With a high quality of life and education, Switzerland is one of the finest study abroad destinations you will find. It's home to some of the top-rated universities in the world, and consistently ranks as one of Europe's happiest places. So, if the question is 'why study in Switzerland?', there are many convincing answers. Read on to discover them.
Switzerland has top universities
Switzerland has some of the most highly regarded universities in the world. The country's top two institutions, EPFL and ETH Zurich, consistently rank inside the top 40 of the QS World University Rankings, with the latter holding a firm place in the top 10.
In the 2024 rankings, Switzerland had a total of six universities in the top 150, which is highly impressive for a country with a smaller population than London.
Want to know what you need to do to study at one of these top-class institutions? Read our advice on how to apply to a Swiss university.
Tuition fees are low
Tuition fees in Switzerland are some of the cheapest in Europe. Many of the country's public universities charge less than CHF 1,500 per academic year to all students. Of course, the cost differs between universities – with private institutions often charging more – so it is worth checking each one individually.
Additionally, there will be other costs associated with studying. These can include charges for applications and entrance examinations. In general, though, your budget will not be dented too much more by this. As such, you may well be able to save your money to spend on going out, having fun and exploring the country. After all, why study in Switzerland if you aren't going to take a look around?
If you still want a little more help with financing your studies, it might be worth checking our list of scholarships for international students in Switzerland.
There is a lot to see in the country and nearby
Switzerland is home to stunning natural wonders, from the mountainous Alps to the spectacular Lake Geneva by their side. You will never get tired of exploring these places, which offer endless opportunities to experience the country at its most serene, as well as its most dramatic.
The country is also bordered by France, Germany and Italy. As a byproduct of this, it has four different national languages, and is a hugely diverse place to live. International students are welcome, and in a great position to learn a brand new language – or maybe even a few.
Interested in learning a new language for your study abroad journey? Take a look at our guide to the top language learning apps for international students.
Switzerland offers great career opportunities
Switzerland has one of the highest average salaries in Europe, and some huge companies have offices in the country. So, studying there can lead to some extremely promising and prestigious career opportunities.
Although it can be difficult for non-EU students to get a visa to stay in the country after graduation, it may soon become easier. Lawmakers recently voted in favour of relaxing restrictions on students in this category. If plans are approved, it could become considerably more straightforward for them to work in the country for longer than the six months to which they are currently entitled.
As mentioned above, if you do manage to secure a good job in Switzerland, your pay should reflect it. In 2022, the country's average salary was recorded at CHF 64,500 (USD 73,000), a figure that is bettered by only a handful of others.
Looking to learn more about your options after finishing university in the country? Read our tips on how to find a graduate career in Switzerland.
The quality of life is high
Swiss cities are continually ranked among the best in the world for living standards. Although they can be expensive, wages are high and the crime rate is low – making the likes of Geneva, Zurich and Basel some of the happiest places in Europe.
Switzerland also has a brilliant transport infrastructure, making it easy to travel around and get to know your surroundings. Plus, thanks to its abundance of picturesque countryside, even the journeys themselves will be memorable.
Those who love the outdoors will love living in Switzerland. With so many green areas, from the lakes to the Alps, you will never run out of places to visit. To give you an idea of where to start, try our list of the best things to do in Switzerland.
Has all of this convinced you of why studying in Switzerland is such a good idea? Take a look at where you can do it with our list of Swiss universities.
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