Imagine a family in Singapore. The eldest daughter is finishing secondary school and wants to study in Switzerland, while her parents are weighing a move for work. Where should she even begin? The answer starts with a surprise: in Switzerland, "university" is only one of several doors into higher education. This guide walks through them in order, so that universities in Switzerland for international students feel less like a maze and more like a map.
If you are still deciding whether the whole family is moving, the page on studying in Switzerland as an international student looks at daily life as a student. Here we focus on the institutions themselves.
The three kinds of institution
Swiss higher education is split by purpose, not by prestige. Knowing the split saves a lot of confusion later.
Cantonal universities and federal institutes of technology
These are the research-oriented institutions. They teach in the classic academic way: lectures, seminars, theory first, then application. Most cantons run their own university, and the federal government runs the technology institutes. Programs lead to a bachelor's, then a master's, and for some students a doctorate.
Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule)
A Fachhochschule, often shortened to FH, is a university of applied sciences. Teaching is closer to professions: engineering, business, design, health, social work, computer science. Students often do practical projects with employers. Many local students reach an FH through an apprenticeship followed by a vocational baccalaureate, which is a path that rarely exists in the UK, the US or India.
Universities of teacher education
These prepare people to teach at different school levels. They are tied to the canton's school system, so the language and the rules follow the canton.
Which one suits which student?
A rough guide, not advice for any single person:
- Research, medicine, law, natural sciences, humanities: usually a university or technology institute.
- Hands-on professional fields such as engineering, architecture, business or nursing: often a university of applied sciences, though some also exist at universities.
- Teaching: a university of teacher education.
Both main types award recognized degrees. The difference is the route and the emphasis. A student from Mumbai or Toronto who is used to a single "university" label may find the split odd at first, and that is normal.
How the route fits in the wider school system
The picture below shows the usual ladder from school to higher education. Real paths vary by canton, so treat it as a sketch. The page on how Swiss schools work fills in the earlier steps.
Admission for international students
Each institution sets its own admission rules, and the rules differ between a university, a technology institute and an applied sciences school. A few themes come up again and again.
Your school diploma
Institutions compare a foreign diploma with the Swiss baccalaureate. Some diplomas are accepted directly, others are accepted with extra exams or a preparatory year. Entry to the most selective programs can add entrance exams. Each institution publishes a list of accepted foreign qualifications, so the first job is to find the page for your country.
Language of teaching
Teaching language follows the region. German in the German-speaking cantons, French in the west, Italian in Ticino. Many master's programs are in English, and some bachelor's programs too, but a lot of bachelor's teaching is not. Expect to show proof of language level. The page on learning the local language explains how adults and teenagers usually go about it.
Deadlines come early
Applications are often due many months before the semester begins, and for some subjects much earlier than students expect. Starting from abroad, plan the file first and the move second. The relocation calendar helps to put these dates in order.
Residence rules for students and families
Switzerland has two regimes for coming to live there: citizens of the EU and EFTA states, who follow the free movement agreement, and citizens of other countries, who fall under the rules for third states. Which regime applies to you decides which steps come first. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) describes both. The detailed conditions for students depend on the authority and the canton, so they are not repeated here. The page on a student permit, step by step goes further, and the permit finder points to the likely route after four questions.
A permit is granted by the authorities, not by a university or by this site, and an offer of a place does not settle it on its own.
Arrival: the first weeks
Once the student, or the whole family, lands in Switzerland, a short list of steps follows.
- Registration with the commune. In many places this is due within 14 days of arrival, though the exact rule can vary by commune and canton (ch.ch). The office usually asks for an identity document, the residence or work permit and proof of health insurance.
- Health insurance. Basic health insurance is compulsory within three months of taking up residence. When the deadline is met, cover is retroactive to the date of arrival, and the premiums are due from that date (Federal Office of Public Health, FOPH). Late registration can mean a surcharge, and the canton may assign an insurer.
- A bank account, a phone plan and a room or flat. Student housing fills up early, so private rooms are common. The tool for checking your rental file shows what landlords usually look at.
For a year-by-year view of the whole move, see a typical relocation timeline.
