How is Switzerland as a Study Destination?

Switzerland offers a unique blend of academic excellence, breathtaking landscapes, and a high quality of life. Renowned for its prestigious universities and research institutions, Switzerland provides a world-class education in a multicultural environment. The country's stunning natural beauty, coupled with its strong economy and political stability, make it a highly desirable destination for international students.

We know that Switzerland has been a popular tourist destination for many years. But do you know that despite being an expensive affair, there’s an emerging trend of numerous students heading to Switzerland for studies? While many wonder what the trigger is, let’s discuss the factors attracting international students to the land of the Alps.

Reasons to Choose Switzerland as Your Study Abroad Destination

Switzerland is an internationally-renowned centre of excellence for teaching and research, it offers a broad range of high-quality programs in several languages and in every field of research. Besides its scenic beauty, high quality of life, and soothing climate make it an idyllic destination to live in.

1. Swiss Education – an Organised System

Higher education in Switzerland is carried out in 10 Universities, 2 Federal Institutes of Technology, and 7 Universities of Applied Sciences. While Universities and Federal Institutes of Technology are the only ones that can confer doctoral degrees, and their programs combine teaching and research, Swiss Universities and Federal Institutes of Technology have excellent international reputations and at least five of them have been ranked among the best 50 universities in the world.

Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are practice-oriented, and offer programs from engineering to business administration and arts. Moreover, Swiss universities offer a variety of exchange programs that will allow you to study and travel all over Europe, and beyond.

2. Popular Courses

Courses like Natural Sciences and Engineering are very popular with Indian students. Most Indians go for courses like Computer Sciences, Material and Electrical Engineering, IT, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Hotel Management, Language courses and MBA.

If we were to quote an example, institutes like Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) in Basel attract numerous international students each year with the scientific track record of its FMI group leaders.

Switzerland is also a hub for research and innovation. Many universities have strong research centres and collaborations with industry partners. Students get ample opportunities to participate in research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.

3. Large Indian community in Switzerland

Even though Switzerland attracts students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural campus atmosphere, feeling homesick in such a diverse student crowd is natural. But, worry not! You won’t be homesick, when you head to the land of the Alps, as the country boasts of a large Indian community. Swiss cities have a strong presence of Indian nationals. 

4. Cost of Studying in Switzerland

• Cost of Living in Switzerland: Living expenses in Switzerland are estimated between CHF 19,000 (INR 13,08,499) – and 29,000 (INR 19,97,183) – per year.
• Academic year in Switzerland: The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester of the academic year, called an autumn semester, spans from around the middle of September to the end of December; whereas the second semester called the spring semester, extends from around mid-February to the beginning of June.

This was all about Switzerland as a study abroad destination. If you wish to study abroad, reach out to Shiksha's Counselling Services for free. You can also leave your doubts in the comments section below.