Studying in Switzerland

Studying in English and other teaching languages

English-taught degrees in Switzerland are available, but the range of options depends primarily on the level of study. At bachelor’s level, many universities teach in the language of their region. ETH Zurich requires German, while French is the main teaching language for undergraduate programmes at EPFL.

This does not mean you have to rule out an English-taught programme after secondary school. USI offers degrees in English in subjects including informatics and data science, as well as an English-language track in economics. English-taught options are also available at business schools, hospitality schools and private universities.

You will find more options among English-taught master’s programmes, particularly in science, engineering, economics and management. It is important to distinguish between programmes taught entirely in English and those that combine several languages. At St. Gallen, you can begin the economics track of the introductory year in English. However, the subsequent Business Administration programme, for example, also requires some ECTS credits in the second language, either German or English.

Subjects you can study

Switzerland is particularly well known for computer science, engineering, mathematics and the natural sciences. ETH Zurich and EPFL offer programmes for students interested in areas such as programming, data analysis, electronics, architecture and new technologies. Students build a strong theoretical foundation and then apply it in laboratory classes and project work.

Economics, finance and management are also prominent fields. St. Gallen specialises in business and the social sciences, while universities in Zurich and Lugano allow students to combine an interest in economics with other disciplines. Humanities, law, psychology and communication studies are also available.

Hotel and hospitality management is another distinct area of study. Schools such as EHL and Glion combine business education with preparation for careers in hotels, food service and the wider service sector. Programmes include practical classes and, depending on the institution, internships and projects addressing specific industry challenges.

Most recognized universities in Switzerland

EPFL

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, or EPFL, is Switzerland’s other major technical university. Based in Lausanne, it focuses on science, engineering and technology, with a campus that encourages collaboration across specialisms. Project work plays an important role, including student initiatives supported by the university and its laboratory facilities. Undergraduate programmes are taught mainly in French, while many master’s programmes use English.

University of Zurich

The University of Zurich is the country’s largest university and has a much broader academic scope than nearby ETH. Its subjects include economics, law, the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences. Its extensive offering covers both established disciplines and more specialised fields, such as computational linguistics. The university is part of Zurich’s large academic and research community, which also includes university hospitals, museums and research institutions.

University of St Gallen

The University of St Gallen, also known as HSG, is particularly associated with management, economics and finance. Its offering also includes law, international affairs and computer science. Students on economics-related degree programmes begin with the Assessment Year, an introductory year that provides the foundation for further specialisation. Business programmes combine management with economics, law and a wider social context. Some classes are available in English, but the language requirements depend on the chosen programme.

Università della Svizzera italiana

USI operates in the Italian-speaking part of the country, mainly in Lugano, while its Academy of Architecture is based in Mendrisio. Its subjects include informatics, economics, communication and architecture. The university stands out for its smaller scale and international environment, and its English-taught bachelor’s degrees are an important option for applicants who do not speak German or French. The informatics programme combines the foundations of computer science with projects and practical applications of technology.

Applying to universities in Switzerland

The Polish Matura can serve as an entry qualification, but it does not automatically provide access to every degree programme. Universities set their own requirements for subjects, results and previous education. In some cases, applicants must also provide proof of admission to a relevant degree programme in the country where they obtained their school-leaving qualification, or meet additional eligibility requirements.

Language also matters. The required level and accepted certificates depend on the university and programme. Good English alone is not enough for degrees taught in German or French. For master’s applications, universities assess not only your degree but also how the courses you have completed match the requirements of your chosen programme.

The application process may require:

• your school-leaving certificate or previous degree certificate, together with a transcript of grades;
• proof of language proficiency;
• required translations and an identity document;
• depending on the programme, a CV, motivation letter, references or portfolio;
• an additional examination or another form of assessment, if required by the university.

There is no single application deadline for all institutions. At Tuteer, we help you choose universities, assess their requirements and prepare your application, taking your results, language skills and deadlines into account. This means you know which documents and any examinations you will need while you are still preparing.

The cost of studying in Switzerland

Tuition fees at public universities

Tuition fees vary considerably. Public university tuition fees in Switzerland range from a few hundred to several thousand Swiss francs per semester. At the University of Geneva, the standard semester fee is CHF 500. At the University of Zurich, the basic tuition fee is CHF 720, with international bachelor’s students generally paying a CHF 500 surcharge as well as additional compulsory fees.

At ETH Zurich and EPFL, many new students arriving from abroad pay tuition fees of CHF 2,190 per semester, plus other charges. A lower rate applies to students who meet specific criteria. Citizenship of an EU country alone does not automatically qualify you for lower tuition fees. Other universities, including St. Gallen, also charge international students higher fees.

Private universities

Costs at private institutions are on a different scale. Tuition fees can reach tens of thousands of Swiss francs per year, with accommodation, meals and additional programme components potentially charged separately. At hospitality schools, the structure of the full programme also matters, including practical training and internship periods.

Examples include Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano, which offers an English-language liberal arts education, and Glion, which specialises in hotel business and hospitality. Private institutions offer their own scholarships and forms of financial aid. Support depends on each institution’s rules and is not awarded automatically. Even with a partial scholarship, students may still have a substantial amount to cover.

Living costs in Switzerland

Living expenses often make up the largest part of the budget. For initial planning, allow around CHF 2,000 to CHF 2,500 per month, excluding tuition fees, although more expensive housing or a more costly lifestyle can increase this considerably. This is an indicative budget, rather than a fixed amount that applies to every city and every student.

Accommodation is usually the biggest expense. A room in a shared student flat or a place in student accommodation can help keep costs under control, while renting a flat on your own requires a larger budget. You will also need to cover food, transport, health insurance, your phone and everyday essentials. At the start of your stay, you should also budget for a deposit and moving costs.

In practice, annual living costs may come to around CHF 24,000 to CHF 30,000, with university fees on top. When planning your finances, it is therefore important to account for a full year of living expenses, including months without classes if you are still paying rent.

Scholarships for international students

Scholarships in Switzerland are available, but there is no single system that covers every international student’s costs. At bachelor’s level in particular, you need a realistic funding plan that does not assume financial aid will be awarded.

At master’s level, there are established programmes for outstanding applicants. ETH Zurich’s Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme combines financial support with mentoring. EPFL’s Master Excellence Fellowships provide selected students with CHF 10,000 per semester. Places are limited, and academic performance plays a significant role.

Some private universities also offer their own scholarships. As part of the application process, Tuteer helps you consider the funding opportunities available and the documents needed to apply for support.

Residence and work during your studies

Polish citizens do not need a student visa, but a longer stay requires the completion of Swiss administrative formalities. After arriving, you must register your residence and obtain the appropriate permit. Requirements include proof of university admission, sufficient funds to support yourself and suitable health insurance.

Working while studying in Switzerland is possible, usually for up to 15 hours per week during the semester. Notification or authorisation requirements depend on your citizenship and residence status. Students from outside the EU and EFTA face additional restrictions, generally including a six-month waiting period before they can start work. Employment can supplement your budget, but it should not be your only source of funding for studying abroad.