
Kuliah di
Switzerland
Switzerland is globally recognised for its high-quality education system, world-class research, and exceptional standard of living. Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is home to some of the most prestigious universities and hospitality institutions in the world, offering internationally respected degrees across fields such as business, engineering, hospitality, finance, science, and international relations.
Known for its political stability, safety, and innovation-driven economy, Switzerland provides students with a multicultural environment where German, French, Italian, and English are widely used in academic settings. With strong industry connections and an emphasis on practical learning, Switzerland is an ideal destination for students seeking both academic excellence and global career opportunities.
Informasi Edukasi
International students (non-EU/EFTA) are required to apply for a Swiss National (D) Student Visa before entering Switzerland. Processing times can take 8-12 weeks, so early application is strongly recommended. Applications are first submitted to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of residence and then forwarded to the relevant cantonal migration office in Switzerland for approval, which accounts for the extended processing timeline. It is advisable to apply at least 3-4 months before the program start date, with some cantons recommending applications up to 6 months in advance during peak periods.
Required Documents for Student Visa (Type D):
Upon Arrival in Switzerland:
Within 14 days of arrival, all international students must register at the local Residents' Registration Office (Einwohnerdienste) of their commune. Required documents for registration include a valid passport, admission letter from the university, proof of health insurance, tenancy agreement, and proof of sufficient financial means (CHF 21,000 per year or CHF 1,750 per month). Registration fees are approximately CHF 40. Following registration, students must apply for a residence permit (B permit) at the cantonal migration office, which typically takes several weeks to be issued and is sent by postal mail. The residence permit is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually for the duration of studies, with each renewal requiring updated proof of financial means.
Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal/KVG) requires every resident staying longer than three months to obtain health coverage from their first day in Switzerland. Students have two primary options:
Option 1: Swiss Mandatory Basic Health Insurance (LAMal/KVG)
Option 2: Private Student Insurance with Exemption
Students may choose Swiss-approved private insurance plans specifically designed for international students and request an exemption from mandatory LAMal insurance. Popular providers include:
Exemption Application Process:
Students with private international insurance or EU/EFTA students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can apply for exemption from Swiss mandatory insurance. The exemption must be requested within the first three months after arrival by submitting an application to the cantonal health authority (such as SVA in Zurich or similar offices in other cantons). The exemption review process can take several weeks to months. If exemption is not obtained within three months, students will be automatically assigned to a standard LAMal plan at significantly higher costs. The exemption is valid only for the duration of studies and maximum 6 years.
Special Provisions:
Estimated monthly cost for private student insurance: CHF 38-115, significantly lower than standard LAMal coverage. Students should verify whether their chosen insurance provider is recognized by their specific canton, as acceptance varies by cantonal authority.
Switzerland offers various accommodation options for international students. Due to high demand and limited availability, early planning—ideally 4-6 months before arrival—is essential. Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on the city, with Geneva, Zurich, and Basel being the most expensive, while smaller cities and rural areas offer more affordable options.
Student Residences / University Housing
Estimated cost: CHF 400-800 per month
Shared Apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft)
Most popular option among students in Switzerland
Estimated cost: CHF 600-1,000 per month, depending on city and room size
Private Apartment or Studio
Ideal for students seeking independence and privacy
Estimated cost: CHF 1,000-1,800+ per month, excluding utilities
Homestay with Local Families
Offers cultural immersion and language practice opportunities
Estimated cost: CHF 700-1,200 per month, sometimes including meals
Accommodation Search Timeline:
Important Considerations:
International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to visa regulations and cantonal approval. Work regulations differ significantly based on nationality and permit type.
Work Restrictions for Non-EU/EFTA Students:
Work Provisions for EU/EFTA Students:
PhD Students Exception:
PhD students employed as university research or teaching assistants may work more than 15 hours per week, as this is considered part of their academic program. However, any additional employment outside their university position is still subject to the 15-hour weekly limit.
Salary and Wage Information:
The average part-time salary for students is CHF 20-30 per hour, among the highest student wages in Europe. Switzerland has no federal minimum wage, but several cantons have established minimum wage requirements as of 2025-2026:
Cantonal Minimum Wages (2025-2026):
Hourly Wages by Job Type:
Monthly Earning Potential:
Common Student Jobs:
Post-Graduation Work Authorization:
After successfully completing their studies at a Swiss university, non-EU/EFTA students may apply for a short-term residence permit specifically for job searching. This permit is granted for 6 months if the graduate demonstrates sufficient financial means, has appropriate accommodation, and presents their final diploma or written confirmation of successful study completion.
