Low tuition
English-taught
CHF 850 per semester (≈ CHF 1,700/yr)
- Mandatory cost / yr
- €1,819
- Degree levels
- Bachelor · Master · PhD
Low tuitionOTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRY
Tuition-Free Universities in Switzerland
Low tuition: cantonal universities ≈ CHF 1,000–1,500/yr (Swiss/EU); ETH/EPFL higher for foreign students
- Universities to explore
- 5
- Mandatory university cost / year
- €1,300
- Currency
- CHF
- Academic year
- 2026/2027
Tuition rules for EU citizens
Switzerland is not an EU member but has close academic ties. Cantonal universities charge low tuition (commonly around CHF 1,000–1,500 per year for Swiss/EU students). The two federal institutes (ETH Zurich and EPFL) charge higher fees to foreign students — reported at CHF 2,190 per semester from autumn 2025. Amounts vary by canton and institution and must be verified directly.
Public universities
Low tuition set by canton; EU/EEA rates vary.
Private universities
Private institutions charge higher tuition.
By degree level
- Bachelor's: Low cantonal tuition; verify per institution.
- Master's: Low cantonal tuition; verify per institution.
- PhD: Doctoral candidates are often employed and funded.
English-taught programmes
Very large English-taught catalogue, especially at Master’s and PhD level.
Mandatory fees
Small administrative fees may apply.
Estimated mandatory university cost per year: €1,300.
Admission system & application process
Direct institution portals.
Residency conditions
Non-EU/EEA rates may differ; some institutions charge foreign students more (incl. ETH/EPFL).
Language requirements
Programmes taught in German, French, Italian or English; proof required accordingly.
Deadlines & document submission
- Applications open
- Varies by institution
- Applications close
- Commonly ≈ 30 April (autumn) for non-EU; EU later — verify
- Document submission
- Certified copies + translations; recognition of foreign certificates.
- Note
- Cantonal and institutional variation.
Typical dates for the 2026/2027 cycle — verify the exact deadline on the official admissions page.
Living costs, housing & scholarships
- Living costs (approx.)
- €1,800–€2,500 / month
- Student housing
- Housing is expensive and scarce — apply very early.
- Scholarships
- Swiss government excellence scholarships; cantonal support.
- EU/EEA mobility
- As an EU/EEA citizen you do not need a visa or residence permit to study here; register with the local authorities after arrival. Non-EU/EEA students need a visa/residence permit.
Living-cost figures are approximate (2026 estimates) and separate from the mandatory university cost above.
Universities in our database (5)
Low tuition
English-taught
Foreign students: CHF 985 per semester (≈ CHF 1,970/yr)
- Mandatory cost / yr
- €2,108
- Degree levels
- Bachelor · Master · PhD
Low tuition
English-taught
CHF 500 per semester for all students (≈ CHF 1,000/yr)
- Mandatory cost / yr
- €1,070
- Degree levels
- Bachelor · Master · PhD
Low tuition
English-taught
CHF 580 per semester + CHF 80 semester fees (≈ CHF 1,320/yr)
- Mandatory cost / yr
- €1,412
- Degree levels
- Bachelor · Master · PhD
Low tuition
English-taught
Master: CHF 720 + CHF 100 foreign-student surcharge per semester; Bachelor: CHF 720 + CHF 500 surcharge (≈ CHF 2,558/yr incl. contributions — at the upper limit)
- Mandatory cost / yr
- €1,881
- Degree levels
- Bachelor · Master · PhD
Always verify. Tuition rules may change. Always verify current fees and admission requirements on the university's official website before applying.
Official sources
- Study.eu – Tuition fees and living costs in Switzerland
https://www.study.eu/ - Mastersportal – Tuition Fees and Living Costs in Switzerland
https://www.mastersportal.com/