Study In Switzerland

STUDY IN SWITZERLAND

WHY CHOOSE SWITZERLAND?
REQUIREMENTS
LIVING
COURSES
INSTITUTES
WHY CHOOSE SWITZERLAND?

WHY STUDY IN SWITZERLAND?

Switzerland is a small European country that welcomes international students from all over the world. It’s a country famous for its excellent universities, ground-breaking research centers, and a commitment to investing in the most exciting industries of the future. What’s more, students in cities like Zurich and Geneva have access to a huge collection of art galleries, museums, theaters, and live music venues, while iconic natural wonders such as the Alps mountains are only a few hours away. There are also various higher education institutions situated right in the heart of the Alps, some even with views from the classroom windows of beautiful towering mountain valleys and peaks! So if you’re looking for a truly unique experience as an international student, here are ten reasons to study in Switzerland.

Innovation

Switzerland was named the most innovative country in the word eight years running by the Global Innovation Index. Much of its ongoing success can be attributed to three things: excellent universities, large investments in research and development, and world-class infrastructure.

Switzerland is also becoming a European hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Zug, a small town south of Zurich, is often referred to as ‘Crypto Valley’ by industry insiders and is a European base for Ethereum, one of the major players in the blockchain sphere. In fact, many experts believe the decentralized Ethereum platform will fundamentally transform the internet, and the people who use it. Joseph Lubin, part of the team that created Ethereum, says, “We are going to be more in control of our identity and our agency on these different decentralized networks. I think that’s going to create more wealth. It will also create more interest in expressing ourselves.”

Sustainability

In 2015, while many nations were still debating the Paris climate deal, Switzerland was the first country in the world to submit a climate plan to the UN for cutting carbon emissions until 2030. Then earlier this year, the nation made a renewed commitment to reversing climate change, making it a go-to destination for students and graduates who want to help build a greener future.

Switzerland is now aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is currently revising key pieces of legislation to help put new measures in place. This includes an increased carbon levy, and additional funding for the renewable energy sector and other green initiatives. The Swiss government hopes this will incentivize more environmentally-conscious entrepreneurs like Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher, the duo behind Climeworks, an engineering firm which designs and creates machines which literally suck carbon out of the air.

Diversity

As a global hub for finance, technology, and innovation, Switzerland draws people from all over the world, creating a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe within its major cities.

It has four official languages; German, French, Italian, and Romansh. What’s more, all are spoken slightly differently throughout Switzerland’s 26 regions. You will also hear plenty of English, especially in businesses, on university campuses, and in cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Bern.

University degrees are primarily taught in French and German, although most universities also offer programs taught in English. Attracting thousands of international students every year, Swiss campuses are renowned for being exciting and vibrant melting pots of cultures. For example, of the 16,000 University of Geneva students, around 40% are international students.

Learn a language

As a multilingual country, Switzerland is a great place to learn a different language, giving your post-graduation career options a significant boost. Germany has one of the strongest economies in Europe, full of leading technology, banking, and manufacturing companies that offer excellent graduate training programs. French is another very useful language for those who want to pursue a career in international business. It’s the second most widely spoken language in the EU, and is the official language of 29 countries. Parts of the French-speaking world include Canada, Belgium, and several emerging economic powerhouses in Africa, such as Tanzania, Rwanda, and Mozambique.

Research shows learning a new language can also increase your brain power, boost creativity, and inspire novel ways of thinking. One study, published in the New York Times, suggests that acquiring additional language skills can even protect your brain from the degenerative effects of aging.

Amazing scenery and winter sports

When they are not on campus, international students in Switzerland have the chance to explore one of the world’s most beautiful countries. They can enjoy boat trips across Lake Geneva or visit Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Alternatively, they can spend a weekend visiting the natural wonders of the Alpine mountain ranges. Top attractions include the 4,478-meter-high Matterhorn mountain; prehistoric glaciers such as the Eiger Glacier, visible from the spectacular Piz Gloria observatory (which some will know as the mountain-top hideout of Bond villain Blofeld; various network of caves and underground lakes; and the Jungfrau Railway, an amazing nine-kilometer railway which rises from 2,061-meter-high Kleine Scheidegg over mountain ridges and then right through the heart of mountains themselves in a tunnel to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, at 3,466 meters!