Families with younger children
Many students arrive as part of a family. The parents may be on a work assignment and younger brothers and sisters need a school. Public school is free in principle and taught in the local language, and public school for international children explains what to expect. Private options teach in English or in another language, and the pages on international schools and the school choice tool compare them. Some families split the choice: a younger child in an international school, an older teenager in a Swiss upper secondary school heading towards the local university route.
Practical checklist before you leave home
- Find the list of accepted foreign diplomas on the institution's website
- Check the language of teaching for the exact program
- Note the application deadline and the documents behind it
- Ask the school at home for certified copies and official translations
- Look up the permit route that matches your passport
- Plan housing for the first semester
- Make sure health insurance can start on arrival
The personal checklist tool lets you build your own version.
If the move involves a whole household and you would like a match with a relocation company that handles schooling questions, you can describe the situation in the request at the bottom of the page. A specialist then looks at the details with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between a university and a university of applied sciences in Switzerland?
Yes. A university is research-oriented and academic, while a university of applied sciences prepares students for specific professions with more practical work. Both award recognized degrees.
What does Fachhochschule mean?
It is the German name for a university of applied sciences, often shortened to FH. In French it is "haute école spécialisée".
Can international students go to Swiss universities?
Yes, students from abroad can apply. Admission depends on the institution, the program and whether the foreign diploma is accepted.
Are Swiss universities taught in English?
Some are, mostly at master's level. Many bachelor's programs follow the regional language, so check the program page.
Do I need to speak German, French or Italian?
For many programs, yes, to a proven level. English-taught programs exist, but daily life still goes better with some local language.
Is my foreign high school diploma accepted?
It depends on the diploma and the institution. Each one publishes a list, and some diplomas are accepted only with extra exams or a preparatory year.
What is the Swiss baccalaureate?
It is the school-leaving certificate that opens the way to university. There is also a vocational version that leads towards applied sciences schools.
Can a student from the UK, the US or India apply?
Yes. Citizens of all countries can apply to institutions, though the residence rules differ for the EU/EFTA regime and for citizens of other states.
Does the EU/EFTA regime change anything?
Yes. The rules for entering and staying differ between the two regimes, as the State Secretariat for Migration describes. The institution's admission rules apply to everyone.
Who decides on the permit?
The cantonal and federal authorities. A university can confirm a place, but only the authority grants a permit.
What if the application is refused?
Refusals do happen. Institutions explain their reasons, and many offer a second route, such as a preparatory year or a different program.
When are application deadlines?
Often many months before the start of the semester. The date is on each institution's page, so look early.
Can a student work during studies?
Rules depend on the permit and the authority. Ask the migration office of the canton, rather than relying on general statements.
What do students do about health insurance?
Basic health insurance is compulsory within three months of taking up residence. If the deadline is met, cover is retroactive to the arrival date (Federal Office of Public Health, FOPH).
When does the student register with the commune?
In many places within 14 days of arrival, though the rule can vary by commune and canton (ch.ch). The office asks for an identity document, the permit and proof of insurance.
Is student housing easy to find?
Not always. Places in residences are limited, so many students rent a room privately. Searching from abroad takes time, so start early.
Is a master's degree from an applied sciences school recognized?
Yes, degrees from universities of applied sciences are recognized in Switzerland. Employers and doctoral programs may weigh them differently, so check the specific route.
Can a student switch from an FH to a university?
It is sometimes possible, usually with extra requirements. Each institution sets its own conditions.
Are there scholarships for international students?
Some institutions and foundations offer support, but conditions vary. Look on the institution's website under funding.
Do younger siblings go to the same school system?
They follow the school system of the canton, or attend a private or international school instead. The school enrolment page covers how enrolment works.
How does a family choose between public and international school?
By language, expected length of stay and the child's age. The international school fees page and the school choice tool help to compare.
Is there help for the partner who follows?
Yes, many partners look for language courses, networks and work options. See settling in as the partner who follows.
Where can I ask about a specific situation?
The request at the bottom of the page lets a relocation company that fits the need look at the details and get in touch.
Sources
Related pages
- How Swiss schools work, from kindergarten to uni
- Swiss schools compared with the US system
- Public school for international children
- International schools in Switzerland
- What international schools cost
- Enrolling your child in a Swiss school
- Childcare and after-school care
- Settling in as the partner who follows