Switzerland boasts one of the highest living standards in the world. This country has the most reliable banking system and a very high per capita income. Unsurprisingly, higher education in Switzerland is also exceptionally high. Not everyone can afford to study here, and the matter is not at all about the cost.
Benefits of Swiss education
Even nowadays, Swiss universities honor ancient traditions and put the quality of education above all other principles. Studying in Switzerland for Russian citizens has a number of undeniable advantages:
- unique methodologies that combine the best qualities of educational systems of other countries, including England, the United States and France;
- research in universities, which gives students practical knowledge. Scientific programs are sponsored by construction, pharmaceutical and other industries. The results of students’ labors often have a strong influence on the development of science and commerce;
- study in Switzerland is carried out in different languages, which makes it very easy for students from different parts of the world to enroll. Four languages are officially represented in the country – German, Italian, French and Romansh. In addition to them, residents are fluent in English. Thus, you will have the opportunity to study at the university and improve foreign languages;
- Swiss universities allow internships in reputable companies. You will be able to study and at the same time receive a high salary for the internship, covering your studies;
- you will have a chance to get to know the country from the inside, to travel it far and wide. The architectural and cultural features, as well as the magnificent Alps with great opportunities for mountain recreation, will not leave you indifferent;
- Studying in Switzerland for Russians opens up great opportunities for obtaining a prestigious well-paid job immediately after defending a thesis.
University of Zurich
Founded in 1833, it is one of the five best universities in the country. The most popular directions among applicants are:
- natural Sciences;
- economics and business;
- art, design;
- medical industry.
The public educational institution offers the largest number of programs in the country. Not only Swiss citizens, but also foreigners can apply here. According to statistics, every sixth student came from another country. You will have a clinic, library, research archives and museums at your disposal. In recent years, management has decided to focus on scientific industries and investigate important aspects such as climate change on the planet and the causes of population aging.
Geneva University of Economics and Finance
The private university in Geneva is relatively young: it was opened in 1984. The founders and managers decided to open branches of the institution in different countries and combine international programs. Here, not only academic knowledge is appreciated, but also the skills of students. It includes 4 schools (i.e. faculties):
- business and marketing;
- rights;
- diplomacy;
- information technologies.
Geneva College encourages the desire of applicants to study in two specialties at once, as well as to combine training and internship. Lectures are given not only by ordinary teachers, but also by the owners of a successful business. The teaching staff includes representatives of 20 nationalities.
European University – Geneva Business School
The educational institution is also not very old, it opened in 1973. The leaders of the Geneva business school tried to combine the basic principles of European education and the American economic model.
Efforts are aimed at gaining leadership qualities, fostering self-confidence and finding the most effective solutions. Among the teaching staff there are well-known top managers, financiers, business owners. The business school diploma is recognized all over the world.
Lausanne University
One of the oldest educational institutions in the country is located in Lausanne, which began its work in 1537. Differs in the high quality of teaching various disciplines, offers about 350 courses for future applicants. The most popular are “economics and business”, “medicine”, “natural sciences” and “technical sciences”. The specialties of the restaurant and hotel business are relevant.
The State University is annually ranked high in Western rankings. Part of the activity is directed towards research. The diploma does not require confirmation in other states.
World Trade Institute
It was formed in 1999, becoming one of the main scientific centers in the country. He specializes in various areas of law and economics. Most of all, this educational institution will be of interest to those who plan to continue their postgraduate education.
Lugano University
This institution is also often called the University of Italian Switzerland. It was founded in 1996, the buildings are located in two cities at once (the second is Mendrisio). Every year it accepts applicants from more than 100 countries. The percentage of foreign students is over 60.
Lugano University focuses on scientific research in computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics. These industries are among the most popular and highly paid in our time. University teaching is conducted not only in English, but also in Italian. The University organizes internships for its students in specialized organizations.
Swiss universities in world rankings
The well-deserved QS Ranking included four higher educational institutions of the country in the top 100 at once. This includes:
- Swiss Higher Technical School;
- University of Zurich;
- University of Lausanne;
- University of Geneva.
By the way, the Higher Technical School of Zurich annually enters the top ten world-renowned rankings – QS and THE. In addition to this Swiss institution, only universities in England and the United States are in the top ten.
How to choose a university in Switzerland
Before submitting documents, you must determine for yourself the following points:
- the amount you are willing to spend on training;
- courses and specialty you want to get.
Features of studying at Swiss universities
The education system consists of:
- bachelor’s degree – training lasts 3-4 years, depending on the specialty;
- Master’s degree – lasts 1-2 years. If you want to build a career in this country, then a master’s degree is a must;
- doctoral studies – 12 universities in the country are eligible to award Ph.D. It takes 3 years to study in graduate school.
Monitoring of progress is carried out through oral and written examinations, thesis and a six-point grading scale.
Is it difficult to do
The country’s educational institutions are happy to accept foreigners, but they must be 18 years old. An important condition is the knowledge of the language in which the teaching is conducted (most often it is English). Features of training:
- medical education in Switzerland is in great demand, but it is almost impossible to get it for residents of other countries. There is always a limited number of seats;
- to enter, a person must have been at school for at least 11 years, know English, have a diploma;
- enrollment is possible only for those who completed 2 courses of the university in their homeland;
- the prospective student must pass a single exam.
Required documents for admission to the University of Switzerland
Mandatory package of papers that must be provided:
- a statement that will be written according to the established model;
- personal characteristic;
- autobiography;
- academic reference.
The university will consider the application for at least two months.
Average cost of tuition and student living
Private universities are quite expensive. Public institutions offer a low price by European standards, but very high requirements for future students. More detailed prices can be found on the official websites of the universities. Education in Switzerland is also possible for free, the most gifted young people are given a grant. The budget of which will cover living expenses.
| University | Cost per semester |
| University of Zurich | 720 francs |
| University of Geneva | 6450 francs |
| Geneva Business School | 6400 francs |
| Lausanne University | 580 francs |
| World Trade Institute | 6000 francs |
| Lugano University | 4000 francs |
The high standard of living determines the high prices for housing and food in the country. Although, if you compare with Moscow, life in Zurich, Geneva and other cities is even cheaper for Russian citizens. Renting a room on a student campus will cost about 700 francs, and for a one-room apartment you have to pay 1200-1500 francs per month. Meals will cost approximately 500 francs a month. Transport costs are 250 francs each month, insurance will cost the same amount.
