According to research by many reputable agencies, Switzerland's workforce is the most skilled in the world. Largely due to this, the country managed to achieve incredible success in the economy and social sphere, moreover, with a significant shortage of natural resources. Swiss universities are the nucleus for the production of top-class specialists.
Higher education in Switzerland is considered one of the highest quality in the world. The country's universities occupy top positions in various rankings, and relatively inexpensive tuition fees attract great amount foreign students. A prestigious diploma opens up broad prospects for immigrating to Europe for permanent residence, decent employment in Switzerland and the opportunity to open your own Swiss company.
A feature of the Swiss higher education system is opportunity to study in 4 foreign languages. In addition to English courses, mainly in master's programs, students can choose a university with teaching in one of the 3 official languages of the country. For example, in Zurich and Bern you can study at German, in Geneva and Lausanne on French, and in Lugano Italian.
Thereby about a third of students in Switzerland are foreigners representing over 100 nationalities. The quality of Swiss education is annually confirmed by reputable rating agencies. QS World University Rankings And The Times Higher Education.
So, in 2019, according to both publications TOP-200 includes 7 Swiss universities. In addition, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology was in 10th and 11th place. Moreover, the area of the country is relatively small, and the population is just over 8.6 million people.
The Swiss higher education system is represented by the following categories of educational institutions:
- Cantonal universities - 10.
- Federal Institutes of Technology - 2.
- Universities of Applied Sciences - 8.
- Universities of teacher education - 20.
Most universities are public, with the exception of several independent pedagogical universities and one university of applied sciences. In addition, a network of private educational institutions, especially business schools, is well represented in Switzerland. However, many of them do not have state accreditation, and the cost of education is incredibly high.
The study programs in Switzerland are based on the Bologna process, based on the accumulative credit system.
- Undergraduate. Training period 3 years(180 credits).
- Master's degree. Training period 1.5–2 years, post-baccalaureate (90–120).
- Doctorate. Training period 3–5 years, after master's degree.
The academic year runs from September to July and is divided into two semesters:
- autumn ( September-February);
- spring ( March-July).
Almost every higher education institution in Switzerland adheres to the rule of providing quality education. Therefore, many universities deliberately reduce the number of disciplines in order to concentrate on specialized areas. For foreign students, all educational programs are available, except for medical. With few exceptions, these places are entirely occupied by the Swiss.
Scholarship programs for foreigners are usually based on interuniversity agreements. Due to the migration crisis recent years Switzerland does not take an active part in international student exchange programs, for example, Erasmus. On the other hand, the government offers internal scholarships for talented scientists and artists from abroad.
Admission of foreign students to different universities in Switzerland has a similar procedure, but the final decision is made by a particular university. Therefore, for accurate information, it is definitely necessary to contact the official website of the educational institution, where the corresponding application is actually submitted. In addition, requirements may vary by country. Let us designate the main conditions for foreigners from the CIS countries, including Russians and Ukrainians, when enrolling in a Swiss university.
Requirements for international students for admission to a Swiss university
Age at least 18 years old.
Certificate of complete secondary education. In addition, for example, citizens of Russia or Ukraine must have 2 years of study at a domestic university behind them. This requirement does not apply to the two federal institutions. This will require a certificate and passing the entrance exams.
Language. Virtually all universities in Switzerland require knowledge of the language ( French, German, Italian) at a level sufficient for study ( B1, B2). This must be confirmed by a certificate or by passing special exams. Many universities offer inexpensive language courses in the summer and during the academic year. Master's programs are widely represented on English language.
Additional Information. A detailed CV, a cover letter with areas of study of interest, copies of diplomas and certificates from other higher educational institutions.
The deadline for applying to the vast majority of universities in Switzerland ends on April 30th.
Despite the fact that most universities are funded by the state, paid education in switzerland. Moreover, an increased rate may apply to foreign students. Nevertheless, the cost of studying is still much lower, for example, than in the UK. On average, one year of study at a Swiss university will cost from 450 to 4000 euros per semester.
The next expense item is living in Switzerland. According to some reports, such large cities as Zurich and Geneva are among the most expensive in the world.
Help in finding a student room on preferential terms can be provided directly by the university. Otherwise, you will have to look for housing on your own. One-room apartment rental starts from 1 thousand euros per month.
For other related expenses, for example, educational materials, food, excursions, medical insurance, and so on, you will have to spend at least 1-1.5 thousand euros per month. Public transport costs 2.5 euros, a movie ticket 15 euros, bread 2 euros, a pack of cigarettes 7 euros.