The Alps is an excellent destination for winter sports fans. As well as skiing and snowboarding, adrenaline seekers can also try tobogganing and ski-gliding. Meanwhile, ice-walking treks are perfect for more adventurous types who aren’t afraid to venture off the beaten tracks and there is a plethora of brilliant hiking trails manageable for most people.

Tourism and hospitality

Given the amazing scenery and activities for travelers, it is no surprise the nation is also a leader in terms of tourism and hospitality — and studies in this area. In fact, Switzerland is regarded to be the birthplace of hospitality, its long and rich history in the area dating around 150 years, when grand hotels were built across the Montreux Riviera, heralding the start of luxury tourism in the country. Drawn by the healthy climate and the lure of adventure, royalty traveled to the country — and the hospitality industry responded to their exacting demands, laying the groundwork for Switzerland’s hospitality industry as it is today, which is worth around $17 billion every year!

James Osmond from Triptease explains, “Historically speaking Switzerland has been a longstanding leader on the travel and tourism platform, beginning with the classical hotel model as early as the 1800s. […] Being well known worldwide for these seasonal holidays in idyllic mountain and lakeside settings, the country earned itself a reputation as a traditional, go-to destination.”

A place to build a career

Around 25% of Switzerland’s workforce are foreign nationals, including a large number of former international students who stayed following graduation. So, why do so many of them decide to build their careers in Switzerland?

Firstly, 14 of the top Fortune 500 businesses are headquartered in Switzerland; that’s the highest concentration of Fortune 500 head offices anywhere in the world. Moreover, companies like Nestlé, the Adecco Group, and Glencore International have a close working relationship with Switzerland’s best universities. Winfried Ruigrok, the Dean of the St Gallen Executive School of Management, says, “They come to us for recruiting. They are keen to work with us, perhaps because we have a strong practice orientation.”

Practice orientation looks at the methods, systems, and professional practice through real-world examples and scenarios. It’s a popular approach in many Swiss business schools, and is certainly paying dividends for St. Gallen graduates. Around 80% of the executive boards of the largest Swiss companies include at least one St. Gallen graduate.

…And a very well paid one!

Those considering studying and working in Switzerland will doubtless be happy to hear the country has one of the highest average salaries in the world. The minimum wage is also relatively high, meaning that students working in typical student jobs such as retail and restaurant jobs also benefit financially, even before graduating.

Networking

Networking is an essential part of fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. That’s why organizations like Geneva Women in International Trade (GWIT) host regular events to bring the best business minds together. GWIT is a vibrant, diverse collection of 300 female professionals from private start-ups, multinationals, the public sector, and NGOs.

Members gather together once a month for an hour of informal mingling, followed by presentations from guest speakers, activities to inspire more meaningful conversations, and potential business partnerships. Crissy Muller attended one GWIT event shortly after arriving in Geneva. She’d been involved in similar groups before, but she quickly realized that GWIT offered something completely different. “The difference with GWIT is that it not only facilitates networking among professional women,” she says. “It also provides some guidelines along the way, taking the mystery out of it.

Safety and stability

There are many practical benefits to studying in Switzerland. It has a low crime rate, and violent crime is very rare. It’s also one of the cleanest countries globally, with excellent public transport networks, and a world-class health system.

The Swiss enjoy a high standard of living, reporting well-being levels that are well above the global average. The government is open, transparent, and fully accountable. A Swiss citizen can challenge any new law providing they gather 50,000 signatures within ten days of it being passed. More than 50,000 signatures trigger a national vote, where the new law will be accepted or rejected by a simple majority.

Switzerland is an open, exciting, and forward-thinking nation that understands the value of investing in young talent. It’s a place where you can get a world-class education, meet amazing people, and maybe even kickstart your career.

