Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. it is a very unique small Alpine country situated next to the big neighbors: Italy, France, little brother Austria and small cousin Liechtenstein. Switzerland is considered to be one of the countries with the highest standard of living and the most stable economy. Switzerland is the nexus of he diverse physical and cultural geography of western Europe, renowned for both its natural beauty and its way of life.
Facts About Switzerland
Compulsory education in Switzerland lasts at least nine years and is sub-divided into primary school and lower-primary school education. In some cantons, it is mandatory to attend pre- school for one or two years. primary school education lasts six years and lower- secondary education three years in majority of the cantons. students complete compulsory education at the age pf 15 to 16 years.
Primary Education
It Includes Pre- school and primary schools.
Pre- school/ Kindergarten
One to two years of free pre-school education is being provided to the kids in Switzerland.
Primary School
Secondary Education
Secondary education split into two levels: lower and upper levels usually referred to as secondary I and II. Lower level i.e., level I generally lasts three years and is compulsory to attend. At the age of 15-16 Depending on when they started school, students who wish to like to extend their education move into the upper secondary level, which generally lasts 3-4 years. This level forms the beginning phase of post- compulsory education.
Lower secondary Level
Upper Secondary Level
Higher or Tertiary Education
Age : 18 and above.
Higher education can be completed at tertiary level A institutions or within the framework of tertiary level B professional education and training (PET). Tertiary level A institutions include universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education that provides several academic and practice- oriented curses of study. Tertiary level B provides in-depth specialist knowledge.
Tertiary education in Switzerland follows the Bologna Process and is divided into three program cycle with:
Bachelor Studies in Switzerland
Bachelor's program in Switzerland are completed within three years of full-time studies awarding 180 ECTS credits. however, there are specific programs like medicine or pharmacy that last up to five or six years. Completing a bachelor's in Switzerland is a prerequisite for admittance to studies at a Master's level.
The language of instruction on the Bachelor's level depends on the location of the university. During a Swiss Bachelor's, you are required to attend compulsory courses i your field (major), additional courses in another field of your choices (minor) and also free elective courses. The last year of your Bachelor's is dedicated to the writing of your dissertation.
Swiss Master Degree
Master's studies are completed within one or two years of full-time studies awarding 90120 ECTS credits. A Master's degree is required for entering the highest academic level of a Doctorate degree. A Master's degree in Switzerland is a great choice for you as an international student without prior Knowledge of French, Italian or German, as you can find multiple English- taught Master program.
Throughout the Master's you will acquire advanced knowledge in your field through the completion of the various modules and practical tasks. And also require to study both independently and in groups and also write dissertation at the end of your studies.
Pursuing Doctorate in Switzerland
Doctorate studies in Switzerland can be awarded only by traditional universities and are primarily research-based, involving independent work towards a PhD thesis with the guidance of a supervisor. Doctorate degrees can be completed between three and five years and lead to the acquisition of 240 ECTS credits.
There are two types of Doctorate degrees in Switzerland :
Traditional or General PhDs: They take place within a single university under the guidance of one or more supervisors. The focus is on research and you will spend most of your study time working on your doctoral thesis.
Structured PhDs: They involve more practical training and also involve collaboration and partnership between different institutions such as the universities of applied sciences.
The academic year in Switzerland lasts from September to May. You can find programs in four different languages: English, French, Italian and German. Contact the institutions of your choice for more relevant information regarding the language of instruction.
Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts
There are eight public Swiss universities of Applied Sciences and Arts and one private, all closely linked to the Swiss economy, culture and society. Their goal is to establish educational partnership with companies, institutions and other organizations.
These institutions have similar goals to traditional universities, but are more practically-oriented and have faculty members coming directly from the field with the concreate experience and expertise. they operate under the mantra of "Different but equivalent". The study programs are built upon the existing practical competencies of their students and connect theory and practice in order to assist students enter the swiss labor market.
Universities of Teacher Education
Universities of teacher education are responsible for the education and training of teachers in the Swiss primary, lower secondary and upper secondary level schools. There are currently 20 universities of teacher education in Switzerland, all of them involved in continuous research, education training and coaching of prospective training professionals. Their goal is the continuation of excellence of the swiss educational system by the incorporation of the latest educational trends and technologies.
Tuition Fees at Public Universities
Since public universities are funded by the government, fees is one of the lower side with small premiums for foreign students. This is why a large number of international students are attracted to the country and make up 21% of the total student population. Unlike undergraduate courses which are taught in one of the official languages of German, French or Italian, Master's course are taught in English. Cost of the education differs between disciplines. Average annual tuition for international students can fall £ 650 and £ 1,000 while for students f medicine it can go up to £1600 a year.
Tuition fees at Other Types of Institutions
Private universities are much costlier than public one, with annual tuition fees ranging from £1500 to £1600. since Switzerland is renowned for opportunities in research, is Post graduate and PhD programs tend to be more popular and fees for PhDs are nominal at about £200 a year.
Scholarships in Switzerland
While public universities are mostly affordable, scholarship programs are also available for international students. Most Scholarships are reserved for post graduate and research students.
Living Cost
Accommodation
After tuition, it is accommodation that you will spend a huge chunk of your money on. The most popular choice among foreign students in Switzerland are:
Food Costs
Monthly supermarket bills can amount to about £200. a trick is to shop after 5 pm, when most supermarkets sell perishable items at a 25-50% discount. Restaurant meals can cost around £20, while university canteen are inexpensive at £7 per meal.
Transportation
Switzerland's efficient public transport is a boon for those on a tight budget, with monthly students passes coasting only £50. Bicycle routes are also scattered throughout the country, and bicycles are fairly easy to rent. In major cities, only one ticket or pass is needed for access to any kind of transport, be it buses, trains or trams.
Extra Cost and Savings
Students might have to spend about £300 on health insurance and medical exams, but these are usually one-time expenses at the beginning of every term. Books and supplies can be found at discount prices in shop within or near campus, and usually cost up £100. All in all the yearly cost of the living in Switzerland can be rounded off to £20,000.
And the applications deadline for Universities in Switzerland having May Intake will again come much before that, around 31 st August.
Additional Documents for Students Who Apply to A Doctoral Program
Students from EFTA (European Free Trade Association) / EU (European Union) are allowed for studying and working in Switzerland for fifteen hours each week without needing a work permit while they study in Switzerland. The students of other countries face stricter regulations. Only some highly qualified individuals are eligible for the work permit while others needed to wait for six months after arriving in the country. In terms of the work permits after study in Switzerland, students are allowed to remain in the country after completion of the degree to look for job. The Switzerland visa for a wok permit is given to successfully job applicants.