Five Quick Points About Switzerland

• A land that embraces diversity, with nearly a quarter of the population composed of immigrants and four official languages
• Highly qualified and skilled labour force
• Very decentralised and diverse education system – international students apply at institutional level
• Finding suitable accommodation can be challenging – international students should research and find housing as soon as possible after being accepted at a school
• Unique VET (higher vocational education and training) model

Location and Geography

Switzerland (officially “the Swiss Confederation”) is a small landlocked nation-state in central Europe; its total area is 41,290 square kilometres. Bordering Switzerland are France (west), Germany (north), Austria and Lichtenstein (east), and Italy (south). Switzerland is a diverse land of mountains, lakes, and rich fertile plains: the Jura Mountains in the northwest, the Alps in the south, and the glacier-carved plains of the Central Plateau. The capital city is Bern.

Climate

The cool, temperate climate in Switzerland is affected by its landlocked position and by the variations in altitude. This translates to generally cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters and cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers. In summer on the plain, temperatures can reach 30ºC. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below 5ºC.

History and Population

First part of the Frankish Empire and then part of the Holy Roman Empire, Switzerland emerged as a modern state in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna. In 1848, the Swiss State was formally established with a tiered system of federal government, local government cantons, and communes. Through World War I and II, Switzerland remained neutral. Since 1945, Switzerland has enjoyed political stability, economic progress, increased social security, and increased openness and tolerance.

Switzerland has a population of about 9 million (with the major ethnic groups German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romantsch 1%, and other 6%) – and foreign-born immigrants compose roughly 27% of the population. The median age is 42 years. Switzerland is densely populated, and almost three-quarters of people live in urban areas. As most of the cities, towns, and villages are concentrated in the Mittelland or Midlands, the central plateau area is the most densely populated region in the country. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Society and Culture

Swiss culture is known for its diversity: there can be marked differences in language, economy, cultural history, cuisine, political persuasions, climate, architecture, and the educational system from region to region and canton to canton. The cultural diversity of Switzerland is evident in the many cultural events. The country is well known for all kinds of winter sports. The International Olympic Committee and FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) headquarters are in Lausanne and Zurich respectively.

The website Swissworld notes the following: “The Swiss themselves are sometimes puzzled about what they have in common apart from their passport, what it is that makes them Swiss. The Swiss say they are held together by the desire to stay united. The general attitude is summed up in the formula ‘unity, but not uniformity.’”

Economy

Throughout the 19th century, Switzerland embraced industrialisation and developed a reputation for superior workmanship. Today, the economy is based on a highly qualified labour force performing very skilled work in small to medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. Banking and insurance, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, microtechnology, and high-quality precision instruments are important industries. Swiss watches and chocolates are world-famous. In this mature economy, growth is slow and heavily reliant on international trade. The Swiss aim to attain environmentally friendly industries. The currency is the Swiss Francs (CHF).

Government

Switzerland’s government, parliament, and courts are organised on three levels. The Swiss Confederation’s constitution sets out the powers of the federal government, (e.g., foreign relations, army, customs examinations and tariffs, value-added taxes, legislation on currency, measure and weight, railways, and communications). At the second level of government are the cantons (26) and third, at a more local level, are the communes (just under 3,000).

There are two houses of parliament at the federal level: the National Council (like a House of Representatives) and the Council of States (like a Senate), which represent the cantons. Only the cantons run universities (except for two federal institutes of technology).

Living Conditions and Cost of Living

It costs roughly €2,000 per month for expenses including housing, food, transportation, tuition, supplies and a few leisure activities. However, Geneva and Zurich are the most expensive cities that require a monthly budget of €2,500 or more.

Tuition fees are the same for EU and non-EU students in most Swiss higher education institutions. Bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees average about €2,000 per year, while at private universities, the range is €1,500 to €16,000.

Vacancy rates in Switzerland are very low and accommodation can be expensive and hard to find. Subsidised accommodation may be available from the universities; however, this is often limited. Accommodation should be researched and sourced as soon as possible after acceptance at an educational institution.

Education System

The Swiss education system – at all levels – is considered one of the best in the world.

In terms of higher education, there are 12 state universities and two federal institutes of technology. Higher vocational education and training (VET) is a Swiss speciality that provides tertiary-level courses (up to diploma level) and focuses on skills for professional and management positions. Basic VET is provided at the secondary school level. VET is the joint responsibility of the federal government, cantons, and professional associations.

In terms of universities, there are two categories: traditional universities (cantonal universities and Federal Institutes of Technology and universities of applied sciences, including universities of art and music as well as universities of teacher education. International students should carefully check the various universities in terms of language preference because different languages of instruction occur across the university spectrum. While English is widely spoken throughout Switzerland, the majority of undergraduate programmes are taught in German, French, or Italian. The student will have to show command of the language of instruction for admission.

Information Specific to International Students

There is no central application centre in Switzerland; therefore international students need to consult their chosen educational institution to find out what is required to apply.

Anyone who lives in Switzerland for three months, including international students, must have basic health insurance coverage. Students who have international mutual coverage may be exempt from taking out the compulsory Swiss health insurance.

Regarding visas, EU students do not need a visa to study in Switzerland but non-EU students do, and it can take up to three months for visa applications to be processed. For more information on visas, please visit: https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/switzerland/guide#tab=2

Regarding working while studying, MastersPortal notes: “International students can take up part-time work for up to 15 hours a week during the semester and they can work full-time during holidays, but only after they have been living in Switzerland for at least six months and as long as it doesn’t affect the progress of your studies.”

More Information

• All about Switzerland: www.swissworld.org
• Study in Switzerland website: https://studyinginswitzerland.com
• Swiss universities: https://www.swissuniversities.ch/en/
• Admissions and student visas: https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/switzerland/guide
• Swiss National Tourist Office: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ca

More Useful Resources

www.ch.ch – The Swiss government portal
www.admin.ch – The Federal Authorities: links to all federal government departments
www.bfs.admin.ch – Swiss Federal Statistical Office
www.educa.ch – The Swiss Education Server: information on the education system at all levels
www.bbt.admin.ch – Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET)
www.swissuniversity.ch – Information on the higher education courses available in Switzerland
www.crus.ch/information-programme/study-in-switzerland.html?L=2 – CRUS page with list of
documents required for registration for a permit for EU/EFTA students
http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/wasemb/scitec/study/prinf.html – Living in
Switzerland page on Federal Department of Foreign Affairs site
www.justlanded.com – Just Landed – Living Abroad website: Useful information on Switzerland
www.justlanded.com – Just Landed – Living Abroad website: Useful information on Switzerland
www.myswitzerland.com – Swiss National Tourist Office
www.switzerlandisyours.com – Information on living in Switzerland