Swiss Universities
Swiss universities have a good ranking and unparalleled educational conditions. Some of the best universities in Switzerland include institutions such as Lausanne, Zurich, Fribourg, Basel, and Bern. The tuition fees in public universities are around 400 to 4000 euros per year, while tuition fees in private universities range from 5,000 to 35,000 euros.
Additionally, among the cheapest universities in Switzerland, we can mention universities like Bern and universities of applied sciences. The deadlines for Swiss universities are often in early in the year, typically between January and March. You can study in various disciplines, such as medicine, at these universities in Switzerland.
If you are also looking for studying in Switzerland, you can check your conditions for free by contacting Malekpour Institute. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive a response shortly.
List of the Best Universities in Switzerland
Swiss universities offer education at a global level, and their degrees are recognized worldwide. Switzerland consistently ranks highly in the Study.EU rankings for their high-quality research and teaching.
Below is an introduction to the best universities in Switzerland for international students. Each university is evaluated based on its research performance and its ranking by members of the academic community worldwide and in Europe. These universities are undoubtedly the best in Switzerland.
University of Lausanne, Switzerland
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a top public university located on Lake Geneva, with 14,300 students and 3,000 researchers. Founded in 1537, it has seven faculties and a strong international presence. UNIL promotes interdisciplinary learning and close student-staff collaboration. Its BCUL library holds over two million documents. Known for its scenic campus and academic excellence, UNIL offers a top study environment. Admission mainly requires good academic performance.
University of Zurich, Switzerland
The University of Zurich (UZH), founded in 1833, is Switzerland’s largest university with over 26,000 students. It’s renowned for research in genetics, medicine, biology, neuroscience, and economics. UZH offers undergraduate programs in German and master’s programs in English. As a member of the European Research Universities Association, it promotes public access to research through museums, libraries, and lectures.
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich, founded in 1855, is one of the world’s top universities for science and technology, ranked 3rd globally in engineering and natural sciences (QS). Located in Zurich, it has 16 research-driven departments and over 20 Nobel Prize-winning alumni, including Albert Einstein. Undergraduate programs are mainly in German, while most master’s courses are in English. ETH Zurich offers world-class education and innovation at the heart of Europe.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a top government research university in Lausanne, Switzerland, known for excellence in engineering and life sciences. A member of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology group (alongside ETH Zurich), EPFL leads global projects like the Blue Brain and Human Brain Projects. About 50% of students are international. The campus features advanced research facilities, including a nuclear reactor and supercomputer. Most programs are in French, with some taught in English.
University of Basel
Founded in 1460, the University of Basel is the oldest and one of the top universities in Switzerland. It offers high-quality programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels across seven faculties. Known for excellence in life sciences, nanosciences, sustainability, and energy research, Basel attracts students worldwide. The university also emphasizes ethics and social responsibility, preparing students for academic and personal success.
Admission Conditions for Swiss Universities
Switzerland has many prestigious universities that annually attract a number of international students from all over the world. For immigration to Switzerland and studying, one must first obtain admission from one of the universities in Switzerland at the desired level. The admission conditions at these universities include the following:
- Having a language certificate
- High grades and appropriate GPA from the previous course
- Health certificate and no criminal record
- Financial capacity to pay university tuition
Ranking of Swiss Universities
The ranking of Swiss universities is one of the factors that you should consider when studying abroad in this country. In the table below, you can see the various rankings of Swiss universities.
| University | QS Rank | THE Rank | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | 7 (world’s 1st in continental Europe) | 11 | https://ethz.ch/en.html |
| EPFL (Lausanne) | 22 | 32 | https://www.epfl.ch/en/ |
| University of Zurich | ≈ 100 | Not participating in THE 2025 rankings | https://www.uzh.ch/en.html |
| University of Geneva | ≈ 155 | ≈ 171 | https://www.unige.ch/en/ |
| University of Bern | ≈ 212 | ≈ 104 | https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html |
| University of Basel | ≈ 158 | ≈ 126 | https://www.unibas.ch/en.html |
| University of Lausanne | ≈ 473 | ≈ 134 | https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html |
| Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) | ≈ 642 | ≈ 301 | https://www.usi.ch/en |
| University of St. Gallen | ≈ 351‑400 | ≈ 351‑400 | https://www.unisg.ch/en/ |
| University of Fribourg | ≈ 801‑850 | ≈ 401‑500 | https://uni-freiburg.de/en/ |
Best Fields of Study at Swiss Universities
There are many fields of study defined at Swiss universities which anyone can apply for based on their interests and educational background.