Important Notes:
This part-time work opportunity, combined with Switzerland's high wages, allows international students to earn enough to cover a substantial portion of their monthly living expenses—making Swiss education more financially accessible despite the country's high cost of living.
These research-intensive institutions represent the backbone of Swiss higher education. Switzerland operates twelve state-run cantonal universities distributed across the country, along with two Federal Institutes of Technology (the "ETH Domain"). These include research-focused universities such as ETH Zurich and EPFL, known for science, technology, and engineering excellence.
Federal Institutes of Technology:
ETH Zurich and EPFL are required by law to teach and conduct research in engineering sciences, natural sciences, architecture, mathematics, and related fields, offering Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degree programs. Both institutions benefit from the ETH Domain framework, which includes four research institutes: Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), the Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag).
ETH Zurich Rankings & Global Recognition:
EPFL Rankings & Achievements:
Cantonal Universities:
The twelve cantonal universities include the University of Zurich (ranked 80-100 globally), University of Basel (ranked 120-158 globally), University of Geneva (ranked 155-166 globally), University of Bern (ranked 104-184 globally), University of Lausanne (ranked 125-224 globally), and others. These universities focus on research-driven education across diverse disciplines including humanities, natural sciences, medicine, law, and social sciences.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen/Hautes écoles spécialisées) focus on practical, career-oriented education with strong industry collaboration, representing a significant component of Switzerland's higher education landscape. These institutions distinguish themselves through their emphasis on applied research, professional practice, and real-world problem-solving.
Characteristics and Academic Offerings:
Leading UAS Institutions:
ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences) ranks 801-1000 globally (Times Higher Education ) and is one of Switzerland's leading universities of applied sciences. ZHAW offers research and development focused on key societal challenges, including energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development, with multiple campuses in Winterthur, Zurich, and Wädenswil. ZHAW has established doctoral programs in partnership with ETH Zurich (Biomedical Science and Health Innovations) and the University of Zurich (Data Science).
Other Notable UAS Institutions:
Doctoral Opportunities at UAS:
Doctoral students at UAS institutions are typically employed as scientific assistants, with dissertations embedded in research projects funded by Innosuisse, SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation), or Horizon Europe programs. The degree is awarded by the partner university, but research is conducted and supervised at the UAS.
Switzerland is internationally renowned for its private hospitality, culinary, and business schools, many offering English-taught programs with strong industry placements and global recognition.
Hospitality & Hotel Management Schools:
Switzerland hosts several world-class hospitality schools consistently ranked among the top globally:
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
Glion Institute of Higher Education
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (CAAS)
Other Prestigious Hospitality Schools:
Business & Management Schools:
IMD Business School (Lausanne)
University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Other Accredited Private Institutions:
Switzerland recognizes numerous private university institutes and specialized schools, including Franklin University Institute, IHEID (Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement), and various specialized business schools.
Most Swiss universities follow a standardized academic calendar divided into two main semesters.
Standard Academic Calendar:
Example Timeline ( Academic Year):
Application Intakes:
September Intake (Primary): The majority of Swiss higher education programs begin in September, with admission applications typically due between January and May of the same year. This represents the standard academic entry point for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs.
February Intake (Limited Availability): Some institutions, particularly certain universities and specialized schools, offer additional February intake for select programs, though availability is considerably more limited than September intakes.
Note on February Intakes: Not all institutions or programs offer February intakes. Private hospitality schools and business schools are more likely to provide rolling admissions or additional entry points. For example, MEIG (Master Executive in International Business) is a 10-month program starting in September each year, with the academic year running September to July.
Application Timeline Recommendations:
European Access & Scholarship Opportunities:
International students, including those from non-EU/EFTA countries, have access to Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, both federal institutes of technology, and the four research institutes within the ETH Domain. Scholarship applications must be backed by a nominated academic supervisor at one of these institutions.
Summer Research Opportunities :
Multiple fully-funded summer research programs are available for international students:
All programs include stipends, accommodation, travel support, and visa assistance for international participants.
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