Technical universities and research institutions offer specialised science and engineering routes. Compare the research group and curriculum behind a university name.
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STUDY IN EUROPE
Undergraduate & postgraduate study
Undergraduate & postgraduate study
Study in Switzerland
Technical research, life sciences, business and hospitality study, with multilingual campuses and high living costs.
Undergraduate tuition
CHF 870–CHF 8,000
public research universities / year · CHF
Typical fee range
Academic year 2026/27
Postgraduate tuition
CHF 870–CHF 8,000
public research universities / year · CHF
Typical fee range
Academic year 2026/27
Living budget / month
CHF 1,850
Reference budget · see conditions below
Why students choose Switzerland
English-taught master’s courses coexist with undergraduate programmes often taught in German, French or Italian. Programme language and local language are separate planning decisions.
Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva offer different research and professional environments. Tuition at public institutions may be manageable, but housing and everyday costs need a substantial budget.
Explore strengths in
Engineering
Technology
Business
Health
Universities & courses
Undergraduate courses
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Business & economics
- Life sciences
- Architecture
- Hospitality management
Postgraduate courses
- Robotics
- Data science
- Engineering
- Life sciences
- Finance
- Hospitality management
Universities & institutions
QS World University Rankings 2027 · Overall
ETH Zurich
QS 2027 · =8 overallEPFL
QS 2027 · =22 overallUniversity of Zurich
QS 2027 · =98 overallIntakes & start dates
When can you start?
September is the main degree start at Swiss universities. Spring-semester entry is possible only on selected programmes. Confirm the degree’s language, intake and early international application deadline.
Start dates vary by programme.
Tuition & living costs
Typical fee range
Academic year 2026/27
Typical fee range
Academic year 2026/27
What these tuition figures coverFor 2026/27, the national university fee table gives foreign-student bachelor’s and master’s tuition of CHF 435–4,000 per semester across public research universities. Two semesters correspond to CHF 870–8,000 annually. This is a sector range, not a national average; other compulsory charges, applied-science institutions and private or hospitality programmes are outside this figure.
The national student budget is around CHF 1,850 per month, including course supplies, housing, food, personal spending, basic insurance, transport and communications. Tuition is additional. This is a planning reference, not a 2026 city survey; the national page does not specify its budget year, and actual rent or insurance may be higher.
Part-time work & careers
15 hours / week · after six months
For non-EU/EFTA students, supplementary work can normally begin no earlier than six months after study starts, with a maximum of 15 hours weekly outside holidays. Cantonal approval, an employer application and university confirmation of study compatibility are required. Check holiday and any exception rules with the canton.
After your degree
Qualifying third-country graduates of a Swiss higher-education institution have six months after completion to seek work matching their qualification. Admission to employment still requires approval; the graduate exception depends on overriding scientific or economic interest. A degree does not guarantee a work permit.
Career fields to investigate
Notable student cities
Zurich
Technical and university research alongside finance and technology; housing is expensive.
Lausanne
A French-speaking university setting with engineering, science and research.
Geneva
University study, international organisations and a multilingual professional environment.