In total for living in Switzerland, in addition to tuition fees, a foreigner will need about 2 thousand euros per month. Students from countries outside the European Union can start looking for work (no more than 15 hours per week) no earlier than 6 months after the start of the academic year.
Top Universities in Switzerland
The educational institution, located in the large Swiss city of Zurich, was founded in 1855. Today it is one of the most prestigious and sought-after universities not only in Switzerland, but also in the world. This is evidenced by the stable presence in the first in the top ten universities according to various rating agencies.
The university is a true leader in the training of qualified specialists in technical professions. The reputation of the university is confirmed by 21 Nobel laureates who, one way or another, were associated with the institute. Among them are such outstanding personalities as Albert Einstein and Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.
Currently, over 18.6 thousand students study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, of which about 35% are foreigners representing more than 110 countries. The learning process is provided by 8.5 thousand employees, including 500 professors and over 5 thousand scientists.
Educational programs include such areas as architecture and construction, mathematical, natural and social sciences, and management. Education is conducted in German, but some programs provide for the second and third years of study in English. Submission of documents begins on November 1 and ends on April 30. The cost of studying for one semester is 649 Swiss francs (about 575 euros).
Official website of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - www.ethz.ch
This is the second Swiss educational institution at the federal level. The founding date of the university is 1853. The School of Lausanne, although slightly inferior to the more reputable Institute of Technology in Zurich, nevertheless also holds the top positions in the world rankings. For example, according to the version QS World University Rankings 2019 the university occupies the 22nd position.
The infrastructure of the university includes 5 schools, 2 colleges, 28 institutes and 354 laboratories. About 5800 employees of the university provide training for over 10 thousand students representing more than 112 nationalities.
The School of Lausanne offers education in areas such as architecture and civil engineering, computers and communications, sciences and humanities, engineering and management.
The main language of instruction is French, but there are also English programs. The deadline for submitting documents is from September to April 30. The cost of studying for one semester is 633 Swiss francs (about 560 euros), including fees for the use of sports facilities and insurance funds.
Official website of the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne - www.epfl.ch
University of Geneva (Université de Genève)
The oldest university in Switzerland, founded in 1559, is located in the second largest city in the country after Zurich, Geneva. It belongs to the category of cantonal universities and offers a wide range of educational areas. For example, in the field of economics, law, psychology, theology, medicine, pedagogical and social sciences.
About 16 thousand students study at the university. The infrastructure consists of 9 faculties and 15 research centers and institutes. Education is offered mainly in French, with a small proportion of courses in English. For international students who require a visa, the application deadline is 28 February. The tuition fee is 500 Swiss francs per semester (445 euros).
Official website of the University of Geneva - www.unige.ch
Today, not everyone can get higher education at universities in Switzerland, despite the affordable cost compared to English-speaking countries. Most famous businessmen and politicians tend to educate their children in this country. The high quality of education received here is known almost all over the world. A diploma from a Swiss university is a fairly serious argument for obtaining a prestigious position in any corporation in the world. Universities in Switzerland for foreigners and residents of the country provide a unique opportunity to receive a prestigious higher education and open the way to a successful future.
Zurich University
Universities in Switzerland
When choosing a higher education institution in Switzerland, one should first of all be guided by the presence of the desired faculty and, of course, the language of teaching. Among the main cantonal universities are:
Benefits of a Swiss education
In educational institutions in Switzerland, traditions known for a long time are still honored. Here, the quality of education has always been in the first place, which makes it possible to prepare real professionals. Upon graduation, each student is given state guarantees for a high level of professionalism in the field of study. In this country, there is a rather interesting approach to the preparation of the curriculum, which consists in combining educational activities and outdoor activities. In their free time, students have the opportunity to go mountain climbing, horseback riding, snowboarding, they can ride a horse or go fishing.
Studying at universities in Switzerland has a number of advantages, which are as follows:
- The presence of a high academic level.
- Diversity of language practice - classes in German, English, French and Italian.
- Getting a prestigious education is inexpensive.
Institutes are located in Switzerland in such climatic conditions that have a beneficial effect on the health of students. There is no place for national confrontation in the country, the level of criminal events is quite low here. 
Difficulties of studying in Switzerland
Despite all the advantages, studying in Switzerland has certain difficulties. The main difficulty in obtaining higher education in this country is the presentation of sufficiently high requirements for the acquired knowledge. This approach to education cannot be compared with any other country in Europe.
