 and CHF 400 per month, but some insurers offer student discounts. You must arrange this within three months of arrival or risk penalties.

Do international students get travel concessions in Switzerland?

Yes. Most Swiss cities offer student discounts on monthly public transport passes, and you can also buy a Swiss Half Fare Travelcard, which allows you to travel across the country at 50% of the normal ticket price. This is especially useful if you plan to explore Switzerland on weekends.