Study in Switzerland for Indian Students after Class 12th

Study in Switzerland for Indian Students: Your Complete Guide for 2025

Switzerland is more than just a beautiful, peaceful country—it’s also home to some of the world’s top universities, like ETH Zurich and EPFL. But how exactly can Indian students apply for a bachelor’s degree in the Swizterland? What’s the cost? Do you need to learn German or French? Let’s break it down clearly, step by step.

Why Should Indian Students Consider Studying in Switzerland?

Switzerland combines world-class education with high living standards and scenic landscapes. Here’s why it makes sense:

• Top-tier universities, including ETH Zurich (#7 globally) and EPFL (#26), consistently rank among the best in the world.
• Multilingual advantage: Programs are offered in German, French, Italian, and increasingly in English, especially at postgraduate level—but a few bachelor programs are also taught in English.
• Safe and clean environment: It’s one of the safest countries to live and study in.
• Strong research and innovation ecosystem: Great for STEM, business, life sciences, and hospitality.

What Are the Best Universities in Switzerland for Indian Students?

Here are the top-ranked universities you should know about (QS World Ranking 2025):

How Can Indian Students Apply to Swiss Universities?

Step 1: Choose Your Program and University

Swiss universities usually have direct application portals. Each university handles undergraduate admissions individually (there’s no centralized system like UCAS or CommonApp).

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Each university has its requirements, but generally, you need:

• A Class 12 certificate with strong academic results
• Valid passport
• Proof of language proficiency (German, French, or English, depending on program)
• Some universities may require SAT/ACT (especially for ETH Zurich)

Step 3: Language Requirements

• ETH Zurich and EPFL offer bachelor’s programs in German or French, respectively.
• English-taught bachelor’s degrees are rare, but some private and hospitality universities offer them.
• You’ll need a B2/C1 certificate in the required language—so Goethe-Zertifikat (for German), DELF (for French), or IELTS/TOEFL for English.

Step 4: Apply Through University Portals

Example:
For ETH Zurich: https://ethz.ch/en/studies.html
For EPFL: https://www.epfl.ch/education/ 

An application usually includes:

• Online application form
• Passport copy
• Academic transcripts
• Motivation letter
• Language certificate
• Application fee (~CHF 150)

When Should You Apply?

• Application period: Typically opens in November–December and closes by April 30 for most universities (check specific university websites).
• Start of classes: September each year.

What is the Cost of Studying in Switzerland for Indian Students?

Tuition Fees

Surprisingly, Swiss public universities are quite affordable:

• ETH Zurich: ~CHF 730/semester
• EPFL: ~CHF 730/semester
• Other public universities: ~CHF 500–1000/semester

Cost of Living

• Housing, food, transport: ~CHF 1,200–1,800/month
  
• Cities like Zurich and Lausanne are more expensive than Basel or Bern.

Are There Scholarships for Indian Students?

Yes, although options for bachelor-level scholarships are limited compared to master’s programs.

Public Scholarships

• Most Swiss government scholarships are for postgraduate or research programs.
• Indian students doing a bachelor’s usually self-fund or seek partial fee waivers from universities.

Other Options:

• Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce
  
• Inlaks Scholarships (rare for undergrad but possible in niche programs)
• Look for university-specific merit scholarships (e.g., EPFL Excellence Fellowship).

Is Studying in Switzerland Possible Without Knowing German or French?

It’s tough at public universities—most bachelor’s programs are in German or French. However:

• Some hospitality or private universities (e.g., Glion, Les Roches, EU Business School) offer complete English-taught undergraduate programs.
  
• These are more expensive but accessible without a second language.

Can Indian Students Work While Studying in Switzerland?

Yes, but with limits:

• International students can work up to 15 hours per week during the semester.
• Full-time is allowed during semester breaks.
• You must have lived in Switzerland for at least six months before working.
  

How to Get a Swiss Student Visa for Indian Students?

Required Documents:

• University acceptance letter
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Proof of financial resources (~CHF 21,000/year)
• Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Visa application form
• Cover letter explaining your study plans

Where to Apply:

• Swiss Embassy/Consulate in India
• VFS Global often handles appointments and processing

Processing Time:

• Apply between 8–12 weeks in advance.

What Happens After Graduation?

• Bachelor graduates from Swiss public universities may find limited post-study work options unless they pursue further studies.
• Students must find a job within 6 months of graduation to convert to a work visa.
• Most stay-at-home options favor STEM or business degrees, and knowledge of German or French is helpful.

If you’re considering studying in Switzerland as an Indian student, be sure to plan early, learn the language if necessary, and apply directly to the universities. Switzerland can be competitive, but with the right preparation, it’s a rewarding destination.

These are the top universities to study in switzerland table.

