Tuition at public universities
Swiss public universities charge tuition per semester, and several charge foreign students more than Swiss students. Current figures:
- ETH Zurich: CHF 2,190 for foreign students (CHF 730 for Swiss students), plus CHF 74 in compulsory fees
- EPFL in Lausanne: CHF 2,190 for foreign students, plus CHF 50 in compulsory fees
- University of St Gallen: CHF 3,343.50 for international bachelor's students
- University of Zurich: CHF 1,220 for non-Swiss bachelor's students
- University of Bern: CHF 950 for non-Swiss students
- University of Lausanne: CHF 580
- University of Geneva: CHF 435
A year has two semesters, so a foreign student at ETH Zurich pays about CHF 4,530 a year in tuition and fees.
Private hotel and business schools
Private schools charge far more. EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne lists these fees for international students starting the bachelor's in September 2027 or February 2028:
- Preparatory year: CHF 24,898
- Year 1: CHF 40,045
- Year 2: CHF 24,352
- Year 3: CHF 34,507
- Total: CHF 123,802 with the preparatory year, or CHF 98,904 without it
A room on the EHL campus costs CHF 7,800 a semester. Other private schools set their own fees, so compare the total for the whole degree, not the first year.
Living costs: a Geneva budget
The Graduate Institute in Geneva publishes a monthly budget estimate for its students:
- Rent: CHF 750 to 1,200
- Food: CHF 400 to 800
- Health insurance: about CHF 60 to 400
- Public transport: CHF 0 to 70
- Phone: CHF 20 to 50
- Other expenses: CHF 200 or more
That makes CHF 1,430 to CHF 2,720 or more a month. Health insurance also has a yearly deductible, the amount you pay before the insurer starts paying, of CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 depending on the plan.
Can the student work to cover costs?
Non-EU students may work up to 15 hours a week during the semester, but not in the first six months, and the job needs a permit request supported by the school. Plan the budget without counting on this income.
Proof of funds for the visa
Non-EU students must show they can pay for their studies and living costs, with bank statements or a sponsorship letter. We confirm the amount and the documents with the school and the cantonal migration office for each student.
How to plan the budget
- Budget housing first. It is the largest cost, and rooms go quickly before the autumn semester.
- Count twelve months of living costs, not only the teaching months.
- Keep a buffer for the health insurance deductible and the rental deposit.
- Check fees for your exact intake, because schools update them every year.
In the Pathway Plan we build this budget for each school on your shortlist, in Swiss francs and in AED. Read our guide to studying in Switzerland for the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Switzerland than in the UK?
Tuition at Swiss public universities is usually much lower than UK tuition for international students. Living costs, especially rent in Geneva and Zurich, are high, so the total depends on the city and the school.
How much does a student need per month in Geneva?
The Graduate Institute estimates CHF 1,430 to CHF 2,720 or more a month, including rent, food, health insurance, transport and phone.
How much does EHL cost?
For international students starting in September 2027 or February 2028, the bachelor's costs CHF 123,802 including the preparatory year, or CHF 98,904 without it, before housing.
Is health insurance compulsory for students in Switzerland?
Yes. Students living in Switzerland must have health insurance. The Graduate Institute estimates premiums of about CHF 60 to 400 a month, plus a yearly deductible.
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