Bachelor's degree in Switzerland
Switzerland offers a wide range of world-class bachelor's degrees. It is a full-time undergraduate degree which generally lasts for 3 years. However, specializations like medical and information technology may take up to five years. In a Swiss bachelor's degree, there are major and minor optional subjects. Students have to complete a total of 180 ECTS credits. Students can expect excellent academic infrastructure, global exposure, and opportunities for internships and career development. Switzerland not only offers top Swiss universities/colleges and quality higher education but there are tremendous opportunities like high salary packages once your degree is complete.
How much it cost to study in Switzerland for Bachelor's Degree
- Tuition Fees at Public Universities
- Public universities in Switzerland are subsidized by the government. Making public universities significantly more affordable for international students compared to institutions in countries like UK, USA or Canada. For international students who are participating in exchange programs, their tuition fees are typically waived.
- Tuition Fees at Private Universities
- Private universities in Switzerland tend to charge higher tuition fees. With some programs costing up to €43,000 per year at these universities. Certain institutions may offer tuition fees discounts for students who pay the full fees upfront during admissions. In some cases, tuition fees are calculated based on credit hours or the number of courses taken.
- Cost of Living in Switzerland for International Students
- Cost of living in Switzerland is quite expensive and thus managing your monthly budget without any planning will tend to be costlier than you expected. As an international student, you should plan your monthly budget of approximately €1,300 to €1,700. It needs to cover accommodation, food, transportation, academic study materials, and personal expenses. Cities like Zurich and Geneva are among the most expensive, where living costs will be €1,700 or more per month.
Additional Costs
- Health insurance
- Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Switzerland. The coffer student health insurance ranges from CHF 80 to CHF 300 per month, depending on the provider.
- Books and study materials
- On average, students should budget around CHF 100 to CHF 200 per semester for books and study materials.
- Leisure activities
- Social exercises, gym memberships, and outings could fetch an extra CHF 100 to CHF 300 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Can I study Bachelor's in Switzerland after 12th?
Yes, you'll be able study a Bachelor's degree in Switzerland after completing 12th grade from India. Swiss universities accept international students with 12 years of schooling, and many offer English-taught programs. You may need to take a language test like IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the course. Some programs might also require an entrance exam. After receiving admission, you'll apply for a Swiss student visa to start your studies.
Popular Bachelor's Degrees in Switzerland (After 12th)
| Field of Study | Popular Degree Programs | Offered By | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), International Management | SBS Swiss Business School, American Institute of Applied Sciences | English |
| Hospitality & Tourism | BBA in International Hospitality Business | Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches | English |
| Engineering & Technology | BSc in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | ETH Zurich, EPFL, OST | Mostly German |
| Design & Arts | BA in Design Management, Fine Arts, Visual Communication | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, ZHdK, ECAL | English/German |
| Social Sciences | BA in International Relations, Political Science | University of Geneva, University of St. Gallen | English/French |
| Law | Bachelor of Law (BLaw) | University of Zurich, University of Lausanne | German/French |
| Life Sciences & Health | BSc in Biology, Life Sciences | University of Basel, ETH Zurich | German |
| Tourism & Leisure Management | BSc in International Sustainable Tourism | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences | English |
| Media & Communication | BA in Communication and Media | University of Zurich, ZHAW | German |
Step to Apply for Bachelors in Switzerland
Step 1: Choose a university and a programme
The first step is to select a suitable university and program. Prospective students should consider factors such as the type of university, the language of instruction (German, French, Italian, English), level of study, and field of study. This choice is based on the student’s academic interests and career opportunities.
Step 2: Check the admission requirements
Switzerland does not have a centralized admission procedure. Each university is independent and sets its own admissions criteria. For specific information, you must contact the admissions office of the university of your choice directly.
Step 3: Apply for Admissions
Applying for admission can be done through the university's official admission portal. Applicants must submit their required information and documents via this platform. Private institutions in Switzerland may have different application procedures, so it is best to contact them directly for guidance.
Step 4: Apply for a Visa and Plan your Arrival
After receiving your admission letter, the next step is to apply for a student visa. This process involves contacting the nearest Swiss embassy or consulate and following their specific procedures. The visa application process may take time. We are here to assist you with your visa approval — ScoutAbroad, your gateway to international opportunities.
Application Deadlines for bachelor's degree in Switzerland
Types of Swiss Student Visa
Fall Semester (Main Intake)
This is the primary intake for most Swiss public universities and offers the widest range of bachelor's programs.
- Application Period Begins: January / February
- Application Deadline: Typically April 30
- Courses Start: September
Spring Semester (Limited Intake)
Only a few programs or universities offer a Spring intake, so check university websites for availability.