- Medical and Health Fields
- Engineering and Technical Fields
- Management and Business Fields
- Art and Music Fields
- Humanities Fields
- International Business and Economic Fields
Best Medical Universities in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to some of the best medical universities recognized for their advanced research and clinical training. Students intending to study medicine in Switzerland can take advantage of the excellent facilities at these universities. In this section, we will introduce the best medical universities in Switzerland.
- University of Zurich (UZH)
One of the largest and most prestigious universities in Switzerland, UZH’s Faculty of Medicine offers a wide range of medical programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. It is highly respected for its medical research, especially in the fields of neuroscience and cancer research.
- University of Geneva
The University of Geneva is recognized for its strong focus on clinical medicine, public health, and global health initiatives. Located in a city that is a center for diplomacy and international organizations, it provides unique opportunities for students to engage with global health issues.
- University of Basel
As the oldest university in Switzerland, the University of Basel is known for its strong medical faculty, especially in areas such as biomedical sciences, immunology, and pharmaceutical sciences. Its close collaboration with local hospitals ensures a high standard of clinical education.
- Lausanne University
The Faculty of Biology and Medicine at UNIL, along with the research strengths of the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) nearby, makes this university a top institution for medical studies. It is recognized for its research in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
- University of Bern
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bern is esteemed for its research and clinical education, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular diseases and neuroscience. This university also has strong ties with the Bern University Hospital, providing students with excellent practical training.
Tuition Fees at Swiss Universities
Swiss universities, like those in other parts of the world, fall into two types: public, which are mostly funded by their respective government, and private universities where tuition fees are charged.
Note that the tuition fees for public Swiss universities are not free, and at the undergraduate and master’s levels, they range from approximately 400 to 4000 euros per year. The tuition fees for the doctoral level are about 100 to 900 euros per year. You can see the tuition fees and other costs of studying in Switzerland in the table below:
🎓 Tuition Fees (Per Semester)
| University | Tuition Fee (CHF) |
|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | CHF 730 (standard) or CHF 2 190 (foreign students) |
| University of Basel | Approximately CHF 750 per semester (≈ CHF 1 500/year) |
| University of Fribourg | Likely similar to Basel (≈ CHF 700–800 per semester) – official data usually aligns with Basel fees |
🏠 Living Expenses (Estimated Monthly)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (CHF/month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared room) | Zurich: 600–900 |
| Food & groceries | 300–400 |
| Health insurance* | Zurich: 60–120; others: 80–200 |
| Transportation | 50–70 |
| Personal & other expenses | 100–200 |
| Estimated total | Zurich: 1 200–2 000 |
Affordable Universities in Switzerland
Switzerland is known for having a high cost of living, and tuition fees at Swiss universities are no exception. However, tuition fees can vary between universities. Generally, these costs are more economical for residents and citizens of Switzerland than for international students. It is essential to note that living costs in Switzerland are high; thus, even if tuition fees are relatively low, other expenses can add up. Here, we introduce the affordable universities in Switzerland:
- University of Lausanne
- University of Bern
- University of Geneva
- Northwestern University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Scholarships at Swiss Universities
There are various scholarship opportunities for international students wishing to study in Switzerland. Some of the most common sources of scholarships in Switzerland for international students include:
- Swiss Government Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by the Swiss government to promote international exchange and research collaborations. They are available for postgraduate researchers from around the world and cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances.
- Swiss University Scholarships
Many Swiss universities offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.
- ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program: One of the leading technical universities in Switzerland offers scholarships for highly qualified students (both national and international) who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university.
- University-Specific Scholarships
Some Swiss universities offer specific scholarships for international students based on academic merit, research potential, or other criteria. Prospective students should consult with their chosen university regarding available scholarship opportunities.
- Non-Government Scholarships
There are also organizations and private foundations that provide scholarships for international students studying in Switzerland. These might be specific to particular fields of study or nationalities.
It is essential to note that the availability of scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes can vary widely depending on the specific scholarship program and the university. Prospective students should thoroughly examine the scholarship options available and carefully review the application requirements and deadlines.