Any university in Switzerland has the full right to conduct an entrance exam, which for many applicants is an obstacle to obtaining a prestigious education. Competition also plays a key role in this, since only worthy students who have a good reputation, excellent grades and have been trained for 4 semesters in state higher educational institutions are selected for study at the universities of this country. Strict requirements are imposed here because the basis of the Swiss economy is the manufacture of high-tech and science-intensive products, and this requires professional knowledge and skills.
How to enter a Swiss university?
Swiss higher education institutions accept foreign students at least 18 years of age. Without fail, the student must know the language in which teaching is conducted at the chosen university. It is mandatory to have a document confirming that you have received a secondary education equivalent to a Swiss one. Each educational institution has its own requirements for the admission of students: 
- It is almost impossible for foreigners to enter the medical faculty, since there are not enough places for those applicants who live in the country.
- Education requirements - minimum 11 years of schooling, 3 years of high school. Knowledge of classical languages, exact sciences and humanities. The presence of a diploma that confirms the existing education and makes it possible to enter various faculties of state universities.
- Universities accept only those students who have completed their second year in their home country. The beginning of their studies here begins with the first year, exams and tests passed at home are not taken into account.
- Those students who have passed a single examination held in Friborg are allowed to study. The examination stage consists of 3 compulsory parts - world history, mathematics, a foreign language and 2 electives. Students can choose among subjects such as biology, geography, second foreign language, physics and chemistry.
Required documents for studying at universities in Switzerland
With sufficient knowledge foreign language, obtaining a certificate and successfully passing a single exam, you can apply to any university in Switzerland. The package must necessarily consist of the following papers:
- Written application form.
- Characteristic.
- Copy of matriculation certificate.
- Detailed autobiography.
- Academic reference.
Papers are sent no later than May. Correspondence with the university takes at least 2-3 months, so each applicant should have some time left to be able to send documents to another university in case of refusal.
The cost of studying in universities in Switzerland
It is not very difficult to get an education in private institutions in Switzerland, but it is quite expensive. As for public universities, the situation is different. The cost of education is quite low, but the requirements for students are very high. Switzerland is the world leader in terms of accessibility of higher education. Getting a scholarship here is also not difficult, compared to an English-speaking country. Grants in Switzerland are also significant and fully cover living expenses.
Cost of education
As for free education, it is possible, but only at some universities in Switzerland. At the same time, all tuition costs for one semester and 5 months of internship are compensated. Transportation costs are not taken into account. Free education is not available to all students, but only to those who meet certain requirements put forward by one or another institution of higher education.
A high standard of living, a stable economy, excellent ecology and a European diploma - for all this you need to go to Switzerland, the country of chocolate, watches, Alpine landscapes and reliable banks.
pros
- Prestigious diploma. Swiss universities, and especially programs in the field of hospitality management, are highly valued in the world.
- The international orientation of the curricula and the opportunity to study in English, as well as to learn German, French or Italian in parallel.
- Excellent career opportunities for graduates (especially hospitality schools) and employment assistance: top hospitality schools cooperate with major players in the market (airlines, hotel chains, cruise operators) and constantly organize job fairs and internships for their students.
Minuses 
Cost of education and living: Switzerland is an expensive country. The high standard of living here has a corresponding price tag. However, if we are not talking about private boarding schools, private higher schools of hotel management and business education, but about bachelor's or master's programs at state universities, the cost of such education will be one of the lowest in Europe with a high quality and prestigious diploma.
Education system
The Swiss education system has a high global reputation, but is not homogeneous. At the level of school education, it is due to regional differences, which depend on the state structure of the country, the presence of four state languages. Twenty-six cantons of Switzerland independently determine the programs, terms, age of schooling, although the general principles are the same for all regions.
The Swiss Constitution mandates free public secondary education for all Swiss. Swiss teachers most consistently apply in practice the principles of progressive Montessori pedagogy, which were largely developed by the famous theoreticians of pedagogy Pestalozzi, Piaget, and Steiner who worked in the country.
The application of the fundamental principles - the development of the child's individuality, creative knowledge of the world - begins at the stage of preschool education. It is designed for children from the age of three. Kindergarten attendance is compulsory from the age of six. senior group Kindergarten actually becomes the preparatory class of elementary school.
Most Swiss willingly send their children to preschool institutions, especially since they can independently choose a kindergarten, the time that the child will spend in it. Many parents choose the main type of kindergarten - full-time. Kindergartens receive significant support from the state. It is hardly possible to build sports complexes, swimming pools, which are not uncommon in Swiss kindergartens, with income from the usual payment of parents.
