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Recognition, entry, language, housing, scams and careers, from official sources.
All guidesCollege · Geneva · Switzerland
Studying in Switzerland, from the official sources in our guide
Studying in Switzerland
These apply to every international student in Switzerland, including at International Baccalaureate. Each figure shows where it came from and when we last checked it.
Money you must show
Set by each canton, not nationally. Geneva asks for CHF 20,000 for a year of study. Check the canton where your university is.
Canton of Zurich Migration Office, source re-checked 7 Oct 2026
Visa fee
For Zurich, the University of Zurich lists CHF 95 to the Migration Office and CHF 162 for registration on arrival.
University of Zurich, source re-checked 26 Oct 2026
Work while you study
Your employer applies, and your university must confirm the work will not delay your studies. Full time in holidays.
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), source re-checked 25 Oct 2026
Stay after you graduate
From the end of your course at a Swiss higher education institution. The job must match your qualifications.
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), source re-checked 25 Oct 2026
The same rules for every institution in Switzerland; International Baccalaureate's own programme pages govern the exact dates and scores. Guide checked 24 Sep 2026.
Deadlines and intakes
Deadlines are early and differ by university:
Then the visa takes months. For an autumn 2027 start, you should have your offer by late spring 2027 and your visa application in the system at least three months before arrival.
Language you need
Switzerland has four national languages, and universities teach in the language of their region: German in Zurich, Basel, Bern and St. Gallen, French in Geneva and Lausanne, Italian in Lugano. Most bachelor's programmes are taught in the local language; English-taught provision is concentrated at master's level, especially at ETH, EPFL and the business schools. Language requirements are set per programme.
Everyday life, part-time work and graduate hiring outside international firms and research run in the local language. Swiss German differs strongly from standard German in speech, which surprises many newcomers in Zurich.
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Paying for it
Government schemes for international students coming to Switzerland. Each one sets its own rules on nationality and level.
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