5 Best Universities in Switzerland for International Students 2025

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Table Of Contents
  1. 1. University of Zurich (UZH)
  2. 2. University of Geneva (UNIGE)
  3. 3. University of Basel (UNIBAS)
  4. 4. University of Bern (UNIBE)
  5. 5. University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Cover image showing Swiss flag and city view with title ‘Best Universities in Switzerland – Rankings, Fees & Intakes’.

Switzerland stands out as an exceptional destination for higher education due to its high-quality universities, multilingual culture, strong research tradition and globally-recognised programs. This blog shall take you through the 5 best universities in Switzerland for international students.

Also Read: Top 7 Currency Exchange Tips for Students Travelling Abroad

Pro Tip: The intakes to study in Switzerland universities are during the Fall (September) and Spring (February) semesters. The applications for Fall intake, which is the major intake, shall be accepted till the end of April. Spring intake applications are open until November end. However, only a few programs have Spring intakes, so visit the university website and check the available intake for your program.

1. University of Zurich (UZH)

University of Zurich campus buildings and courtyard
  • UZH is Switzerland’s largest university, ranked 100th in the QS World Ranking.
  • The notable subjects in the university are Business & Economics, Computer Science & IT, Life Sciences, Medicine, International Relations & Political Science.
  • The university offers excellent student services for international students, from relocation guidance to summer schools and exchange opportunities.
  • While many Master’s programmes are available in English, many Bachelor’s programmes are primarily taught in German. So check language requirements carefully.
  • Living in Zurich provides a vibrant student life with its excellent infrastructure, but the cost of living is higher.
  • Tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree is approximately CHF 1,220 (~ INR 135,000), while for a Master’s degree, it is around CHF 820 (~ INR 90,700) per semester.

2. University of Geneva (UNIGE)

University of Geneva campus
  • The University of Geneva is ranked 155 in the QS World Rankings.
  • UNIGE is the best university in Switzerland for International Relations, Political Science, Business/Economics, Computer Science & IT, and Life Sciences.
  • Located in Geneva, a global city and home to many international organisations (UN, WTO, etc.), makes it highly relevant for international relations, political science and economics studies.
  • The per-semester tuition fee for international students is CHF 435 (~ INR 48,000).

3. University of Basel (UNIBAS)

University of Basel campus
  • UNIBAS is Switzerland’s oldest university (founded in 1460) and is ranked 158 globally by QS.
  • The university is best known for Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science & IT.
  • The University of Basel is located in a tri-national region (Switzerland, Germany, and France), which enhances multicultural exposure.
  • CHF 850 (~ INR 94,000) is the per-semester tuition fee at the university.

4. University of Bern (UNIBE)

University of Bern Campus
  • The University of Bern is ranked 184th in the QS World University Rankings.
  • The university is best for its programs in Medicine, Computer Science, Economics & Political Science, Life Sciences & Natural Sciences.
  • For international students, master’s and doctoral programmes are often taught in English or bilingual formats.
  • Bern offers a slightly quieter student experience than Zurich, and you may find living costs somewhat lower.
  • The per-semester tuition fee for Bachelor’s and Master’s is approximately CHF 1,005 (~ INR 1,11,000).

5. University of Lausanne (UNIL)

University of Lausanne Campus
  • UNIL, situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking region, stands at 212th position in the QS World rankings.
  • The university is renowned for its courses in the fields of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Business Administration & Economics, Life Sciences, Social Sciences & International Relations.
  • The semester tuition fees range approximately CHF 500 (~ INR 55,400).

Choosing the right university is not difficult now, as you know the top universities in Switzerland. What can get tricky is your tuition fee payment once you get enrolled in your dream university. But with Extravelmoney, you can easily book your international money transfer to Switzerland, compare rates from trusted banks and RBI-authorised forex providers, and enjoy a stress-free money transfer experience. So start your educational journey with the right forex partner.

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Also Read: How to Choose the Best Forex Card for Students Travelling Abroad

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