Switzerland is one of Europe’s leading destinations for international students, known for its world-class universities, high quality of life, and strong reputation in research, business, engineering, and hospitality management. Swiss universities consistently rank among the best in the world, while programmes such as Swiss MBAs, PhD programmes, and specialised Master’s degrees attract students from across the globe.
As a European business hub, young adults not only dream of studying here, but they also consider pursuing a career in Switzerland after finishing their studies.
If you’ve thought about studying abroad in Switzerland or already got accepted to a Swiss university, read below to find out more about tuition fees and the costs of living in Switzerland for international students.
University tuition fees in Switzerland
Public universities in Switzerland often charge similar tuition fees for both EU/EEA and non-EU international students. However, there are some exceptions:
University | Swiss students | EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students |
CHF 720/semester | CHF 870/semester | Same as EU/EEA students | |
CHF 725/semester | CHF 1,025/semester | Same as EU/EEA students | |
CHF 425/semester | CHF 700/semester | Same as EU/EEA students | |
Bachelor’s: CHF 1,000/semester Master’s: CHF 1,200/semester | Bachelor’s: CHF 2,900/semester Master’s: CHF 3,100/semester | Same as EU/EEA students | |
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) | CHF 1,100/semester | CHF 3,100/semester | Same as EU/EEA students |
University of Zurich | Bachelor’s: CHF 720/semester Master’s: CHF 720/semester | Bachelor’s: CHF 1,220/semester Master’s: CHF 820/semester | Same as EU/EEA students |
ETH Zurich | CHF 730/semester | CHF 2,190/semester | CHF 2,190/semester |
EPFL | CHF 730/semester | CHF 2,190/semester | CHF 2,190/semester |
Source: swissuniversities.ch, updated July 2025.
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Switzerland receive substantial government funding, which helps keep tuition fees relatively affordable compared to countries like the United Kingdom or the United States.
Exchange students coming to Switzerland through programmes such as Erasmus+ or university partnerships often do not pay additional tuition fees to the host university.
Average tuition fees at Swiss public universities are:
Degree level | Average tuition fees |
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees | Around CHF 1,000–8,000/year (varies significantly by institution) |
PhD degrees | Around CHF 200–3,000/year |
Some specialised Master’s programmes, particularly in business or management, may cost significantly more. Note that ETH Zurich and EPFL introduced a higher international student fee of CHF 2,190/semester (CHF 4,380/year) starting from autumn 2025.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities in Switzerland are usually much more expensive than public institutions. Tuition fees commonly range between:
Degree level | Average tuition fees |
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees | Around CHF 15,000–50,000/year |
Some business schools and hospitality management institutions may charge even higher fees. Certain private universities also offer discounts for upfront payment or calculate tuition based on the number of credits or courses taken.
Most affordable Swiss universities
Public universities in Switzerland are generally more affordable than universities in countries like the United Kingdom or the United States, especially because many institutions receive strong government funding.
These Swiss universities are known for relatively affordable tuition fees for international students:
University | Typical tuition fees (international students) |
CHF 435/semester (CHF 870/year) | |
CHF 950/semester (CHF 1,900/year) | |
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW | Around CHF 1,000–1,500/year for Swiss/EU students; higher for non-EU students |
CHF 500/semester (CHF 1,000/year) | |
University of Neuchâtel | CHF 700/semester (CHF 1,400/year) |
Universities we recommend in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to internationally recognised universities known for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. Here are some universities popular with international students:
- Geneva Business School
- Robert Kennedy College
- Sustainability Management School (SUMAS)
- University of St. Gallen (HSG)
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Check out the best Swiss universities according to global rankings.
Monthly living costs in Switzerland for international students
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for international students, especially when it comes to accommodation, health insurance, and everyday expenses. Careful budgeting is important, particularly in larger cities.
Most students should expect to spend around CHF 1,800–2,800 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, study materials, and leisure activities.
According to Swiss universities, Numbeo (May 2026), and student cost estimates, average monthly living costs in major Swiss cities are:
City | Average monthly living costs |
Around CHF 2,200–3,300/month | |
Around CHF 2,100–3,000/month | |
Around CHF 1,800–2,600/month | |
Around CHF 1,900–2,700/month |
Accommodation is usually the biggest monthly expense, especially in Geneva and Zurich, where housing demand is very high.
