Switzerland boasts several cantonal universities, federal institutes of technology, and prestigious private institutes. Swiss education is highly regarded internationally. You may apply to a Swiss higher education institution, depending on your country of origin. Here's a summary of the entry requirements and administrative procedures for studying 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.
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.
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.
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)
Since 2014, Switzerland has not been directly involved in the Erasmus+ program. Instead, it has its own program, the Switzerland-Europe Mobility Exchange Program (SEMP), funded by the Swiss government. This program is available to all students who wish to study at a Swiss university.
Students whose home university partners with a Swiss university are eligible for the program.
The exchange can last up to 12 months per study cycle (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate).
You will receive a scholarship of CHF 1,600 per semester (CHF 400 per month) for the duration of the exchange, whether it's one or two semesters.
Participants in this program remain enrolled at their home university, so they do not need to pay tuition fees to the Swiss university.
For more information on international mobility opportunities, visit the Movetia website.
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