Studying in Switzerland as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Switzerland, tuition at a public university is CHF 1,000 to 2,000 for a master’s and about CHF 2,400 / yr for a bachelor’s. The canton sets the money you must show for the visa (often about CHF 21,000 a year), you can work 15 h / wk while studying, and you can stay 6 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | CHF 1,000 to 2,000Cantonal universities | About CHF 2,400 / yrCantonal universities, e.g. Zurich with its foreign-school surcharge |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | CHF 4,380 / yrEPFL and ETH, international rate | CHF 4,380 / yrEPFL and ETH, international rate |
| Money to show for the visa | Set by cantonOften about CHF 21,000 a year | |
| Health insurance | About CHF 1,200 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About CHF 300, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ CHF 53,700 | ≈ CHF 83,200 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. We have not yet linked an official source for Swiss tuition and work rules. Check the university and your canton’s migration office.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | Free movement: register with the canton |
| United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Koreaand some other passports | Rules vary by canton and nationality: check before travel |
| Most other countries | National visa and cantonal permit |
Work rights
- While studying: 15 h / wk (Usually after 6 months).
- After graduating: 6 months (To confirm with the canton).
Will my degree from Switzerland be recognized?
Only institutions accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act appear on the swissuniversities list, and that includes some private ones. ‘Business school’ is not a protected name, so other private schools can operate without accreditation, and Swiss authorities don’t recognize their qualifications.
Check an institution: swissuniversities: accredited institutions
For a bachelor’s: Your school certificate must be judged substantially equivalent to the Swiss Matura; for some countries, proof of university admission at home or an entrance exam is also required.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): You enrol in a subject; we found no general orientation year. A change of subject is allowed only in justified cases (Canton of Zurich directive).
- Medicine or dentistry: Medicine has a numerus clausus with an aptitude test, and places are in practice reserved for Swiss residents and settled foreigners (for example the University of Zurich); non-EU students coming on a study permit are generally not admitted.
- Art, design or music: Two-stage aptitude assessment (portfolio, then interview); exceptional artistic talent can replace the school-leaving certificate (for example Bern University of the Arts).
Recent official changes for Switzerland
- No rule change for Switzerland has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Switzerland
See Switzerland next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Switzerland?
Tuition at a public university is CHF 1,000 to 2,000 a year for a master’s and About CHF 2,400 / yr for a bachelor’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 2-year master’s comes to about CHF 53,700 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Switzerland?
Set by canton (Often about CHF 21,000 a year).
Can I work while studying in Switzerland?
Yes: 15 h / wk (Usually after 6 months).
Can I stay in Switzerland after graduating?
6 months (To confirm with the canton).
Other destinations
Official sources
- University of Zurich: fees
- ETH Zurich: tuition fees
- University of Fribourg: bachelor’s admission with a foreign certificate
- swissuniversities: accredited institutions
- Bern University of the Arts: Fine Arts
Information, not legal or immigration advice.