Study in Switzerland
Table of Contents
There is no doubt that Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries within Europe. Home to more than eight million residents, the country’s world-class universities attract countless prospective students looking for quality higher education
Switzerland is home to much more than chocolate and cuckoo clocks. Spectacular Alpine mountain ranges are flanked by crystal-clear bodies of water such as Lake Geneva. You will also be in for a treat in regards to the culture to be found here. The history of Switzerland can be traced back to at least 450 BCE and these lands have been occupied ever since.
To most people, Switzerland is best known for its watches, cheese, private banking and natural beauties. None of these, however, are the main reasons many young people decide to study in this country. There are many other arguments in favour of studying in this central European country.
Its legal framework serves as a benchmark in many countries, and most laws are voted on at a referendum, so they can be truly considered the will of the people.
Studying In Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for excellent education. All Swiss universities excel in teaching and research, resulting in their consistent ranking among the best universities in the world. Swiss universities are ranked amongst the top 200 universities worldwide and around 50% of all students in Switzerland can claim to attend one of those top institutes. There are seven public and two private Universities of Applied Sciences which focus on professional orientation. Public universities provide academic education which is highly regarded anywhere in the world at the prices affordable to the Swiss but also to foreigners. Switzerland is world renowned for innovations Owing to the high educational standards of its universities, Switzerland is an innovative and competitive country. Swiss scientists are held in high esteem worldwide. Switzerland hosts many reputable institutions, such as the CERN Institute, based in Geneva. Private sector makes ample investments in research, particularly in the pharmaceutical, chemical and engineering sectors. you will regularly see many Swiss universities in the world’s top 100 ranked universities – most notably ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Zurich and the University of Geneva.
Reasons to study in Switzerland
Quality Higher Education
Most important for any student considering a study abroad experience is the reputation of any possible university. Look no further than Switzerland’s top-class higher education system. Offering an innovative environment for students and researchers to express their autonomy while receiving a quality, global-minded education, Swiss universities emphasize quality. Take, for example, Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, which offers students from around the world a prestigious education in the hospitality sector.
An International Network
According to Studying in Switzerland, nearly 25% of the student population in Switzerland is comprised of international students. That’s great news for a student who has newly arrived in Switzerland, as meeting other international students will be the quickest way to make friends and grow both your social and professional network. It’s also the perfect way to open your mind to new customs and traditions and even learn a new language!
High Class Cities
If you tried your luck at sports, but they still aren’t your thing—no worries! Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and sophisticated urban centers. The metropolitan life is at its finest in Switzerland’s big cities. Walk the picturesque streets of Zurich’s old town or visit the United Nations’ European headquarters at the Palace of Nations in Geneva. You will fall in love no matter in which city you decide to settle.
The Rest of Europe at Your Doorstep
Now that you’ve made some new friends and explored what Switzerland has to offer, it’s time to venture out and see the rest of Europe. Switzerland borders five other European countries and is well connected to all of them! Well-connected and efficient, Switzerland’s transportation system is ready to make your dream weekend getaway into a reality. So, cross the border into Germany and check out the Black Forest, or make your way south into Italy and visit one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals, Milan.
General requirements to Study In Switzerland
1-A signed printout of your application form
2-Copy of identity document
3-Official academic transcript(s) from each university you attended
4-Language proficiency certificates (German/French/English)
6- Passport
7-Proof of financial means
SWITZERLAND STUDENT VISA
Visas and permits to study in Switzerland
If you want to come to Switzerland to study at a university or equivalent, first you must find a course and get accepted onto it. Once you have confirmation that you have a place (a certificate of enrolment), you can apply for a visa (if you need one) to study in Switzerland.
For courses of up to three months – summer courses, language schools – you may need a short-term Schengen C visa; for courses longer than three months, you may need a long-term national D visa.
You’ll need to apply for a visa through the Embassy of Switzerland. You’ll need to complete an application form and submit supporting documentation, in English.