Student accommodation costs and options
Accommodation in Switzerland is expensive compared to many other European countries and is usually the biggest monthly expense for international students. Depending on the city and accommodation type, students typically spend around CHF 800–1,700 per month on housing.
The most common accommodation options for international students in Switzerland are:
Accommodation type | Average monthly cost |
Student halls of residence | Around CHF 500–1,000/month |
Shared apartment | Around CHF 800–1,400/month |
Private studio/apartment | Around CHF 1,300–2,700/month |
Student residences are usually the most affordable option, but places are limited and demand is high, especially in cities like Zurich and Geneva.
Sharing an apartment with other students is one of the most popular ways to reduce accommodation costs in Switzerland.
Food costs in Switzerland
Most international students in Switzerland buy groceries from supermarkets and eat out occasionally because restaurant prices can be quite high. On average, students spend around CHF 450–750 per month on food and groceries, depending on their lifestyle and the city they live in.
Popular supermarket chains in Switzerland include Migros, Coop, Lidl, Aldi, and Denner. Many supermarkets also offer evening discounts on fresh and perishable products.
According to Numbeo (May 2026), average food prices in Switzerland are:
Food item | Average price |
Milk (1 litre) | CHF 1.81 |
Bread (500 g loaf) | CHF 3.08 |
Rice (1 kg) | CHF 3.26 |
Eggs (12) | CHF 6.16 |
Chicken fillets (1 kg) | CHF 23.60 |
Cheese (1 kg) | CHF 21.53 |
Apples (1 kg) | CHF 2.93 |
Bananas (1 kg) | CHF 1.79 |
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | CHF 25–40 |
Meal at a university cafeteria | Around CHF 8–15 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | CHF 100–160 |
University dining halls and department store restaurants such as Migros or Coop are usually among the more affordable places to eat.
Transportation costs
Public transportation in Switzerland is highly efficient but relatively expensive compared to many other European countries. Students often combine trains, trams, buses, cycling, and walking to get around.
According to Numbeo (May 2026) and Swiss public transport providers, average transportation costs are:
Transportation type | Average cost |
One-way local transport ticket | CHF 3.50–5.00 |
Monthly public transport pass | CHF 70–170/month |
Student or youth discounts | Available in many cities and transport networks |
Intercity train tickets | Prices vary depending on route and discounts |
In major Swiss cities such as Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, and Neuchâtel, public transport tickets are usually valid across trains, trams, buses, and other local transport services within the same network zone.
You can also use the Numbeo website to check out other prices and costs in Switzerland.
Other student expenses in Switzerland
International students in Switzerland should also budget for health insurance, study materials, and leisure activities.
Expense | Average cost |
Health insurance | Around CHF 270–450/month |
Books and study materials | Around CHF 50–130/month |
Cinema ticket | Around CHF 20 |
Health insurance is mandatory for most international students living in Switzerland. However, some students may qualify for an exemption if they already have recognised international coverage from their home country.
To help students compare insurance options and costs, Studyportals partners with Aon to provide personalised guidance based on your needs. Get free advice and explore student insurance options before moving to Switzerland.
Scholarships for students in Switzerland
International students can get scholarships offered by the Swiss government, based on partnerships established with several countries. Most of these scholarships are granted to postgraduate candidates and researchers. Other funding opportunities are offered by individual universities and other organisations.
- You should check if you are entitled to receive a scholarship by contacting the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Other scholarships are offered by some of the Swiss universities; you can benefit from grants ranging from CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000, available only for one year, with the possibility of extension, provided you will be academically successful at the end of your first semester of studies. Here are some scholarships offered by the University of Geneva.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists – scholarships awarded by the Federal Commission to foreign artists with a Bachelor’s degree or young researchers with a Master’s or PhD degree.
- You can explore many other scholarship programmes on Studyinswitzerland.plus.
- In some universities, you can apply for an interest-free loan of up to CHF 12,000 per year, which covers up to 40% of fees and living costs. In Zurich, you can also opt for the solidarity fund for foreign students.
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
Check out other scholarship opportunities in Switzerland and explore the diverse master's programmes available in Switzerland for international students.
