Study in Switzerland

World-leading universities in the heart of the Alps.

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, a world-famous hospitality education sector and global companies in finance, pharma and tech. It is a small country with big opportunities.

4national languages, with many courses in English
15 hrsa week of work during term*
6 monthsto look for work after graduating
Get free counsellingStudent visa guide
Zermatt and the Swiss AlpsAdmission in ~2 monthsthrough our partner universitiesFree counsellingand student visa support
Why Switzerland

Quality, innovation and a global outlook.

Switzerland consistently ranks among the most innovative countries in the world, and its universities and schools have a global reputation.

Top-ranked universitiesETH Zurich and EPFL are among the best technical universities in the world.
Hospitality and hotel managementSwiss hotel schools are world famous and lead to careers in luxury hospitality.
Global companiesSwitzerland hosts major companies in banking, pharma, food and technology.
Work while you studyWork up to 15 hours a week in term after your first six months, and full time in breaks.
Time to find a jobGraduates can stay for six months to look for work related to their degree.
In the heart of EuropeEasy travel to Germany, France, Italy and Austria from Swiss cities.
Language

Language: English and Swiss languages.

Many master’s and hospitality programmes are taught in English, and Switzerland has four national languages.

IELTS requirementMostly necessaryMost English-taught programmes ask for an English test
Language of studyMany master’s, MBA and hotel management programmes are taught in English. Bachelor’s programmes at public universities are mostly in German, French or Italian.
Accepted testsEnglish-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Some schools accept other proof of English.
Four national languagesGerman, French, Italian and Romansh. Zurich and Basel are German-speaking, Geneva and Lausanne are French-speaking, and Lugano is Italian-speaking. We check the exact language requirement for your course.
Where you could study

From Zurich to Geneva, a city for every student.

Swiss universities and schools are in safe, well-connected cities, many surrounded by lakes and mountains.

  • Zurich
  • Geneva
  • Lausanne
  • Basel
  • Bern
  • Lucerne
  • Lugano
  • St. Gallen
  • Fribourg
  • Neuchâtel
  • Montreux
Student visa

The Swiss student visa, step by step.

Students from India apply for a national (D) visa for study at the Swiss embassy or visa centre, then receive a residence permit after arriving.

  1. AdmissionGet your admission letter from a Swiss university or school.
  2. Prepare documentsGather proof of funds, a study plan and your academic documents.
  3. Apply for a D visaSubmit your national visa application at the Swiss visa centre and give your biometrics.
  4. Cantonal approvalThe migration office in the canton where you will study reviews your application.
  5. Travel to SwitzerlandOnce your visa is approved, you are ready to fly and start your course.
  6. Residence permitRegister with your local commune after arriving to receive your residence permit.
15 hrswork a week in term after six months, and full time during semester breaks
6 monthsresidence permit after graduating to look for a job
Familyyour spouse and children can join you in Switzerland
Bringing your family to SwitzerlandYour spouse and children under 18 can join you in Switzerland on family reunification, as long as you have suitable housing and enough funds to support the family.
  • Spouse
  • Children under 18
  • We help with their applications
Costs at a glance

What the visa side costs.

Visa fees are set by the Swiss authorities, and tuition depends on the university or school. We give you the exact figures for your options.

National D visaStudents from India apply for a national visa for study, with the fee paid at the visa centre.Paid with your visa application
Public universitiesSwiss public universities charge tuition per semester, often much lower than private schools.Paid to your university
FreeOur counselling, admissions help and student visa support. We do not charge a service fee for student visas.Haven Overseas
Intakes

When you can start.

Main intakeSeptemberThe autumn semester, with the widest choice of programmes.
Second intakeFebruaryThe spring semester, offered by some universities and many schools.
FlexibleHotel schoolsMany hospitality schools run several intakes a year.
Admission in as little as 2 monthsThanks to our university partnerships, we can often secure admission in as little as 2 months, so it is rarely too late to start.
Universities

Some of Switzerland’s best-known universities.

We help you find the right university or school for your profile, budget and career goals.

ETH ZurichZurichFounded 1855One of the world’s leading universities for science and technology.Visit website
EPFLLausanneFounded 1969A top technical university on the shores of Lake Geneva.Visit website
University of ZurichZurichFounded 1833Switzerland’s largest university, with a wide range of subjects.Visit website
University of GenevaGenevaFounded 1559A historic university in an international city of diplomacy and finance.Visit website
University of BernBernFounded 1834A full university in the Swiss capital, strong in medicine and climate research.Visit website
University of BaselBaselFounded 1460Switzerland’s oldest university, in a major centre for life sciences.Visit website
Looking beyond the famous names? Switzerland also has universities of applied sciences and world-famous hotel and business schools with flexible intakes. We will match you with the right ones.Find my university
FAQ

Studying in Switzerland: your questions answered.

Do I need IELTS to study in Switzerland?

Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Some schools accept other proof of English. We check the exact requirement for your course.

Which language will I study in?

Many master’s, MBA and hotel management programmes are taught in English. Public bachelor’s programmes are mostly in German, French or Italian, depending on the region.

Can I work while studying in Switzerland?

Yes. After your first six months, you can work up to 15 hours a week during term and full time during semester breaks, with your employer applying for permission.

Can I stay in Switzerland after my studies?

Yes. After graduating from a Swiss university, you can get a six-month residence permit to look for a job related to your qualification.

Can my family join me in Switzerland?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 can join you on family reunification if you have suitable housing and enough funds.

Is Switzerland good for hotel management?

Yes. Swiss hotel schools are among the most famous in the world and lead to careers in luxury hotels, resorts and hospitality businesses.

How long does the Swiss student visa take?

Processing involves both the Swiss embassy and the cantonal migration office, so it can take several weeks. We help you apply as early as possible.

How quickly can I get admission?

Thanks to our university partnerships, we can often secure admission in as little as 2 months. Starting earlier gives you more choice of programmes and scholarships.

When are the intakes?

The main intake is in September, with a February intake at some universities and several intakes a year at many hotel schools.

Do you charge for counselling or visa support?

No. Our counselling and support are free, and we do not charge a service fee for student visas. You only pay official costs such as tuition and visa fees.

Ready to study in Switzerland?

Talk to us for free at our Kozhikode or Kochi office, or on phone or WhatsApp. We will find the right course and handle your application and visa with you.

Kozhikode: +91 8606 828 009Kochi: +91 8606 528 009 WhatsApp us

*Students from outside the EU and EFTA can work up to 15 hours a week in term after six months of residence, with permission. Visa details are from Swiss government and university sources as of October 2026 and may change.