Public Universities in Switzerland: Full Guide to Study, Admissions, Costs, and Courses (2025-26)
By Ravi Kumar · Senior Visa & Student Financial Policy Analyst · Published 2025-06-19T12:17:36.279Z
This comprehensive guide explains everything about public universities in Switzerland, including top institutions, course details, tuition fees, scholarship options, language requirements, visa process, and student life — perfect for those planning to study in Switzerland in 2025.
Introduction: Why Study in Switzerland ?
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries in the world. It is located in the heart of Europe and is known for its high standard of living , clean cities, excellent healthcare , and stunning landscapes. But apart from this, Switzerland is also a top destination for higher education .
The country is home to some of the best public universities in the world, offering quality education at low tuition fees , especially for EU and non-EU international students . Many students across the globe choose Swiss universities because of their focus on research , innovation , and global exposure .
This article is a complete guide about public universities in Switzerland . It is written in very simple and easy English to help students, parents, and anyone interested in studying abroad. You will learn everything: the names of the top public universities, fee structures, admission process, language requirements, scholarships, cost of living, student life, and much more.
What Is a Public University ?
Public universities are government-funded institutions. They offer undergraduate , postgraduate , and doctoral degrees . Public universities in Switzerland are known for:
Low tuition fees
High academic standards
Focus on research and innovation
Excellent job placements
International student-friendly rules
Highlights of Swiss Higher Education
Feature
Details
Language of instruction
German , French , Italian , English
Degrees offered
Bachelor , Master , Ph.D.
Number of public universities
12 major ones
Academic year
Starts in September
Work allowed during study
Yes, part-time jobs allowed
Post-study visa
Allowed for job hunting
Scholarship options
Available for international students
Top Public Universities in Switzerland
Let’s explore the most famous and best-ranked public universities in Switzerland.
1. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
World Ranking: Top 10 globally
Location: Zurich
Language: Mostly English and German
Tuition Fees: Approx. CHF 730 per semester
Known for: Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
ETH Zurich is the most popular university in Switzerland. It is known for top-notch research, Nobel prize -winning faculty, and a global student community.
2. EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Location: Lausanne
Language: French and English
Tuition Fees: CHF 730 per semester
Known for: Engineering, AI, Technology, Energy, Robotics
EPFL is ETH Zurich’s sister institute in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It is a hub of innovation and modern tech studies.
3. University of Zurich
Location: Zurich
Language: German, with some English courses
Tuition Fees: CHF 720 per semester
Known for: Law, Economics, Medicine, Liberal Arts
4. University of Geneva
Location: Geneva
Language: French and English
Tuition Fees: CHF 500 per semester
Known for: Political Science, International Relations, Law, Medicine
5. University of Bern
Location: Bern
Language: German and English
Tuition Fees: CHF 750 per semester
Known for: Biblical Studies, Climate Sciences, Legal Studies
6. University of Basel
Location: Basel
Language: German mostly
Tuition Fees: CHF 850 per semester
Known for: Life Sciences, Pharma research, Humanities
7. University of Lausanne
Location: Lausanne
Language: French
Tuition Fees: CHF 580 per semester
Known for: Business, Biology, Environmental Science
8. University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Location: St. Gallen
Language: German, English in graduate programs
Tuition Fees: CHF 1,226 per semester
Known for: Business, Economics, Law
9. Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Location: Lugano
Language: Italian, English
Tuition Fees: CHF 4,000/year
Known for: Architecture, Faculty of Informatics, Communication Sciences
Comparison Table of Swiss Public Universities (2025)
University Name
City
Language
Tuition Fees (CHF)
Best Known For
ETH Zurich
Zurich
English/German
730/semester
Engineering, Science
EPFL
Lausanne
French/English
730/semester
Technology, Engineering
University of Zurich
Zurich
German
720/semester
Law, Medicine, Economics
University of Geneva
Geneva
French
500/semester
International Relations
University of Bern
Bern
German/English
750/semester
Climate Research, Law
University of Basel
Basel
German
850/semester
Medicine, Humanities
University of Lausanne
Lausanne
French
580/semester
Business, Environment Science
University of St. Gallen
St. Gallen
German/English
1,226/semester
Business and Law
USI
Lugano
Italian
4,000/year
Architecture, Communication
Language Requirements
Many undergraduate programs are taught in German, French, or Italian. However, there are many English-taught Master’s programs .
