Switzerland is known not only for its alpine beauty, delicious chocolates and banking, it is also becoming a popular place for international education. If you are an Indian student looking to study in Switzerland or an aspiring student from other countries – firstly, you will need to choose a course that you want to study. Swiss universities have a global reputation for providing specialized courses that offer extensive theoretical and practical learning, particularly in areas such as hospitality, business, engineering and international law.
So how to study in Switzerland? Start by selecting a course that has some global demand, something you are interested in studying and would bring you a good return on your investment when you have finished your course. Here is a look at some of the popular courses to study in Switzerland for international students, and Indian aspiring students.
Top Courses To Study in Switzerland

List of Top Courses To Study in Switzerland
Course | Requirements / Eligibility | Cost (CHF) |
---|---|---|
Hospitality and Hotel Management | Direct after 12th, student visa required | 30,000–45,000/year (incl. accommodation/materials) |
Business Administration & Management | Good academics, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT for MBA | 1,200–30,000/year |
Engineering and Technology | Bachelor’s/Master’s entry, English/German proficiency | 800–1,600/semester |
International Relations & Political Science | Bachelor’s degree, SOP, English/French | 5,000–8,000/year |
Life Sciences & Biotechnology | 12th-grade Biology, English/German proficiency | 1,000–1,500/semester |
Finance & Banking | English-language courses available; visa needed | 1,200–2,000/semester |
Best Courses To Study in Switzerland
1. Hospitality and Hotel Management
The foundation of modern hospitality education is in Switzerland, and institutions such as EHL Hospitality Business School and Glion Institute of Higher Education (among others) are internationally regarded as among the top hospitality educational institutions in the world. The programs are authentic and experiential (internships) and offer strong connections to the industry.Â
- Ideal for: Students seeking careers in luxury hospitality, tourism and hotel operations.Â
- Can I study in Switzerland after 12th? Yes, typically hospitality courses are available to students coming straight from high school.Â
- What is the cost to study in Switzerland for Indian students? CHF 30,000–45,000/year including accommodations and materials.Â
Is studying in Switzerland expensive? Tuition fees are high for this area of study, but career opportunities have students going to work for global firms.
2. Business Administration and Management
Business programs in Swiss universities offer some of the best schooling in business in the world, with direct access to global markets and multinational firms. University of St. Gallen, ETH Zurich, and IMD offer undergraduate, MBA and executive programs, attracting students from nearly 100 countries.Â
- Best suited for: student with an interest in finance, marketing, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- Requirements for international students: academic excellence, proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL), sometimes GMAT for MBA programs.
- Cost of studying in Switzerland: CHF 1,200–30,000 per year. (depending on university).
How to study in Switzerland from India: Apply through an online university portal, meet the university eligibility, apply for a student visa.
3. Engineering and Technology
If you’re a STEM student working our how to study in Switzerland, then ETH Zurich, and EPFL are your best options. Both universities are ranked among the best engineering schools in the world. Their focus is on innovation, sustainability, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Ideal For: Students interested in mechanical, civil, computer, and electrical engineering
- Study in Switzerland for Indian Students: Competitive but exciting. Most of the Master’s courses are taught in English.
- How much did it cost to study in Switzerland: CHF 800–1,600/semester at public universities.
Is it expensive to study in Switzerland? While the public university engineering programs are valuable and a good return on investment.
4. International Relations and Political Science
Switzerland makes sense for international studies because its host to organizations with global emotive and coercive power including the UN, the WTO and the Red Cross, making it a logical base for international affairs study. The Graduate Institute Geneva is considered among the best graduate schools in the world for international studies.Â
- Ideal for: Students interested in areas of diplomacy, NGOs and global policy-making
- What is required to study in Switzerland for an international student: a bachelor’s degree, an SOP and English or French language proficiency.Â
- For international students to study in Switzerland: Geneva, which has many global institutions, has numerous opportunities for internships and networking.
How much does it cost to study in Switzerland? CHF 5000-8000 per year.
5. Life Sciences and Biotechnology
The University of Basel, ETH Zurich, and University of Lausanne are premier institutions for a wide range of biomedical and biotechnological research. These programs are unique, and will suit students who are thinking about taking careers in pharmaceuticals, environmental biology or genetics.
- Can I study in Switzerland after 12th: Yes, there are bachelor programs in biology at select universities.
- Study in Switzerland from India: In order to study in Zurich, you need to have a biology stream at 12th level in your schooling and be proficient in English or German.
- How to study in Switzerland: Apply to all the universities directly on the university websites and apply for courses with entry requirements.
- Study in Switzerland cost for Indian students: CHF 1,000–1,500 (around 80,000 to 1,20,000 Indian Rupee) per semester.
6. Finance and Banking
Switzerland’s reputation for excellence in private banking and finance is based on a multitude of high-quality academic programs at schools like University of Zurich and University of Geneva.
- Ideal for: Those wanting to develop a career in investment banking, fintech, or auditing
- Study in Switzerland for Indian students: courses are available in English, and the programs are tailored for the global marketplace.Â
- How much does it cost to study in Switzerland? CHF 1,200 – 2,000/semester at public institutions.
Is it expensive to study in Switzerland? In comparison to the U.S. or U.K., Swiss public universities have lower tuition rates, while providing both industry exposure and learning achievement.
Conclusion
Whether you’d like to study hospitality, tech, science, or diplomacy, the study in Switzerland options for international students are plentiful and highly-regarded worldwide. The right course development governs your passion and career development, and determines your future long-run benefit from the educational experience.
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