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY IN SWITZERLAND

Eligibility Criteria

International Students pursuing their graduation or post-graduation in Switzerland get top-class Education and research opportunities. There are a significant number of highly ranked Universities and Colleges which make Switzerland famous. It’s also one of the safest countries with a low rate of crime. A Swiss Student Visa procedure is very simple, but students must keep in mind some guidelines before applying. Before starting with the Student Study Visa Application process, students need to decide their University or College in Switzerland depending on the discipline to study. And then apply for an Acceptance Letter, which is required for Visa Application. Following are the documents required for a Swiss Study Visa:

Passport Requirements

It must be valid for six months beyond stay.

It must have at least one blank page with a visa stamp.

Original and signed passport with two photocopies.
Visa Application Form
Complete and signed Student Visa Application forms.

Passport Size Photographs

Four recent 2 * 2 passport-type colored photographs
It must have a white/ plain background.
Other Requirements:
Two copies of the Offer Letter received from Swiss University/College.

Two copies of tuition fee confirmation

Two copies of Bank Statements containing exact details of income and assets

Two copies of Academic Documents

Two copies of signed and dated resume

Two copies of a brief essay on the applicant’s plans

How to Apply Study Visa for Switzerland

Switzerland Study Visa Process

So, the last step left with the admission is acquiring Student Visa. Students can start the process of receiving an Acceptance Letter from the Swiss University. Short term Schengen C Visa is required if the students have applied for summer courses, language schools etc., i.e., courses with three months. And long-term National D Visa is required for courses longer than three months. The process of Study Visa is similar for both types of visas. The applicants must submit their applications to the embassy.

Students must follow the following steps to complete their application process:

STEP 1
Once the student has received the Offer Letter from Swiss University, he/she has to make an appointment. The student must attach the scanned copy of the Offer Letter and mention three preferred dates for appointment.

STEP 2
On scheduled appointment, the student must fill a Visa Application Form and submit it to the Swiss consulate with the required documents. The documents are further forwarded to the Cantonal Authority in Switzerland.

Step 3
The student will have to write an essay mentioning the reason for pursuing studies in Switzerland, plans, and leave confirmation.

STEP 4
Then, the student will have to submit the required documents

STEP 5
Embassy may conduct a language test to evaluate language skills

Apply Study Visa for Switzerland | Pyramid eServices
Work while Study in Switzerland | Pyramid eServices
Work while Study in Switzerland
Earn while Studying
Job has always been a major concern for International Students. There is no problem for an International Student in Switzerland as they can do a part-time job. Students need to multitask to balance their work and studies. They are granted to work for 15 hours/week during sessions but full time during vacations. Students can find jobs in newspapers, advertisements, or at the student association at their campus or through the University itself. The wage rate is different for everyone depending on the job and students’ skills.

LIVING

LIVING IN SWITZERLAND?

Want to live in Switzerland?

The most appealing part of living in Switzerland is its exceptional lifestyle. The country’s infrastructure is excellent too. It has an extensive, modern transport system, first-class healthcare and arguably the best chocolate money can buy. Perhaps the only drawback is the price tag – rental costs and living expenses are among the highest in Europe.

Accommodation in Switzerland

Housing in Switzerland is comfortable and modern, but space is limited, so you may have to come to terms with living in a compact apartment rather than a sprawling family home.

Thanks to steadily rising property prices, the Swiss have become a nation of renters and competition for accommodation is stiff. If your employer doesn’t provide housing, it’s best to start your search online before you leave home. Swiss newspapers and property brochures are good sources of information. And estate agents are a great help once you’re in the country.

Due to a severe shortage of rental properties, especially in Zurich and Geneva where costs are inflated, don’t waste time applying for a lease once you’ve found somewhere suitable. To secure a property, you’ll need to put down a deposit of up to three months’ rent and provide documents such as bank statements and personal references.

Local culture in Switzerland

It’s no secret that Switzerland is run strictly and efficiently. A good example of this is some of its seemingly arbitrary laws, such as restrictions on when you can wash your car and mow your lawn. Keeping an open mind is key as you adjust to some of Switzerland’s social customs and legal nuances.

Swiss people are very patriotic, and you can’t miss the national flag displayed outside many homes. The country has four official languages: Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh. Locals are less receptive towards people who can’t speak one of these languages and you’ll struggle to get by if you don’t master at least some basic phrases. Signage in smaller towns is often only in German, French or Italian.