🧭 Must-Know Websites for Studying in Switzerland (Bachelor Level)

🎓 General Course Search & Info Platforms

1. swissuniversities.ch
   
   • Centralized portal that lists accredited universities in Switzerland.
   • Not an application portal, but excellent for exploring recognized programs.
   • Provides info on degree recognition, Bologna system, and language requirements.
2. studyinginswitzerland.com
   
   • Private site, but great for general info on courses, cities, costs, student life.
   • Useful for browsing English-taught bachelor’s degrees.
3. studyprogrammes.ch
   
   • Government-backed search engine.
   • Search bachelor, master, PhD programs by language, university, or subject.

🏫 Official Application Portals

Note: No centralized application system in Switzerland. Apply directly to the university via its official portal.

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

• Application site of ETH ZURICH
  
• Application period: Nov–Apr
• Bachelor programs are taught in German (no English BSc programs).
• Requires:
  
  • Class 12 (with high scores in Maths and Physics)
  • Proof of German (C1 level)
    

EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

• Application site of EPFL.
  
• Programs in French, no English BSc programs.
• May allow conditional admission with additional entrance exams or foundation year.

University of Zurich

• https://www.uzh.ch/en/studies/application.html
• Bachelor’s in German.
• Offers some advanced minors in English at later stages.

Private/Business/Hospitality Schools (with English Programs)

If you’re looking for English-taught bachelor’s programs, consider:

• Glion Institute of Higher Education: https://www.glion.edu/
  
• Les Roches Global Hospitality: https://lesroches.edu/
  
• EU Business School: https://www.euruni.edu/
  

These schools are private and expensive, but offer full English-medium instruction.

🛂 Visa & Immigration

1. Swiss Embassy in India (New Delhi):
   
   
   • For visa appointments, requirements, and embassy updates.
2. VFS Global for Switzerland:
   
   • Handles document submission and appointment scheduling.
3. SEM (Swiss State Secretariat for Migration):
   
   • Main federal body handling migration, student visa policies.

💸 Scholarships & Financial Info

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
   • Mostly for Master’s & PhD, but worth watching.
2. Individual University Scholarship Pages
   
   • ETH Zurich: https://ethz.ch/en/studies/financial.html
   • EPFL: https://www.epfl.ch/education/bachelor/financing/
   • UZH: https://www.uzh.ch/en/studies/feesgrants/scholarships.html

🇨🇭 What is a Canton in Switzerland and Why Does It Matter?

Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons (like states), each with independent laws and regulations, especially in education and residency.

• Each canton may have different residence permit processes for international students.
• Some cantons allow more lenient part-time work, others are stricter.
• You’ll need to register with your cantonal authority after arriving for studies.

For example: ETH Zurich is in the Canton of Zurich, while EPFL is in Canton of Vaud.

Useful: https://www.ch.ch/en/ – General info portal for government services, per canton.

🗣 English-Taught Bachelor’s Degrees — What’s the Reality?

Here’s the honest truth:

• Most public universities in Switzerland DO NOT offer full English-taught bachelor’s programs.
  
• For undergraduate courses, expect German (Zurich, Bern, Basel), French (Lausanne, Geneva), or Italian (Lugano).
• Private institutions or hospitality/business schools are the only exceptions.
• If you’re fixed on public universities, language prep is mandatory.
  

🧠 Pro Tips to Keep in Mind

• Start preparing 1.5 years in advance (for language prep + finances).
• Focus on STEM or business fields—they’re the most in demand.
• Avoid agents claiming “Swiss UG in English at ETH/EPFL”—not true.
• Be prepared to show funds of ~CHF 21,000/year for visa approval.
• Public transport, housing registration, and insurance are mandatory upon arrival.

Study in Switzerland for Indian Students: Essentials on Timeline, Costs & More

ETH Zürich (Fall-only intake)

• Application opens: Dec 1
• Deadline for non-Swiss certificates: March 31 (23:59 CET)
• Only Autumn intake (start in September/October)

University of Zurich (UZH)

• Deadline for foreign applicants: April 30 for fall semester 
• Spring intake exists (limited programs), with deadlines around Nov 30

EPFL & Others

• Generally Fall intake only, with deadlines around April 30

💰 Costs at Top 3 Swiss Universities (Annual Estimates)

1. ETH Zurich

• Tuition: CHF 730/semester → CHF 1,460/year
• Living costs: CHF 22,200/year (average)
• Total: CHF 23,660 (₹20–21 LPA)
  

2. EPFL

• Tuition: approximately same as ETH (~CHF 1,460/year)
• Living costs: similar range (CHF 1,800–2,500/month) → CHF 21,600–30,000/year
• Total: CHF 23,000–31,500 (₹19–27 LPA)
  

3. University of Zurich / Basel (public universities)

• Tuition: CHF 500–1,000/semester → CHF 1,000–2,000/year
• Living costs: CHF 20,000–27,000/year 
• Total: CHF 21,000–29,000 (₹17–25 LPA)
  

(Estimates vary depending on rent, lifestyle, etc.)

