Switzerland is an ideal location for international students considering studying abroad, with top-tier universities, an ideal student/faculty ratio and cutting-edge research facilities. Furthermore, Switzerland has been consistently recognized as an innovative nation over eight years running – making it an attractive option for students interested in contributing towards creating a sustainable future.
The University of Zurich is Switzerland’s largest university and attracts many international students each year. It boasts three faculties: Life Sciences & Medicine; Humanities & Social Sciences; and Science & Technology; many of its Master’s degree programmes are taught entirely in English.
University of Geneva is another top choice, boasting approximately 16,000 students – 40% of whom are international. It prides itself on providing innovative scientific knowledge to real-life challenges through practical applications and has earned itself a stellar reputation for research excellence.
Most Swiss universities adhere to the Bologna system, awarding degrees based on credit earned; thus a bachelor’s degree typically takes three to four years, while masters degrees typically require 1.5-2 years for completion and doctorates degrees may require up to five years for completion.
Scholarships are available for those wishing to study in Switzerland. Scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses and will typically be awarded based on a strong cover letter that details why and how you wish to study there, future plans, and confirmation that after finishing studies you intend to leave.
As well as scholarships, Switzerland also provides various forms of financial aid options for those wishing to study there. These may be used by both part and full-time students depending on available funding; such options could include monthly allowances, housing accommodations or airfare expenses.
Living costs can be high in Switzerland, particularly the larger cities. But there are ways to minimize expenses by renting an affordable flat or shared accommodation; selecting a more cost-efficient city; using public transport as much as possible and by opting for cheaper routes.
Swiss people may initially appear cold and distant, but they’re actually friendly and helpful – especially towards newcomers looking for assistance settling in. Furthermore, Switzerland boasts excellent education levels and an elevated standard of living which makes finding employment much simpler if you hold a business or IT degree.