The Swiss are private people, and their communication style is formal and reserved, which might come across as standoffish at times.

Education in Switzerland

If you’re moving to Switzerland with children, there’s a range of good education options. The school year runs from September to June, with exact dates set by each canton. It’s compulsory for children aged between 5 and 15 to attend school.

Public schools

Switzerland’s state-funded schools are good, and tuition is free. Public education is shaped by the local authority of each canton and classes are taught in the main language of the region. Sending your children to one of these schools is a good option if you plan to settle in Switzerland for the long term or if they’re young enough to assimilate and pick up the local language quickly.

Private schools

Swiss private schools are excellent – some boast international reputations with high fees to match. They tend to have exceptional extracurricular facilities and will give your children a more personalised learning experience.

International schools

Cities with large expat populations such as Geneva and Zurich have a good selection of international schools. These are great if you only plan to be in the country for a short time and want your children to continue studying the national curriculum of your home country. Competition for places is stiff, fees are very high and waiting lists can be long.

Keeping in touch in Switzerland

Broadband, cable and WiFi are widely available in Switzerland. Service providers vary from region to region – the biggest companies are Swisscom, Sunrise, UPC and Salt.

Switzerland also has several fast and reliable mobile networks. If you have a valid work permit, you can choose from various competitive contract packages or you can get a pay-as-you-go deal. In cities such as Basel and Geneva, which border other countries, you may be charged international rates if you forget to turn off your phone’s roaming function.

Expats looking for English media will discover several Swiss publications that cater exclusively for English speakers. These include newspapers such as The Local and websites like Le News, as well as magazines such as Swiss News and Inside Switzerland. There are also some radio stations, including World Radio Switzerland that broadcast mainly in English.

Healthcare in Switzerland

Switzerland has public and private medical facilities, but differences between the two are small and you’ll receive a high standard of care at both. Switzerland’s public hospitals are clean and modern, waiting times are almost non-existent and most medical staff speak English. Many treatments are covered by even the most basic government insurance policies, but you’ll have to pay extra for specialist procedures.

At private hospitals waiting times are even shorter, but treatments cost a lot more and are only covered by comprehensive medical insurance policies. There are also a number of private clinics that offer specialist services such as geriatric rehabilitation.

Medical insurance is compulsory for all residents, and you have to make sure you’re covered within three months of arriving in the country. Basic government medical insurance differs from canton to canton, and contributions are deducted from your salary. For dentistry and optional extras such as private rooms, you’ll need private insurance. Premiums are high, but there are plenty of options to choose from.

Pharmacies (apotheke) are found across the country, with some open 24/7. Medicines that aren’t immediately available can be ordered.

Emergency medical services are covered by a separate compulsory Accident Insurance Scheme (UVG) that’s also deducted from your salary. Ambulances are well equipped, and staff are highly trained.

Getting around in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the world’s best transport systems. Although domestic flights connect big cities such as Geneva, Zurich and Bern, it’s often quicker and more cost effective to travel by train. An extensive and efficient rail network runs local and regional services. You can travel by rail to almost anywhere in Switzerland, as well as to neighbouring France, Germany and Italy. There’s at least one train every hour on all routes and you must have a ticket before you board – these are sold at station kiosks and online.

Thanks to the comprehensive rail network, buses aren’t used much in Switzerland. Intercity buses connect places such as Geneva, Zurich and Bern. You can buy tickets online, using a smartphone app or at bus stations.

Those who wish to drive will discover that road conditions are outstanding and speed limits are strictly enforced. To use the motorways (autoroutes), you have to display a vignette sticker, which you can buy online. Driving on icy roads in winter is challenging, and most local cars are sold with snow tyres.

Cost of living in Switzerland

Daily expenses in Switzerland are very high. Geneva, Zurich and Bern are among the most expensive destinations in the world. But most expats are paid well, making the high prices easier to swallow. And thanks to efficient public services and well-maintained infrastructure, many expats feel the costs are worth it.

You should try to anticipate what your living expenses will be and negotiate your contract accordingly. Bear in mind that taxes vary depending on the canton or city you live in.

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