🎓 Swiss Training Card & 13 Years Education Rule

• Swiss universities usually require 13 years of prior education
• Indian students (12-year system) typically need:
  
  • To have done 1 extra year like a foundation/preparatory course in India; or
  • Sit for ETH/EPFL entrance exams directly
• These foundation/pre-Bachelor year programs (also known as training cards) involve language and math preparation.

⏳ Course Duration & Timeline

• Bachelor degrees in Switzerland are 3 years (180 ECTS)
  
• Application timeline:
  
  1. In Class 12 (end of Grade 12), begin prep (German/French + academics).
  2. Apply by March 31 (ETH) or April 30 (other universities).
  3. Receive acceptance in late spring/summer.
  4. Arrange visa & housing in June–July.
  5. Fly to Switzerland in late August, before the start of classes in September.

You may apply with predicted Class 12 marks, but final offer often conditional on actual results and +13th-year compliance.

🛂 Swiss Student Visa Types

• National D-Visa for study (>90 days)
• After arrival, convert your visa to a Student Residence Permit (Permit B) via the local cantonal migration office
  
• If doing internships/work, you need work-authorized permit via canton (max 15 hours/week study-time)

🔍 ETH Zürich Path: What Happens After Admission?

(As outlined by ETH’s “Gian Marco Castelberg” guide)

After Admission

• Immigration to Switzerland
  
• Accommodation (student housing, private, etc.)

After Arrival

• Register for Residence Permit
  
• Apply for Health Insurance
  
• Get Private Liability Insurance
  
• Start Employment & Internships (max 15 hours/week) 

After Graduation

• Job-seeker permit – allows stay up to 6 months post-study
• Then apply for a work permit once employed

Leaving Switzerland

• Cancel permits, deregister, inform cantonal authorities

FAQ

• ETH provides a detailed FAQ answering immigration, insurance, and other practical questions

🏘️ Note on Zurich’s High Living Costs

• ETH guideline suggests CHF 18,000–27,000/year for student living and study
• Rent remains the biggest variable: CHF 800–1,800/month depending on shared/private ethz.ch+15ethz.ch+15gyanberry.com+15.

✅ Recap & Final Tips

• Deadlines: March 31 (ETH), April 30 (others)
• Education: 3-year Bachelors, need 13 years prior or foundation plan
• Apply: During Class 12 (with predicted marks), finalize after results
• Cost: ~CHF 23k–31k/year for top-tier public universities
• Visa: D-visa → Residence Permit
• Prep 1.5 years ahead for language, funds, and paperwork

Do Indian Students Need 13 Years of Education?

Yes, Swiss public universities require 13 years of prior education to enter a Bachelor’s program.

So, what can Indian students do (since CBSE/ICSE gives only 12 years)?

You have two main options:

1. Do a 1-year foundation/preparatory program in India or abroad
   
   • This could be your first year of a college degree (e.g., FYBA/FYBSc) in India.
   • You’ll then apply for admission with equivalency.
   • Some universities (e.g., University of Geneva, Lausanne) accept this route more openly than ETH Zurich.
2. Sit for ETH Zurich/EPFL’s Entrance Exam
   
   • This is the preferred route for elite tech/STEM students.

📝 ETH Zurich / EPFL Entrance Exams – What You Need to Know

ETH Zurich Entrance Exam (Reduced or Comprehensive)

There are two types of ETH entrance exams:

Cost of the Exam

• CHF 50–150 (approx. ₹5,000–₹14,000), depending on the number of subjects.
• Additional costs: travel to Switzerland, as the exam is usually held in Zurich.

Note: Students must apply for the entrance exam by March 31 through the ETH application portal.

EPFL follows a similar model but in French. It also allows exams or special academic evaluation.

📚 Subjects for the Entrance Exam (ETH Zurich Example)

Comprehensive Exam Subjects:

• German or French (written + oral)
• English (reading comprehension)
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geography
• History
• Essay writing (German/French/English)

If you’re aiming for the Reduced Exam, you’ll likely only need to show strength in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

🎓 Are There Full-Ride Scholarships for Bachelors in Switzerland?

Public Universities:

• Very limited to non-existent full-ride scholarships at the bachelor level in public universities like ETH Zurich or EPFL.
• Most scholarships are partial and aimed at masters/PhD students.
• Example: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — not applicable to bachelor’s students.

Private Universities:

• Hospitality/business schools (e.g., Glion, Les Roches, EU Business School) may offer merit-based partial scholarships for high academic performers.
• Tuition is high (CHF 30,000–45,000/year), so even with 50% scholarship, costs remain significant.

💡 Pro Tips

• If you’re a top STEM student, aim for the ETH Zurich Reduced Entrance Exam. It’s competitive, but getting in means world-class education at <CHF 1,500/year.
• Prepare early for German (C1 level) if targeting ETH, French (B2/C1) for EPFL.
• Apply in Class 12 with strong results + exam request; take the exam in summer; fly by August if accepted.
• Foundation year in India is a safer route if you’re not ready for competitive entrance exams.