Have you ever thought about studying in the heart of Europe, at a university of excellence, such as ETH Zurich, known as the institution where physicist Albert Einstein studied, and still living in a country with many Alps, chocolates and cheeses? So check out everything about studying in Switzerland  in this complete guide!


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Graduation

Higher education in Switzerland comprises 10 regional universities and 2 federal institutes of technology.

Switzerland follows the Bologna process, which is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits). This makes it possible for international students to easily transfer the qualifications they gained in Switzerland to their home institutions.

Bachelor's degree programs in the country are completed in up to 3 years of full-time study , awarding 180 ECTS credits. But there are specific programs, like medicine, for example, that can last up to 6 years.

You must choose the university that best fits your profile, check the admission requirements, detailed in the notice, and apply to take an undergraduate course in Switzerland.

Postgraduate

It is also possible to study in Switzerland on a master's or doctoral programme. Masters courses are completed in 1 or 2 years of full-time study , awarding 90-120 ECTS credits.

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Doctoral programs in the country are offered only by traditional universities and are mainly research-based, which involves independent work for a doctoral thesis. Doctoral courses can be completed in between 3 and 5 years , awarding 240 ECTS credits.

To attend a master's program in Switzerland, the student must have completed a degree. And, to study a doctorate in the country, you must have completed a master's degree.

ETH was founded in 1855 and is one of the best institutions to study in Switzerland.

The courses can be applied in 4 languages: German, French, English and Italian and the student must contact the university of his choice to find out about the language of instruction and how to enroll in the course of his choice.

Languages ​​course

It is common for Brazilians to look for exchange agencies that have partnerships with language courses. Some agencies that are very popular are: Beeducation , World Study , CI Intercâmbio , IE Intercâmbio and Mundial Intercâmbio .

Among them, Euro Tips recommends Beeducation , in partnership with the Alpadia school, which offers French, German or English teaching in Switzerland.

Beeducation is the best option for those who want to be accompanied by experienced professionals, to help you choose the best language courses to study in Switzerland, apply for a visa, find accommodation and all the other details that involve your trip. safe for Switzerland. Get in touch with the team and get a quote.

How much does it cost to study in Switzerland?

Many students don't know, but the low tuition fees compared to most countries in Europe can be a good argument for those who want to study in Switzerland.

And, for you to have an idea of ​​how much it costs to study in Switzerland, in February 2023, we carried out a survey of university tuition prices, which we present below. It is worth remembering that other costs, such as enrollment, mandatory semester fees and other fees are not included and must be verified with the universities.

How much does it cost to go to college and graduate school?

Prices vary according to the chosen university. But we put some examples, for you to have an idea of ​​the main costs.

To study at the University of Zurich , for example, you have to pay an application fee of 100 Swiss francs and a semester tuition fee of 720 Swiss francs. Foreign students pursuing a Bachelor's degree must pay a surcharge of CHF 500 and foreign students at Master's and Doctoral level must pay a supplement of CHF 100.

Fees to study at the University of Geneva are CHF500 per semester. The semester fee to study at ETH is CHF 730 plus other associated costs, totaling CHF 804 per semester.

We emphasize the importance of contacting the university of your choice, to find out more details about the course you are interested in and its respective fee.

Note: at the current exchange rate, on March 13, 2023, 1 Swiss franc equals BRL 5.74.

 

How much does it cost to study languages?

See now examples of how much it costs to study English, French and German in Switzerland.

Institution:         Language Value

International Language School Bern  English      From BRL 8,516

Language Studies International (LSI) Zurich        German     From BRL 4,225

PREMIUM French    French      From BRL 4,485

Scholarship in Switzerland

It is possible to apply for one of several scholarships in Switzerland. And some are also offered to foreign students, being a good way to complement the cost of studies.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars

Through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), the Swiss Confederation provides several types of third-cycle scholarships for researchers of all disciplines:

University research grants for doctorates, post-doctorates and research at universities, federal institutes of technology and universities of applied sciences. Note: Scholarships are not offered for Bachelor's or Master's programs.

The application process for the 2024/2025 academic year will open in August 2023 and you can check all the information on the website of the Federal Commission on Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Master's Scholarship at the University of Geneva

The Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has opened applications for the Excellence Fellowship program . According to the organization, the program will offer scholarships to “outstanding and very motivated” students who are interested in doing a master's degree at the University of Geneva, in one of the institution's areas of knowledge: exact and natural sciences.