In addition to public kindergartens, Switzerland has a developed network of private kindergartens. These are family institutions with a dozen pupils, elite boarding-type kindergartens, for which a special selection of qualified high-level teachers is carried out.
School education
Number of classes in primary school, language of instruction - are determined by the cantonal authorities, so there is no single system. Nevertheless, the level and quality of education are standardized, all students are given equal opportunities. There is only one age of study (7 - 16 years).
Most cantons practice six years of primary education. Exams, entrance tests are not required for admission to elementary school. A typical weekly curriculum in different classes takes from 23 to 32 lessons.
The multinationality of the country places high demands on mastering languages. Language learning begins in kindergarten, since when graduating from school, a young Swiss is obliged to speak two state languages, to know English. For elementary school, one of the main subjects is a foreign language.
Compulsory education includes basic secondary education "Secondaire I", which lasts 3-4 years (depending on the cantonal program). To complete the Secondaire II course, the student will need the same amount of time, that is, complete secondary education is completed by the age of 18-19. 
Orientation to receive an academic education occurs at the end of the Secondaire I program. An alternative to Secondaire II is vocational secondary education, which gives the right to the certificate "Maturité professionnelle". With this diploma, it is possible to enter a polytechnic university, a higher technical school. The certificate "Maturité gymnasiale" gives the right to university education.
Curricula in cantonal schools are different. They usually include 12 compulsory subjects. They always include three basic disciplines (native language, another state language, mathematics). Students (except for history, geography, physics, chemistry, biology) independently choose two major subjects.
Federal certificates "Maturité gymnasiale", "Maturité professionnelle" are recognized in all regions of Switzerland (for admission to universities), recognized by European countries, American, Australian, Asian higher schools(if you have a language certificate).
Private boarding schools, common in Switzerland, require special attention. On the one hand, private education is highly rated in the country, outside of Switzerland. Despite the high cost of education, entrance exams - private schools are completely filled. Wealthy parents willingly send their children to study in Switzerland. Schools are distinguished by strict rules; they do not recognize division by class, social, or racial characteristics. The best teachers in Europe work in private schools, so the quality of education is very high.
On the other hand, there is an obvious opposition between public and private education. To enter a Swiss university, graduates of private schools must pass a federal exam. However, the knowledge provided by private schools allows graduates on the basis of the school base to enter most universities in the world without additional preparation. Diplomas of private schools are recognized by almost all higher schools in the world.
Higher education
Switzerland is one of the oldest countries in Europe in terms of the development of university education. Higher education in the country is divided into university and technical. The federal authorities supervise higher vocational education, while the cantonal authorities supervise university education.
Such a division is rather conditional, since the money for financial support is allocated by the central government. The Swiss Ministry of Education has unconditionally accepted the Bologna Agreement and is consistently implementing it. Most public universities operate according to the Bologna system.
Switzerland's world leadership in the watchmaking, precision industry, precision engineering, pharmacology, petrochemistry - constantly requires an influx of qualified specialists into the main sectors of the export-oriented economy. Therefore, the attention of the federal government to the technical industries is natural. Public spending is high (2.6% of GDP for science, more than 5% for education). 
The university system includes ten cantonal universities. Technical education is carried out by two federal technological institutes, seven universities of applied sciences. The division into cantons does not affect curricula. As a rule, universities offer academic studies in any of four languages (German, Italian, French, English).
The largest university in Switzerland is the University of Zurich. More than 25,000 students study at the faculties of law, veterinary medicine, medicine, economics, and mathematics. About half of them study at the Faculty of Philosophy, which is authoritative in scientific circles around the world.
In the same Zurich, the oldest center of technological education is located - the Higher Technical School (since 1855). In addition to engineering disciplines, its students study architecture, mathematics, social sciences, and management. The success of Swiss research centers in the fields of atomic energy, space exploration, and the development of nanotechnologies is due to the fact that the majority of teachers are actively involved in scientific research, as well as the vast majority of talented students.
Foreign applicants for admission to Switzerland must pass five entrance exams. Three subjects are obligatory for all - mathematics, history, language of teaching. One exam is due to the choice of a major discipline (physics, biology, chemistry, geography). At the choice of the applicant, knowledge of a second foreign language is checked.
