Study in Switzerland
Education and learning are major pillars of the Swiss people, and knowledge is considered as one of their renewable constructs for their development today. Their sustainability and relevance are primarily ascribed to a good education system that sees many of its citizens leading in many world spaces.
There are up to 15 universities in Switzerland, 9 of which are run by their different regions offering a wide range of subjects excluding the technical courses the remaining 2 run by the confederate which specializes in technical and engineering courses. Bachelors degree can be obtained in a 3-4 year gap and masters degree for 1-2 year(s).
Currently, more than 9 of these universities are open to foreign students with an increasing rate of applications from different places around the world. The last decade has seen an increase in the international student ratio of more than 6 of these institutions owing to the demystification of how generally perceived they used to be.
International students that are not from any EU country require a student visa to come into the country which is typically a two-year study residence permit. Masters students are encouraged to pursue employment opportunities as classes hold only on Mondays and Tuesdays in most institutions in Switzerland.
Student life is very favorable in the country, however, students are generally poised to adhere to the rules and laws of the country. Students are respected by the people and in return are expected to be respectful of the citizens and other people as well.
About Switzerland
Primarily an inland region, Switzerland is a country of diversity, history, and beautiful landscapes on the coast of the Mediterranean. With a population of about 8.3 million people, Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world today. Switzerland, also known as ‘Confoederatio Helvetica’ is a mountain country situated in the center of Europe sharing its boundaries with France, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein.
The capital city Bern is home to all the political nuances that exist in the country. While Zurich maintains itself as the largest and most populous city in the country and it is also the seat of the legislative arm of the government. The country has a thriving hub for business and commerce with a pivotal banking and finance industry.
Switzerland is famously known around the world for its swiss watches and chocolate. Since over 25% of the population are foreigners, English is generally spoken and can suffice for daily activities. The versatility of the country and its people is well represented across its many immigrant communities.
The weather is mild with spikes in the cool of the winter and humidity in the heat of the summer due to the surrounding alps and the many majestic lakes.
About Switzerland Economy
Although Switzerland has one of the best political climates and economies in Europe, they are not a part of the European Union. Swiss Franc (CHF) is their currency of exchange instead of the euro that is used in the larger European community.
In more recent times, the country has started taking vocal stands to issues surrounding them, however, prior to this Swiss people upheld a neutral stance towards matters in the EU.
This multi-language country has four different official languages with a larger number of people speaking German followed closely by French with a significant number of nationals, Italian and an archaic local dialect called Romansh are also widely spoken in a few regions.
Tourism has also become a huge revenue chain for the country because of the scenic nature and the magnificent mountains present there. These days, more tourists are choosing to enjoy the ambiance of the countryside and have been flocking in, in their numbers.
Switzerland continues to contribute to the European continent in terms of trade, modernization, and globalization.
Why Study in Switzerland
World Best Education
Switzerland has some of the leading universities in Europe and the world today. 9 out of 15 institutions are ranked in the top 650 in the world with schools like ETH Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) rated among the highest 30 in the world, two of the few highest entries from the continent.
An additional five universities in Switzerland also rate quite high in the top 100 categories of world universities. Some of the most significant research and literals powerhouses have all come out from the education system in Switzerland.
With relevance attached to a typical degree from this small country, it is no wonder they have produced some game-changers in academia with the most Nobel Laureate prize winners for science in Europe.
International Appeal
A significant number of schools in Switzerland have garnered a favorable reputation as schools with the largest number of international presence in the whole of Europe. They are also inclusive in academia as academic members are also largely foreign.
Even in social situations, studying in a multinational country like this proves to be an advantage as students do not feel out of place. There are different cultures, people, languages, food, and religion that are all welcome and thrive together in harmony
The Middle of Europe
For avid travelers and Explorers who seek new adventures, the country’s strategic location surrounded by countries like Germany and France proves to create ease of travel as they can easily get to different countries within Europe in good time.
Students can venture to see the best of modern civilization and see some of the best history and sights on the continent. Their efficient transport system also enhances this cause as they are well connected and reliable, this gateway country beautifully delivers Europe to your doorstep.
High Quality, Cost-Effectiveness
Regardless of how expensive the country is, the reality is that students also get to save and invest in their future, there is the opportunity to learn in an environment that is effective and productive as well as the important prospects and connections to further advance your career.
The Switzerland people have developed a model that the world can learn from, so picture an international student gaining access to this level of information and enlightenment, a factor their respective countries can also benefit largely from. Also, modern learning methods are employed in the teaching curriculum that the majority of the universities here provide.
Scholarships Opportunities in Switzerland
Tuition is not as expensive as the country itself, ranging from as low as 1266 CHF to 8000 CHF for foreign students in a semester, fees in Switzerland are reasonably priced in comparison with many European schools.
There are also institution-specific scholarships in the form of fellowships, grants and tuition waivers. Students can apply as early as their first semester in any Swiss university.
Switzerland Student Visa
Different countries have different conditions and processes, applicants from the EU or the EFTA including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein do not require a student visa to come into the country.
While non-EU/EFTA nationals have the need for a student visa to be able to be admissible into the country. Visas are been given by the Swiss embassy or consulate in the applicants country of origin.
After the student arrives into the country they are expected to register their arrival and prepare all the necessary documentation in order to proceed with obtaining their residence permit called the B-permit from the regional (usually referred to as ‘canton’) immigration office.
The period for the document to be released is a minimum of two weeks but they will still be able to carry out other activities like opening up a new bank account but can't leave the country during this processing time.
The student permit of residence is usually in a biometric card form and it is authentic for one year and can be renewed before it expires.