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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# 🇨🇭 Studying in Switzerland for international applicants

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Contents

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## Higher education in Switzerland at a glance {#c1}

Glion Institute of Higher Education - Montreux / Bulle

Switzerland is the global benchmark in hospitality, hotel and business management education. Swiss hospitality schools have set the industry standard for decades, and their graduates work in the world's best hotels and companies.

International schools teach in English with mandatory paid internships - students gain real experience while still studying.

## Advantages of studying in Switzerland {#c2}

- The world's best schools of hospitality and hotel management.
- Paid industry internships as part of the program.
- Instruction is in English.
- An international environment and ties with leading employers.
- The highest quality of life and safety.

## Yearly costs {#c3}

Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS) - Lucerne

Swiss hospitality education is premium and fee-based, but it includes paid internships and opens access to the industry's top employers. The cost of living in Switzerland is high.

In a consultation we'll share current amounts and possible scholarships.

## The admission path {#c4}

Admission is based on your school diploma and English. The schools are geared toward international students and the process is straightforward.

We'll help you choose a school, prepare documents and arrange a visa.

Step by step:

1. Canton and language. German, French or Italian by region; master's programs run widely in English.
2. Eligibility. Universities often require 1-2 years of university at home or the ECUS entrance exam - direct entry after 11 years is rare.
3. Apply. Directly to universities, winter-spring deadlines; ETH and EPFL are earlier and tougher.
4. Permit and finances. A financial guarantee for a year of living - the real cost driver here is life, not tuition.

## Applying straight after 11th grade

Swiss universities usually want more than an 11-year certificate: the standard paths are 1-2 university years at home or the ECUS exam. The universities themselves are startlingly affordable - public tuition runs CHF 500-2,000 per semester, with ETH Zürich and EPFL among the world's best. Comparisons - in our [study-abroad guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-where-is-it-easiest-to-study-abroad).

## Master's degrees in Switzerland

Bachelor diplomas are accepted directly, English-taught programs abound, tuition stays semester-priced. Strong candidates can target the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

## What studying in Switzerland costs

| Expense | Budget for |
| --- | --- |
| Public universities | CHF 500-2,000 / semester |
| Living | CHF 1,800-2,500 / month - the main expense |
| Financial guarantee | a year of living costs, per canton rules |
| Scholarships | Swiss Government Excellence - master's and PhD |

## FAQ {#c-faq}

### What is Switzerland known for in education?

Above all, the world's best schools of hospitality and hotel management.

### Are internships part of the program?

Yes, paid internships are a required part of Swiss hospitality programs.

### What language is instruction in?

At international schools, in English.

### Is it expensive to study?

Yes, Swiss education is premium, but it includes internships and access to top employers.

### Can I apply to Switzerland right after an 11-year school?

Rarely directly: universities typically require 1-2 university years at home or the ECUS exam. Master programs accept diplomas directly.

### How much does studying in Switzerland cost?

Public tuition is just CHF 500-2,000 per semester. The real cost is living: CHF 1,800-2,500 a month.

### What language are programs taught in?

Bachelor - the canton's language (German, French, Italian); master's widely in English.

### Are there scholarships?

Yes - the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for master's and doctoral students: competitive but real.

Thinking about studying in Switzerland?

We'll tell you about the options, universities and costs - free, no obligation.

- [Consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Universities in Switzerland we help you get into

Each comes with a full guide - faculties, prices and requirements. The list will keep growing.

### Glion Institute of Higher Education

### Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS)

### EU Business School (Geneva)

## Get a free consultation

Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in Switzerland and match a program to you.

- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment

Write to us

Leave a request - and we'll get in touch.

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