Deadlines for Swiss Universities
The application deadlines for Swiss universities can vary depending on the specific program, level of study, and the university itself. Generally, the deadlines for bachelor’s programs at Swiss universities are often in early in the year, typically between January and March. For postgraduate programs, including master’s and doctoral levels, deadlines may vary but are often in late fall or early winter for programs starting the following year.
You can see the deadlines for several universities in the table below.
| University | Application Deadline for 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Basel | Spring 2025: November 30, 2024 | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Fall 2025: April 30, 2025 (applications open Feb 1, 2025) | Special programs (Medicine): February 15, 2025 | |
| University of St. Gallen | Bachelor’s programs applications open October 1, 2024 | |
| University of Zurich | Application portal opens January 1, 2025 | For the upcoming academic year |
English Language Universities in Switzerland
Switzerland attracts many international students, so its universities are increasingly offering English-taught programs. Most master’s and doctoral degrees are available in English, while bachelor’s programs are mainly in German with some English options. To apply, you must submit valid English test scores like PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Here are the top English-speaking universities in Switzerland.
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Bern
- University of Basel
- University of Lausanne
- University of USI
- University of St. Gallen (HSG)
- University of Fribourg
French Language Universities in Switzerland
In Switzerland, several universities operate in French, especially in the French-speaking region known as Romandy. Some of the major French-speaking universities are:
| Université de Genève (University of Geneva) | It is one of the largest universities in Switzerland, where teaching is conducted in French and accepts many French-speaking students. This university offers a wide range of programs in French. |
| Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) | It is a well-known university that offers most programs in French and covers fields such as humanities and social sciences. |
| Université de Neuchâtel (University of Neuchâtel) | A smaller university located in the city of Neuchâtel, where education is primarily in French. This university was established in 1838. |
| Université de Fribourg (University of Fribourg) | This is a bilingual institution where programs are offered in both French and German, allowing students to choose courses in either language. |
Swiss Study Visa Requirements
The application for a Swiss study visa is a stage that takes place after receiving admission. Collecting accurate and complete documents at this stage is very important.
Additionally, the person must show that they have the financial capability to live in Switzerland, which is estimated at about 19,200 euros per year, in addition to paying university fees. At the visa stage, having a language certificate is no longer mandatory. However, there may be an interview at the embassy to check your language level.
Best Student Cities in Switzerland
Switzerland has several prominent student cities, each offering a unique combination of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and cultural richness. Here are some of the best student cities for living in Switzerland that we introduce to you.
- City of Zurich
ETH Zurich, one of the leading universities in technology and natural sciences, and the University of Zurich make this city a top academic center. Zurich combines an international atmosphere with high quality of life, allowing students to access advanced research, diverse cultural experiences, and a bustling financial district.
- City of Lausanne
Lausanne is home to École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL). Due to its scenic location along the shores of Lake Geneva and proximity to the Alps, Lausanne is ideal for students who enjoy high-quality education and outdoor activities.
- City of Geneva
The University of Geneva attracts students from around the world, especially those interested in international relations, diplomacy, and law, due to the city’s status as a global diplomatic center. Geneva is also home to numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross.
- City of Bern
Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is home to the University of Bern, known for its research in areas such as medicine, law, and political science. The city’s historical charm, combined with a tranquil atmosphere and strong academic tradition, makes it a desirable destination for students seeking a balanced university experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss Universities
- What are the three top universities in Switzerland?
ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and the University of Zurich
- How long is the student residence in Switzerland?
Students in Switzerland receive a type D residence permit, which is valid for one year and is renewed annually.
- How long are graduates allowed to search for jobs after graduation?
They are allowed to stay in the country for 6 months to search for work.
- Is it possible to obtain a dependent visa for students?
Generally, it is not possible to obtain a dependent visa except for doctoral students and those in higher levels.
Conclusion:
Switzerland offers high-quality education with reputable universities that attract students worldwide. Public universities are affordable, while private ones cost around 20,000–40,000 CHF per year. International students receive a one-year renewable residence permit, but dependent visas are limited. After graduation, students can stay for 6 months to find a job. Permanent residency and citizenship are possible after 10 years with proven integration.
For more details, ask in the comments or contact Malekpour Institute for free advice.
