Switzerland has twelve cantonal universities and two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL). Teaching language depends on the region: German in Zurich, Basel, Bern and St. Gallen, French in Geneva, Lausanne and Fribourg, Italian and English in Lugano. Many master's programmes, especially at ETH Zurich, EPFL and in business and the sciences, are taught fully in English, while bachelor's programmes are mostly in a national language.
Tuition is low by international standards but rising for foreign students. Since autumn 2025 ETH Zurich and EPFL charge CHF 2,190 per semester to students who move to Switzerland to study, three times the CHF 730 paid by others. The University of Bern introduced an extra CHF 1,700 for non-Swiss students from autumn 2026, USI plans CHF 5,000 per semester from 2027/28 and HSG charges CHF 3,557.50 for foreign master's students, while UZH, Basel, Geneva and Lausanne remain between about CHF 500 and 880 per semester.
Students from outside the EU/EFTA need a national visa (D) and a residence permit. The cantonal migration office must approve before the consulate issues the visa; the Istanbul consulate quotes at least 8-12 weeks and no visa fee for students. Applicants must prove sufficient funds under cantonal rules, with university and cantonal figures ranging from roughly CHF 18,000 to 25,000 per year. Work is permitted only in exceptional cases, up to 15 hours a week and not before six months; graduates may apply for a six-month permit to look for work.
Switzerland suits applicants with strong grades, ability to document funding, and who can plan early, since master's deadlines for foreign applicants fall between November and April for the following autumn. Living costs are among the highest in Europe, and rules vary by canton and university, so applicants should confirm details with the university and the responsible migration authority.