The value of the scholarship is between 10,000 and 15,000 Swiss francs (approximately BRL 57,000 to BRL 864,000, according to the March 2023 quotation). The value covers the first year of studies of the scholarship holder and the scholarship can be extended for the duration of the entire program, according to the academic performance of the student at the end of the first semester of their studies.

Applications are open until March 15, 2023 .

 

Is it possible to study in Switzerland for free?

Yes. It is possible to apply for a scholarship to study in Switzerland, offered by the Swiss Government or universities. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the application dates and research the websites of universities in Switzerland, to check if there are available scholarships.

Cost of living to study in Switzerland

According to the Expatistan website , Switzerland is the most expensive country in Western Europe and the 2nd most expensive in the world. The website shows that a person lives, on average, with 3,928 Swiss francs (the equivalent of around BRL 22,561, according to the March 2023 exchange rate) in the country.

However, it is possible to combine the student budget with the residency in terms of costs. According to the estimate of the Zurich Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), an international student can live and study in Switzerland for approximately 1,930 Swiss francs (about R$ 11,085, according to the currency conversion in March 2023) .

Is it possible to study and work in Switzerland?

Yes. Brazilian students have the right to work for a certain number of hours, defined by each canton, after the 6th month living in the country.

Generally, universities have a page dedicated to offers of jobs, housing and services.

How to choose the university to study in Switzerland?

The best way to choose a university to study in Switzerland is:

  • Check the region of the country with which you most identify;
  • Search for universities that have the area of ​​your interest and that offer the teaching program you are looking for;
  • Search the course curriculum;
  • Search for the best universities, according to rankings, such as QS, for example, and see the history of universities;
  • Seek information from former students and professors about the universities where you plan to study;
  • Check if the monthly fee is in line with what you want and can afford and if the institution offers any scholarship or funding program, if applicable;
  • Check whether the institution's infrastructure is in accordance with what you are looking for;
  • Search for class schedules;
  • Seek information about the experience of teachers;
  • Find out if the university offers agreements or advertises job openings for students.

How to apply to study in Switzerland?

Generally, the process for studying in Switzerland is as follows:

  • Research the regions of Switzerland and see which one you most identify with to live in;
  • Choose a teaching program;
  • Research the universities that offer the program you want to attend;
  • Check the admission criteria;
  • Separate the necessary documentation, according to the university website;
  • Fill out the form and send your application to register;
  • Apply for a student visa;
  • Take out health insurance;

Find accommodation for your stay in the country. Some universities offer furnished rooms rented to foreign students at subsidized rates. To find out more about this, we recommend that you contact the university where you are going to study, as most institutions have a service that helps students find accommodation in Switzerland;

Get on board and start studying in Switzerland.

Necessary documents

Generally, the documentation required to apply to a Swiss university is as follows:

  • Completed and signed application form;
  • Valid passport and passport-sized photos;
  • High school, undergraduate or postgraduate diplomas (depending on the level of study you are entering);
  • School Records;
  • Certificates of proficiency in English, Italian, French or German;
  • Curriculum;
  • Motivation letter , explaining why you chose to study at this university in Switzerland;
  • Proof of payment of university tuition fee.

However, we emphasize that it is important to carefully read the application notice of the chosen university, to verify all the required documentation.

Do you need a visa to study in Switzerland?

Yes. Brazilians need to apply for a D visa in person at the Swiss Embassy or Consulate General in Brazil to study in Switzerland for a period longer than 90 days.

Documents required to apply for a student visa

You must separate the following documentation to apply for a student visa for Switzerland (D visa):