For Non-Native Speakers:
Language
Common Tests Accepted
Required Score
English
IELTS, TOEFL
IELTS 6.0–7.0 / TOEFL 80–100
German
TestDaF, Goethe Zertifikat
Intermediate to Advanced Level
French
DELF/DALF
B2 or higher
Italian
CELI, CILS
B2 or higher
Admission Process for International Students
Step-by-Step Guide:
Choose Your Program and University
Check Entry Requirements and Language Needs
Submit Online Application via University Website
Attach Documents
Academic Transcripts (with English translation)
Language Certificate
Passport Copy
CV (for Master’s programs)
Recommendation Letters (if required)
Wait for Acceptance Letter
Pay Enrollment Fees
Apply for Swiss Student Visa
Book Accommodation and Plan Travel
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Switzerland
Tuition Fees
Swiss public university fees are very low compared to other countries.
Student Type
Tuition (CHF/year)
Swiss National
1,000 – 2,000
EU/EEA Student
1,000 – 2,500
Non-EU International
1,000 – 4,000
ETH Zurich and EPFL have some of the lowest fees considering their high global ranking.
Cost of Living
Expense Type
Monthly Estimate (CHF)
Accommodation
600 – 900
Food
300 – 500
Transportation
50 – 100
Health Insurance
100 – 150
Books & Supplies
50 – 100
Total
1,100 – 1,800
Scholarships Available
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
For Master’s and PhD students
Covers tuition + living expenses
Highly competitive
University-Based Scholarships
Most public universities offer:
Tuition fee waivers
Monthly living stipend
Excellence-based awards for top students
External Scholarships
Erasmus+ for European students
DAAD (if doing part program in Germany)
Can International Students Work While Studying ?
Yes. As an international student:
You can work up to 15 hours per week during study
Up to 40 hours per week during holidays
Stay Back Options After Graduation
After completing your studies, you can:
Apply for a 6-month residence permit to find a job
If you get a job offer, you can apply for a work visa
With 5+ years of legal residence, apply for Swiss Permanent Residency
Switzerland’s economy is strong, offering jobs in IT , finance , pharma , research , and tourism .
Student Life in Switzerland
Campus Life
Modern facilities and high-tech labs
Access to libraries and research centers
Student associations and clubs
Sports facilities, swimming pools, gyms
Cities Popular for Students
City
Known For
Zurich
Finance, technology, vibrant lifestyle
Lausanne
Tech, student-friendly, safety
Geneva
International organizations, law
Bern
Peaceful life, culture, history
Basel
Pharmaceuticals, arts and museums
Lugano
Italian flair, lakeside town, design
Pros and Cons of Studying at Swiss Public Universities
Pros
Affordable education compared to UK, USA
Safe and clean environment
High-paying job opportunities after graduation
World-class research opportunities
Good public transport and healthcare
Cons
High cost of living
Multilingual requirement in some courses
Limited scholarships (very competitive)
Final Thoughts
Swiss public universities give you a chance to study at some of the world’s top-ranked institutions at a very low cost. The education is practical, research-driven, and globally respected. Whether you're interested in science, business, engineering, law, social sciences, or the arts — Switzerland has something for you.
The beautiful environment, peaceful cities, and a balanced lifestyle add more value to your academic life. If you want an affordable yet world-class education in Europe, Switzerland should definitely be on your list.
So, start your planning today. Choose the right university, prepare your documents, apply early, and take one step closer to your future in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in a Swiss public university if I only speak English?
Yes, many Master’s and PhD programs in Swiss public universities are offered in English. However, for most Bachelor’s programs, knowledge of the local language (German, French, or Italian) is usually required depending on the location of the university.
Do Swiss public universities have January or Summer intakes?
Most public universities in Switzerland follow a single intake system starting in September. Some specialized programs may have a Spring intake, but it's not very common. Always check the official university page for accurate information.
Are there entrance exams to get into public universities in Switzerland?
Generally, there is no entrance exam for Swiss public universities. Admission is based on academic merit and language proficiency test results. Some specific courses, like medicine or art, may require internal evaluations or interviews.
Is it possible to transfer from a university in India to a Swiss public university?
Transfer is not common but may be accepted in special situations, particularly for similar credit systems. It is usually better to apply fresh for a Bachelor's or Master's program with recognition of past courses.
How much bank balance is required for a Swiss student visa?
To get a Swiss student visa, you must show proof of sufficient funds. As of 2025, this is around CHF 21,000 in your bank account to cover one year of living expenses. However, it’s best to confirm with the Swiss Embassy in your country.