There are 3 types of higher education institutions in Switzerland:

• Traditional universities: before admission citizens of some countries have to study in a university in their country for 2 years. EPFL and ETH are exceptions – enrollment in them is possible after graduating the 11th grade by passing language exams and some school subjects;
• Universities of Applied Sciences: foreign candidates are evaluated individually. Academic certificate (a technical profile is desired), work experience in the area of interest, additional qualifications (e.g., secondary special education) are taken into account;
• Pedagogical universities: pedagogical specialization during the secondary education, the knowledge of one of the official languages are required, a possibility of having to pass additional exams.

    Documents needed to apply to a Swiss university:

• Application for admission to the university;
• For a bachelor’s degree: school certificate + confirmation of completion of 2 years in a university in the native country OR IB/A-level certificate; for a master’s degree: a bachelor’s diploma in a related field;
• Language cerfiticate IELTS, TestDaf, DELF or CELI;
• Entry exams or ECUS (if needed);
• CV – academic resume;
• Motivational letter;
• Letters of recommendation from school and/or university professors;
• A scan of foreign passport;
• Registration fee ~104 USD.

    Please keep in mind that this list is approximate. To find out about current requirements of a particular university via email or on the website.

    You can find more detailed information about education in Switzerland here

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    What is required for entry to Switzerland with the purpose of receiving education? 

    The citizens of member states of the EU/EFTA during 14 days upon arrival have to register at a local authority (Einwohnerkontrolle, Registration of residents) and apply for a residence permit. 

    You will need to provide the following documents:

• Personal application for a residence permit;
• Valid passport or ID-card;
• Certificate of registration at university;
• Evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., a certificate or a certified document from a bank, authorized in Switzerland)
• Certificate of address at the place of residence;
• Two passport photographs.

    Citizens of third countries that intend to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days receiving education need to obtain a type D national visa. All the documents must be either in English, German, French or Italian or have a translation in one of these languages. Visa application must be submitted in person. Representatives of the Embassy or the Consulate can also test the student’s language ability.

    The review of the application is 6-12 weeks. The visa usually becomes valid 2-3 weeks before the beginning of the term. If you need to enter the country earlier, this must be noted in the application form. 

    Documents needed for a student’s visa in Switzerland:

• A filled application form (3 copies);
• Foreign passport valid for not less than 3 months upon the end pf studies + 2 copies of pages with photographs;
• Copies of the last 2 Schengen visas (if available);
• 4 photographs 3,5 x 4,5 cm.;
• Confirmation letter from university;
• Receipt of tuition payment + 2 copies;
• Proof of financial capability: a withdrawal from a bank account (in USD, EUR or CHF with a balance of at least USD 21 860) for the last three months or a certificate of account balance. Bank has to have its branch in Switzerland. If there is a sponsor: a confirmation of their financial capability + letter of guarantee + a copy of the sponsor’s passport;
• Diploma/ academic certificate + program with grades. If the studies are not yet finished, provide an academic certificate (originals + 2 copies);
• CV – academic resume (2 originals);
• Motivational letter (2 originals);
• Study plan drawn up by the applicant in a free form: the length and composition of the studies, diploma issued after the completion of studies, etc. (2 originals);
• A signed commitment to leave Switzerland upon graduation.

    For individuals under 18 years old additionally:

• Birth certificate: original + notarized copy;
• Notarize consent of parents to travel abroad: original + notarized translation;

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    14 days after arrival to Switzerland apply for a Residence Permit. In order to do this you ought to address a registrar (Kreisbüro) in the area of residence. You will need to provide a letter of enrollment in the university, rental agreement, passport and to pay a registration fee of 189 USD.

    Residence permit is valid for one year. To prolong you will have to confirm the availability of funds for living in Switzerland (minimum of 21,860 USD in account)

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    How long can I study in Switzerland?

    Citizens of Non-EU/EFTA member states are allowed to remain in Switzerland studying not longer than 8 years. 

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    Can I combine work and studies in Switzerland?

    A bachelor’s student from outside of EU is allowed to work not longer than 15 hours per week starting from the second term, meaning 6 months after the beginning of studies. 

    Master’s students in some cantons can skip the 6 months wait. During holidays you can work full-time (40 hours per week).

    In all cases you will need a Residence Permit and an Employment Permit. The latter must be complied by the employer by applying to the Department of Economics and Labor (Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit) of the canton. 

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    Are there scholarships opportunities?

    Through the Federal commission of scholarships for foreign students (FCS) the Swiss Confederation awards various scholarships for foreign graduate students, scientists and some foreign artists: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/australia/en/home/services/scholarships.html.

    Preparatory programs for university applicants in Switzerland

    Some Swiss higher education institutions offer applicants to enroll on pre-Bachelor or pre-Master programs. These one-year programs are designed to help the applicant to learn the language and/or complex mathematical or other professional disciplines but do not guarantee successful enrollment in university. 

    In private universities such Foundation Year is sometimes a compulsory step for foreign applicants. In case of great success during entry exams the length of studies may be decreased by omition of the foundation year. 

    Perhaps, the best preparation for studies in a Swiss university would be a completion of one of the following international programs:

• Swiss national program (Swiss Matura);
• GCSE, A-Level;
• French program (Diplome National du Brevet, French Baccalaureate);
• German school program (Abitur);
• Italian program (Esame di Maturity);
• American High School Diploma, Advanced placement;
• International program (IGSCE, International Baccalaureate).

    Some of these are taught in various cities around the world. A certificate from one of the listed above programs will significantly facilitate your entry and adaptation in a Swiss university.