• Why Switzerland is a Great Study Abroad Destination

Switzerland is a country that is loved by people all over the world for its Alps, chocolates, famous banks, and watches. Apart from these, the country is also famous for providing a high standard of education. Every year, students from every corner of the world flock to Switzerland to take advantage of its excellent education system. Below are some of the reasons why Switzerland is a great study abroad destination.

• High-Quality Education

Switzerland is home to some of the best universities in the world. All Swiss colleges strive for quality in education and research, making them consistently rank among the top universities in the world. In fact, around half of all students in Switzerland attend one of the top 200 universities worldwide. The Swiss higher education landscape includes academic studies at the ten Cantonal Universities and the two Federal Institutes of Technology. Additionally, there are seven public and two private Universities of Applied Sciences that take a more professionally oriented focus.

• Affordable Cost

Switzerland takes pride in its high standard of publicly subsidized education that is affordable for both Swiss and non-Swiss students. The average cost of tuition fees for a year is around CAD1,300 for Swiss students and CAD1,500 for international students.

• World Champion in Innovation

Switzerland is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative and competitive economies in the world. This is made possible due to the cutting-edge research of its universities and significant investments made by both the public and private sectors. Since 1950, Switzerland has been at the top of the global table for Nobel Prizes per capita. Swiss scientists continue to produce a high number of scientific papers with significant impact in their respective disciplines. This is supported by excellent institutions such as the world-renowned CERN in Geneva. Additionally, the private sector invests heavily in research, particularly in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and engineering sectors.

• At the Crossroads of Cultures and Languages

Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and at the intersection of several languages and cultures, attracting people from all over the world. Many UN organizations and international NGOs are located in Geneva, and more than 10,000 multinational companies are headquartered in Switzerland. Similarly, Swiss universities are highly international. More than half of the Ph.D. students and post-docs, and 45% of the employees at Swiss universities, come from another country. Switzerland is an excellent starting point to explore Europe. Thanks to international airports in Basel, Geneva, and Zurich, and train stations in almost every town, cities such as Paris, Rome, Vienna, or Berlin are just a few hours away.

• High Living Standard

Although the cost of living in Swiss cities is not cheap, the quality of life is correspondingly high. In a worldwide quality of living comparison of 350 cities, Zurich and Geneva ranked second and third, while Bern, Switzerland’s capital, ranked ninth.

• General Life of a Student in Switzerland

Swiss people are used to traveling and experiencing a wide range of cultures, and there is a large number of foreigners officially living in Switzerland, making everyday life enjoyable. They are all friendly and open. This feeling of social closeness is most evident in student residences, where resident and exchange students come together and have cooking evenings, costume parties, or even impromptu events that connect everyone. Swiss culture places a great emphasis on people’s well-being as well as exploring the natural beauties. In winter, many people go skiing almost every day, while in summer, families and groups explore the endless mountain trails for hiking. A perfect end to the weekday would start and end with the activity of a sport. In between, there is time for a relaxing lunch in the woods, a barbecue at the edge of the lake, or meeting friends and family for a brunch.

• Working While Studying in Switzerland

International students who have obtained their residence permit and demonstrated the necessary financial resources to study in Switzerland can work while studying. The student residence permit allows for profit-earning activity as long as the employment does not extend the length of the student’s studies. The number of weekly work hours for international students is limited to 15, but this is flexible depending on the canton. However, it is recommended that students do not take on additional work as the university workload is already quite heavy.

• Working After Graduation in Switzerland

Foreign nationals who have earned a Swiss university-level diploma are eligible to stay in Switzerland for six more months from the time of completing their education or postgraduate studies to find employment. Those who are successful in securing a job will be issued a work permit, provided the prospective position involves a movement of specific scientific or economic significance.

In conclusion, Switzerland is a great destination for students who seek quality education, a high standard of living, and an opportunity to explore Europe. Moreover, Switzerland’s innovative and competitive economy provides excellent prospects for international students who wish to work after graduation.

• Glion Institute of Higher Education, Vaud, Switzerland
• EU Business School, Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland
• American University in Switzerland, Vaud, Switzerland
• Montreux Business University, Geneva, Switzerland
• Rushford Business School, Geneva, Switzerland
• American Graduate School of Business Switzerland, Vaud, Switzerland
• And many more…