Universities in the German-speaking cantons do not accept foreign school graduates; the minimum requirement is four semesters of study at a national university. The difficulties of admission do not end there. After the first, second course, difficult exams are required, which eliminate up to 50% of students.
Tuition fees in Swiss universities are higher than the European average. But it includes more than just tuition fees. The cost of education includes the cost of food, accommodation on campus, textbooks, discounts for the purchase of inexpensive clothing. Side earnings by the administration of universities are not encouraged.
For Russian applicants with good knowledge of core disciplines, the best way to enter is an additional course of study at a language school that operates at most academic, poly technical universities.
useful links
- www.swissworld.org Official portal about Switzerland
- www.studyinginswitzerland.ch Education in Switzerland
- www.edk.ch Education system in Switzerland
Swiss universities are regularly ranked in the top 10 international rankings. At the same time, the cost of studying at public universities in Switzerland is not as high as it might seem. The most eminent educational institutions are ready to provide students with higher education for only 1000 francs per year.
The cost of education is really high only in the best universities in Switzerland related to the hospitality industry and the field of business or finance. But even here it is compensated by paid internships and providing students with part-time jobs. That is why Swiss universities are so attractive to foreigners. In total, about 30% of students studying in the country are foreign citizens.
Swiss universities are divided into research and universities of applied sciences or arts, institutes and colleges. Since 2001, a new type of educational institution has appeared - a pedagogical university.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS FOR ENTRY TO HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN SWITZERLAND
They vary depending on the location of the institution. For admission in the French-speaking or Italian-speaking part of the country, a high school diploma is sufficient. In the German-speaking cantons, only second- or third-year students of an educational institution who decide to continue their studies abroad can count on studying at Swiss universities.
In any case, there are general requirements for all private and public universities in Switzerland:
- knowledge of the language of instruction, confirmed by a certificate;
- English proficiency;
- complete secondary education and above.
The best universities in Switzerland often require successful completion of an exam common to all foreign citizens.
In addition, an important role is played by the average score of the certificate, which must be at least four.
Slightly fewer conditions are set by Swiss universities in English. To start learning in them, it is enough to know only it well, without any tests or exams in other languages.
The vast majority of hospitality and business schools in general offer programs exclusively in English, so becoming a student is much easier.
APPLICATION PROCESS TO SWITZERLAND UNIVERSITIES (HOW TO APPLY)
Swiss universities offer the usual admission scheme:
- choose one of best universities Switzerland;
- go to his official website;
- fill out and submit the application;
- waiting for confirmation of its registration;
- conduct an online consultation with a college or institute specialist;
- pay the registration fee;
- provide a copy of the certificate with grades and a certificate of academic performance from the university;
- pass a language proficiency test;
- send the results of the general exam (if necessary);
- send a motivation letter and recommendations.
If you understand that you will not be able to pass the tests well, then you should not waste your time and money. There are many preparatory programs in the country where you can study calmly, slowly improve your English language skills and deepen your knowledge in major subjects.
In addition, preparatory programs help to get the missing level of education in the German cantons, eliminating the need to become a student of an unnecessary university. While studying on the program, you can take a language test, as well as get timely advice from professors.
STUDYING PROGRAMS
Higher education in this state can be obtained at any level. If we talk about the universities of Lausanne, Geneva or Zurich, then they always have undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs.
Universities of applied sciences and arts also award bachelor's degrees, while master's and postgraduate programs exist in selective specialties.
A wider range of courses are offered by educational institutions related to the hospitality industry. In them, you can get a certificate in just a year, opening the way to practice in your specialty. It takes two years to study for the award of a diploma of higher education. Then there are the standard bachelor's and master's degrees.
SWITZERLAND UNIVERSITY RANKING
The ranking of the best universities in Switzerland is headed by ETH Zurich, specializing in the field of natural sciences and technology. Interesting for well-performing students curricula and the largest number of Nobel laureates. Like many other universities in Switzerland, in English offers a fairly large selection of specialties.
The second recognized representative of the technical universities of Lausanne - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. International recognition helped him enter the TOP of the Swiss university ranking, attracting a huge number of foreign students to receive higher education.
The third place was taken by one of the calmest and safest universities - the University of Zurich. It is distinguished by the amazing composition of the campus population, both children and their parents can study here at the same time.
The fourth position is occupied by one of the universities of Geneva - the University of Geneva. The University of Geneva is one of the oldest French-speaking educational institutions country.
Next comes the University of Basel, always ranked among best universities Switzerland. In addition, it is also the oldest university in the state.