  • Registration for a course of at least 6 months with a study load of at least 20 hours per week;
  • 3 copies of the Long-Term Visa Application Form (National D Visa) completed, dated and signed by the applicant (if the applicant is under 18 years of age, one of the parents must sign all 3 copies of the form);
  • 4 recent, identical, color photographs of good quality, white / neutral background, preferably 3x4;
  • 2 simple copies of passport identification pages (pages with photo, personal data, signature, validity and document number);
  • Original passport valid for at least six months, issued less than 10 years ago and with at least two free pages in sequence;
  • 2 copies of the enrollment form from the educational institution in Switzerland and 2 copies of proof of payment of the first installment of the course (if the educational institution requires an advance payment);
  • 2 copies of the student's letter of motivation, dated and signed by the student, written in one of the official languages ​​of Switzerland or in English (if the course is in English). This letter must contain the reasons why you want to study in Switzerland and also the applicant's commitment to leave the country after the end of the intended study;
  • 2 copies of the CV submitted in one of the official languages ​​of Switzerland or in English;
  • 2 certified copies of the diploma or declaration of completion of the course, issued by the educational institution, referring to the last level of education;
  • 2 copies of simple translations (do not need to be sworn) of the diploma or declaration of the last level of education;
  • 2 certified copies of foreign language diploma(s) or certificate(s), if you have one;
  • 2 copies of the letter of financial commitment, dated and signed by the person who will be responsible for the student's costs during the period in which he/she is living in Switzerland . This letter must be written in one of the official languages ​​of Switzerland or in English;
  • 2 copies of proof of income (last income tax return, bank statements and salary statement for the last three months) from the student's financial officer;
  • Payment of the visa fee (RJ: debit, credit or cash card and SP: debit card or cash only). The amount of the fee , consulted in March 2023, is BRL 448.00.

How to apply for a student visa for Switzerland

Check out, now, the step-by-step process on how to apply for a student visa to Switzerland.

  • First, it is necessary to fill in the application form for a long-term stay visa (D visa);
  • Gather the necessary documentation to apply for the visa;
  • Make an appointment for the D visa application – service via prior appointment made by email:
  • Consulate Rio de Janeiro ;
  • Consulate Sao Paulo .
  • Appear in person at the Consulate General with the correct and complete documentation in hand on the day of the interview.

Did you find it complicated? There are many documents and factors to consider, so professional advice with an exchange agency that already works taking Brazilian students to study in Switzerland can give more security and peace of mind to your process. Get in touch with Beeducation and make your planning with the help of the team.

How is education in Switzerland?

The education system in Switzerland is known worldwide for its high standard, innovation and academic excellence, properly conceptualized research results and student-centred teaching methods.

ETH Zurich , EPFL , University of Zurich and University of Bern are constantly in the top rankings of the best universities in Europe and the world.

The University of Bern is among the best universities in the world.

In the country there are several universities, among them, universities of applied sciences, art and music and faculties of pedagogy and education in three cycles of teaching programs: baccalaureate, platform and PHD.

As the website of the Swiss Embassy in Brazil explains , international students represent approximately 20% of students in Swiss educational institutions.

Difference between education in Switzerland and Brazil

Quality of universities and teaching

The main difference between education in Switzerland and Brazil is the quality of universities and teaching.

Example:

Of the 10 regional institutions and 2 institutes of technology in Switzerland, three are among the top 100 in the world in the QS ranking. While no Brazilian institution is among the top 100.

Among Brazilian universities, the University of São Paulo, USP, which has the best ranking, is in 115th place. In second place, in 210th place, is the State University of Campinas, Unicamp.

The ranking ranges from academic reputation to the number of international students enrolled.

period of study

Furthermore, Switzerland follows the Bologna process, which is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits). This makes it possible for international students to easily transfer qualifications gained in Switzerland to their home institutions.

Bachelor's programs at Swiss universities are completed within 3 years of full-time study, awarding 180 ECTS credits. But there are specific programs, like medicine, for example, that can last up to 6 years.

In Brazil, there is also a credit system. However, most higher level courses are completed within 4 years and students study part-time.

Language

It is also worth mentioning that the teaching languages ​​at Swiss institutions are many and varied, also depending on the location of the university.

There are courses that are taught in the national languages ​​German, French and Italian. But many courses are also taught in English. Universities often offer free language courses for enrolled students, a good way to improve your language skills and ideal for international students.

In Brazil, the student usually studies Portuguese and English subjects during the course.

Best cities to study in Switzerland

The best cities to study in Switzerland that have the best universities are:

  • Zurich;
  • Lausanne;
  • Bern;
  • Geneva;
  • Basel.

Is it worth studying in Switzerland?

Yes! Switzerland is a first world country with excellent universities. The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), the best hospitality school in the world, is one of them. And student Maria Almeida, who studies at the university, talks, in the video on the Estudar Fora Portal, about what it's like to study in Switzerland.

Cultural and geographical diversity are other points in favor of studying in the country. Those who study in Switzerland have a great chance of achieving a successful career.

The Swiss people are hospitable and the country's cuisine is famous around the world. Furthermore, being in the heart of Europe and being able to travel on a budget are just a few more advantages of studying in Switzerland.