For short-term Schengen C visas, documentation includes:A valid passport/travel IDProof of adequate financial resources to cover your costs while you’re in
SwitzerlandHealthcare/accident insurance;Confirmation of booked courses including fees paid;
FOR A LONG-TERM D VISAS, DOCUMENTS WILL INCLUDE:
A valid passport/travel ID
Proof of adequate financial resources to cover your costs while you’re in Switzerland, whether yourself or a sponsor, such as copies of bank statements or a letter from the bank
Proof of healthcare insurance which includes cover for accidents
Motivation letter outlining why you want to come to Switzerland to study and how this will be beneficial to your career
Confirmation of course fees paid.
Confirmation of enrolment at a recognized Swiss educational institution.
Your CV.
A signed letter confirming that you will leave Switzerland at the end of the course.
Copies of previous educational certificates and diplomas.
You may also be asked to sit a language test to make sure that you will be able to follow lessons.
Accommodation
In Switzerland, only a few universities offer the opportunity to live directly on campus. But there are many other possibilities:
1.Student residence A student residence is a very practical solution. Warning: the number of rooms in student residences is limited!
2.Free housing market / Apartment-sharing
You will find rooms on the free housing market. Many students choose to share a flat. The prices can vary significantly depending on the city. Swiss universities provide you with information about housing in the area.
3.University Can Help You
The easiest way of finding a place where to stay is to search for a university accommodation, should there be any available. Unless you can afford to rent a private accommodation, this should be the perfect choice in order to save some money. There are numerous housing offices available that could be easily checked on the universities’ websites. Universities offer rooms for international students for a cheaper price in comparison to a private accommodation. To lead you into some insight The bad side of it is that there is a limited number of rooms, so it is advisable to apply in advance, possibly few months before your departure. If you are lucky to get first to the room, you will probably live close to university, to the centre and to other facilities, and in addition to that you will spend less money during your stay.
4.Live With a Swiss Family
If you are interested into getting to know the locals and experience their lifestyle along learning better a foreign language, the perfect option is to live with them. Some students prefer to rent a room in a flat or house of a Swiss family in order to experience the stay from an insider point of view. It is a great idea, because you can have a unique life experience and bond with a second family, to which you can ask for further help if you get on well with it. Sometimes homestays may actually be a cheaper solution as some family offer affordable prices.
Transportation
Public transport in Switzerland
With a reliable, efficient, clean and safe public transport network, it is easy to get around without a car in Switzerland. Train, tram and bus networks cover the entire country, and there are also extensive cycling routes, with bicycles easy to organize.
Buses, boats, trams, trains, and cable cars are all part of a coordinated and well organized infrastructure, with information and timetables available online and from tourism information centres.
Working during Studying in Switzerland
It is a common experience for students to work during their studies. In practice working while studying is difficult, but not impossible. Having a part-time job can give students valuable work skills and essential work habits. But here is the tricky thing: How to balance education and work as a college student? This is the question that has been bothering students for a while…
If you are an international student looking for a job in Switzerland, here are the things we thought you should know to help you through the job search process:International students cannot work more than 15 hours a week (you don’t have to worry about it taking over your entire time).During semester holidays international students can work up to 100%.Students from outside the EU/EFTA countries may start working only 6 months after starting their degree program.
Life after graduation
After graduating, non-EU students are allowed to stay in Switzerland for six months to try and look for a job in their field. However, they can only do this if they obtain a residency permit. Whilst looking for a permanent job on your residency permit, you are only allowed to work for a maximum of 15 hours per week.
In contrast, EU nationals can utilise their right to freely choose their place of employment or residence, in accordance with The Bilateral Agreement on the free movement of persons throughout EU states, so it usually easier for them to find job opportunities.
Tips for finding a graduate career in Switzerland
Make sure you apply early. Particularly if you are a non-EU student, you only have 6 months to find a job before your residency permit is up, so you have to be ready to apply for graduate jobs in your final semester.Learn the language for your area. Switzerland is quite unique in that it has four national languages. Make sure you are aware of what language your local area speaks the most, and try to learn it. Although most universities have English-taught degrees, it will probably be harder to find English-speaking jobs.