- Application Period Begins: September / October (Previous Year)
- Application Deadline: Typically November 30
- Courses Start: February
| University | QS World Rank 2024 | Main Intakes | Popular Bachelor's Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) | 7 | September | Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Physics |
| EPFL Lausanne | 36 | September | Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science |
| University of Zurich | 91 | September | Medicine, Economics, Law, Sciences |
| University of Geneva | 128 | September, February | International Relations, Law, Social Sciences |
| University of Basel | 124 | September | Medicine, Psychology, Biology, Law |
| University of Bern | 126 | September | Medicine, Natural Sciences, Humanities |
| University of Lausanne (UNIL) | 220 | September | Business, Law, Biology, Social Sciences |
| University of St. Gallen (HSG) | 436 | September | Business Administration, Economics, Law |
| University of Fribourg | 563 | September | Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Theology |
| Università Della Svizzera italiana (USI) | 328 | September | Architecture, Informatics, Communication, Finance |
Study Visa Requirements for Bachelor's in Switzerland
Find the list of required Documents to get a successful Switzerland Student Visa below:
- University Admission Letter
- You must have an official acknowledgment letter from a recognized Swiss university.
- Visa Type
- Apply for a long-stay National Visa (Visa D) for study purposes (Long-term course).
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Filled and signed visa application form.
- Valid Passport
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected stay.
- Proof of Budgetary Means
- Bank statements of sponsorship appearing sufficient funds (around CHF 21,000/year).
- Proof of Accommodation
- Confirmation of housing arrangements in Switzerland.
- Health Insurance
- Valid international health insurance covering your stay during studies in Switzerland.
- Motivation Letter
- Explaining your academic objectives and reasons for choosing Switzerland.
- Educational Documents
- Transcripts, certificates, and other relevant academic records.
- Police Clearance Certificate
- (If required) from your home country.
- Visa Appointment & Biometrics
- Attend a visa interview and submit biometric information at the Swiss embassy/consulate.
- Post-arrival Enrollment
- Register at the local cantonal migration office and apply for a residence permit within 14 days of your arrival in Switzerland.
How can Scoutabroad Assist You in Studying in Switzerland?
Looking to study abroad? Scoutabroad is the top consultancy for student visas and abroad study in Switzerland. We specialize in helping students navigate their path to success. Scoutabroad is leading Overseas Consultant for a bachelor's degree in Switzerland.
We provide following services for your Switzerland Student visa.
- Course Recommendations
- Get tailored advice to find the perfect course that aligns with your goals.
- University Selection
- Choose from Switzerland's top universities for your bachelor's degree, ensuring a quality education and bright future.
- Document Preparation
- Our world-class services include complete assistance with preparing and submitting admission documents.
- Scholarship Guidance
- Helps to discover and apply for scholarships to make your education more affordable.
With Scoutabroad, you'll receive expert guidance every step of the way, from selecting the ideal bachelor's degree program in Switzerland to ensuring a smooth application process. Get counseling and advice from proven experts to advise you in all the steps of Switzerland Student visa. Start your journey today with the best overseas consultancy Scoutabroad for studying abroad in Switzerland!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- How many scores do I require to study in Switzerland?
- For bachelor's degree in Switzerland, you would need Minimum of 65% in 10+2 / Class 12th, and IELTS score of 6 or more or TOEFL score of 90 or more.
- What language do I need to learn to study in Switzerland?
- For Indian students they can opt for English Language courses. Majority of international students apply for either English, French or German-taught degrees.
- Can I go to Switzerland without IELTS?
- Yes almost all Universities in Switzerland offer IELTS waiver for selected bachelor's and master's degree programs, provided they meet all the academic entry requirements of those Universities.
- What are the educational requirements to study in Switzerland?
- Below are some general requirements to study in Switzerland:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, German, French or Italian
- Application Documents: This typically includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Additional Requirements for Specific Universities: Entrance Exams
- Interviews: Interviews can be part of the admission process for certain programs.
- Can I study in Switzerland after 12th?
- Yes, you can pursue bachelor's degree / Undergraduate studies in Switzerland after completing your 12th grade. Swiss universities welcome international students, including those from India, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.
- How much does it cost to study for a bachelor's degree in Switzerland?
- Cost of study for bachelor's degree in Switzerland is different for Public and Private universities
- Public Universities: Tuition Fees are in the range from CHF 500 – CHF 3000 per semester.
- Private Universities: Tuition Fees can be higher up to CHF 20000 per year.
- How do I apply for a Swiss residence permit after arriving?
- Register with the local authorities in your area. Submit essential documents. Documents include passport, visa, proof of admission, and financial statements.
- Can I stay in Switzerland after graduation to work?
- Yes, Apply for a job search permit. It allows 6 months to find a job. Once employed you can apply for a work permit to stay.
- Are there scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, Switzerland offers scholarships for international students. Some of the scholarships are government-funded while others are provided by universities.
Ready to Kickstart Your Journey to Success?
Take the first step today by scheduling an appointment with our consultants. Simply call, email, or leave your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible