13 Most Affordable Universities in Switzerland (2022)

Apart from the qualities visible to the naked eye which Switzerland offers, their education system is the cherry on top of the pie. The Swiss higher education has a few hundred-year-old roots, now. But, the undeniable quality is not all there is to universities in Switzerland.

The Swiss believe that attending university shouldn’t mean one needs to break the bank. They believe higher education should be a choice people should make themselves, and if they do, to be able to afford it. This is why it is estimated that by 2037, half of the population aged 25 to 65 will have a tertiary level qualification. And this is achievable because taxpayers’ money funds almost all of the Swiss universities.

The low cost, paired with the fact that Swiss schools have an array of programs and a reputation of excellence, makes Switzerland a hot spot for international students seeking education abroad. With all the academic values they have, Swiss universities and Swiss people, in general, are known to embrace diversity. This essentially means that they provide a taste of cultural variety; they also offer top-notch education.

Why Study in Switzerland?

There are endless reasons you should study in Switzerland, and we’re introducing you to a few of them.

Affordable tuition fees

While Switzerland continues to be one of the most expensive countries, that doesn’t mean that tuition fees are the same. The average tuition fee for international students in public colleges is estimated to be around $26,809. In contrast to these high prices, universities in Switzerland for international students offer some of the cheapest highest education fees. Considering the high-quality programs that Swiss universities offer, universities in Switzerland for international students are a real bargain.

Tourism and hospitality

 When you think about the astonishing scenery and activities that Switzerland offers, there’s no surprise that this country is a leader in tourism and hospitality. Thanks to the healthy climate, beautiful mountains, and vintage hotels, you’ll have endless options on how you want to spend your free days.

Endless networking opportunities

 As one of the most famous financial centers globally, Switzerland offers endless opportunities for social networking. The majority of university programs in Switzerland provide hands-on experiences for their students; thus, allowing them to meet the right people who may help them achieve their goals. Who knows, maybe you can meet your future business partner in one of your internships.

Opportunities for a well-paid career

If you’re thinking of studying and working in this country, let us tell you a piece of good news: Switzerland has one of the highest average salaries globally. This means that if you build your career in a well-paid job, you will, without a doubt, earn competitive money. Moreover, even the minimum wage in Switzerland is high, so students who work part-time jobs during their studies can have decent pocket money.

Are There Tuition-Free Swiss Universities for International Students?

Well, technically, no, there aren’t any universities in Switzerland that are entirely free of cost. This is not only the case with international students, but there are also no free programs for nationals. This is not to say there isn’t a way of getting a free Swiss education; it’s just not handed out on a silver platter. What this means is, the way to a free Swiss degree is through a scholarship.

Although most of the universities in Switzerland are generally cheap, sometimes that alone isn’t enough. That’s why a lot of Swiss universities offer scholarships. These scholarships will usually cover all the tuition fees and most of the additional annual living expenses and studying in Switzerland.

Universities aren’t the only place that students can turn to for scholarships. The government offers its own portion of them. However, governmental scholarships are usually given out to postgraduates and researchers.

In comparison to other countries with world-renowned universities, Switzerland offers exceptionally cheap tuition fees to their students. One of the prime examples is the difference between Swiss annual tuition fees and those of the US.

As we can see from the graph, the cheapest universities in Switzerland are public institutions, and they are far less costly than state colleges in the US.

Cheapest Universities in Switzerland

By now, we have established that Switzerland is a treasure-box of low-cost options for higher education. However, some beat the rest in that area—by a mile. And while they offer cheaper programs, it is worth noting that this doesn’t affect their value in any way.

Also, keep in mind that some study fields will be costly, no matter which institution you end up choosing. And, tuition costs differ depending on the department.

Disclaim: The following list of higher education institutions does not represent a ranking; hence they are ordered randomly.

EU Business School

Established in 1973, the EU Business School is an institution that offers foundation, bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and doctoral programs in subjects that cultivate entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

With its global network, the school encourages students to partake in exchange programs, both within Europe and with partner institutions worldwide. EU Business School also offers two English preparatory programs that may only be taken as a precursor to their degrees.

Language: All the courses are taught in English.

Pros

• Includes an international student body
• It has small-sized classes
• Classes are taught in English
• Provides experiential learning
• You can easily transfer between campuses
• Offers doctoral programs
• 93% of its graduates receive a job offer within six months of their graduation

Cons

• Some classes are only in the evening
• No cafeteria inside the campus

EU Business School Programs

Program	Degree
Communications and Public Relations	Bachelor
International Relations	Bachelor
Sports Management	Bachelor
Business Finance	Bachelor
Digital Business, Design & Innovation	Bachelor
Leisure and Tourism Management	Bachelor
Business Administration	Bachelor
Executive Bachelor of Business Administration	Bachelor
Digital Business	Master
Finance	Master
Management	Master
Tourism & Hospitality Management	Master
Communication & Public Relations	Master
Digital Business	Master
Global Banking & Finance	Master
International Business	Master
Leisure & Tourism Management	Master
Fashion & Luxury Business	Master
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Master
Marketing	Master
Blockchain Management	Master
Design Management	Master
Entrepreneurship	Master
Human Resources Management	Master
International Marketing	Master
Sports Management	Master

Tuition Fee: Bachelor – CHF 13,800 (per semester); Master – CHF 9,600 (per term)

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland is spread across seven cantons of western Switzerland—Bern, Freiburg, Geneva, Valais, Jura, Neuchâtel, and Vaud. HES-SO offers various study streams and research activities.

This university was founded in 1998 and it comprises of has since become a place known for innovation, ideas, skills, knowledge, and creativity. It comprises six faculties of Art & Design, Business, Management and Services, Engineering and Architecture, Music and the Performing Arts, Health Sciences, and Social Work.

Pros 

• Opens up new professional horizons
• Helps build a more sustainable society
• Includes several campuses across western Switzerland
• Offers more than 250 continuing education programs

Cons

• French language knowledge is required

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland Programs

University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland Programs

Program	Degree
Agriculture	Bachelor
Architecture	Bachelor
Arts	Bachelor
Chemistry	Bachelor
Computer Science	Bachelor
International Relations	Bachelor
Media	Bachelor
Nursing	Bachelor
Psychology	Bachelor
Tourism	Bachelor
Administration	Master
Business	Master
Computer Science	Master
Engineering	Master
IT	Master
Management	Master
Medicine	Master
Media	Master
Nursing	Master
Sociology	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 500 for both Swiss and non-Swiss students (per semester)

University of Geneva

The University of Geneva was founded in 1559. To this day, it is a high-rated spot for researchers. This university encourages interdisciplinarity both in teaching and research, which is what has made it earn its global recognition.

In this Swiss university, you can pursue law, political science, economics, etc. Some disciplines include Environmental Sciences, Genetics, Human Rights, among many others. The University of Geneva offers low-cost but high quality.

Pros 

• Includes more than 250 programs
• Provides students with health, psychological, and social services
• Offers accommodations for elite athletes
• Includes the career center
• Provides internships opportunities
• Ensures equality and diversity

Cons

• Geneva is a small and expensive city

University of Geneva Programs

Program	Degree
Ancient History	Bachelor
Biochemistry	Bachelor
Biomedical Sciences	Bachelor
Classical Studies	Bachelor
Computer Science for the Humanities	Bachelor
Economy and Management	Bachelor
Dental Medicine	Bachelor
Education and Training Orientation	Bachelor
English Language and Literature	Bachelor
Information Systems and Service Science	Bachelor
Advanced Learning and Teaching Technologies	Master
Bilingual Economic Law	Master
Civil and Criminal Law	Master
Clinical Neuropsychology	Master
Cultural Heritage and Museology	Master
Communication and Media Sciences	Master
Drug Discovery and Clinical Development	Master
European and International Governance	Master
Heritage Conservation and Museology	Master
International Economic and Social History	Master

Tuition fee: 500 CHF for both Swiss and non-Swiss students (per semester)

University of Lausanne

Apart from being a higher education institution made up of seven faculties, the University of Lausanne is also a well-known research institute. Their main campus is located along the shore of Lake Geneva.

In addition to the great view, they provide world-class education and research in three main subjects: Life Sciences and Medicine, Human and Social Sciences, and Environmental Sciences.

Pros 

• It’s one of the oldest universities in Switzerland
• Offers exchange programs with world-renowned universities
• It’s located in a beautiful green and spacious lakeside setting
• Offers numerous sporting and cultural activities
• Includes up-to-date facilities and technology

Cons

• There may be space for improvement in administrative services

University of Lausanne Programs

Program	Degree
Ancient Greek	Bachelor
Art History	Bachelor
Computer Science for the Humanities	Bachelor
English Literature	Bachelor
Movement and Sport Sciences	Bachelor
Forensic Science	Bachelor
Pharmaceutical Sciences	Bachelor
Political Science	Bachelor
Social Sciences	Bachelor
Theological Studies	Bachelor
Accounting, Control, and Finance	Master
Advanced Nursing Practice	Master
Archival, Librady, and Information Science	Master
Behaviour, Evolution, and Conservation	Master
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy	Master
Criminology and Security	Master
Environmental Science, Orientation Natural Hazards and Risk	Master
Foundations and Practices of Sustainability	Master
Healthcare Management Focus	Master
Information Systems	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 580 for both Swiss and non-Swiss students (per semester)

University of Neuchâtel

The University of Neuchâtel is located in the town it shares its name with. The university is made up of four faculties, and it was created back in 1838 under the name Academy of Neuchatel.

Their four faculties include the Faculty of Law, The Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Economics and Business. Besides education, the university offers cultural activities, a sports center, a library, etc.

Pros 

• Degrees recognized by the Bologna Declaration
• A vast program of studies
• Research in innovative fields
• The proximity between students and teachers
• Promotes the quality of supervision, exchanges, and conviviality

Cons

• No Engineering programs

University of Neuchâtel Programs

Program	Degree
Art History	Bachelor
Biology and Ethnology	Bachelor
Information and Communication Sciences	Bachelor
Management and Sport	Bachelor
Natural Systems	Bachelor
Science and Sport	Bachelor
Geography	Bachelor
History	Bachelor
Language Science	Bachelor
Speech Therapy	Bachelor
Anthropology	Master
Comparative Health Law	Master
Dramaturgy and Theater History	Master
Finance	Master
Hydrogeology and Geothermics	Master
Journalism and Communications	Master
Applied Economics	Master
General Management	Master
International Business Development	Master
Psychology and Education	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 950 for Swiss students, CHF 1540 for non-Swiss students (per year); semester fee for Swiss students: CHF 515, for foreign students: CHF 790

ETH Zurich

Apart from being a research institute and open to both nationals and foreigners, ETH Zurich is also one of Switzerland’s oldest universities. They offer merit scholarships and even a scholarship calculator with which a student can see what kind of scholarship they would be eligible for.

ETH Zurich is ranked as one of the top universities in the world. It offers degree programs in the fields of construction sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, system-oriented natural sciences, and management and social sciences.

Pros

• Ranked the second-best European University after the University of Oxford (2021)
• Provides studies in a diverse range of subjects
• Shares knowledge in original and future-oriented ways
• Includes 16 departments
• Has more than 22,000 students from over 120 countries

Cons

• Hard to get into; the acceptance rate is only 27%

ETH Zurich Programs

Program	Degree
Agronomy	Bachelor
Biology	Bachelor
Computational Sciences	Bachelor
Environmental Science	Bachelor
Health Sciences and Technology	Bachelor
Mechanical Engineering	Bachelor
Physics	Bachelor
Food Science	Bachelor
Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences	Bachelor
Pharmaceutical Sciences	Bachelor
Applied Technology	Master
Architecture and Digital Fabrication	Master
Chemical and Bioengineering	Master
Comparative and International Studies	Master
Energy Science and Technology	Master
Computer Science with a Specialization in Cyber Security	Master
History and Philosophy of Knowledge	Master
Integrated Building Systems	Master
Management, Technology and Economy	Master
Mechanical Engineering	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 1,298 for both Swiss and non-Swiss students (per year)

University of Basel

The University of Basel is the oldest in Switzerland, as it was founded around 550 years ago. While offering a wide range of academic disciplines, the university is also regularly placed among the top 100 universities in the world.

This university has an extensive curriculum and it includes several teaching and research areas such as life sciences and other disciplines.

Pros 

• Founded in 1460, it’s the oldest university in Switzerland
• Outstanding achievement in research and teaching
• Offers a wide range of high-quality educational opportunities
• Works closely with domestic and international partners
• Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world
• Has around 13,000 students from more than 100 countries

Cons

• Old building with cramped offices

University of Basel Programs

Program	Degree
Anthropology	Bachelor
Computational Sciences	Bachelor
Dentistry (specialization in Dental Medicine)	Bachelor
Eastern European Cultures	Bachelor
Gender Research	Bachelor
Jurisprudence	Bachelor
Media Studies	Bachelor
Human Medicine	Bachelor
Musicology	Bachelor
Pharmaceutical Sciences	Bachelor
Actuarial Science	Master
Ancient History	Master
Business and Technology	Master
Classical Archeology	Master
Cultural Techniques	Master
Computer Science	Master
Dental Medicine	Master
Drug Sciences	Master
Educational Sciences	Master
Epidemiology	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 850 for both Swiss and non-Swiss students (per semester)

University of Bern

The University of Bern is a public institution, and it was established back in 1843. You can pick and choose your field from Theology to Veterinary. The University of Bern, along with the University of Zurich, is the first in Switzerland to offer a continuing study in gender-specific medicine.

Pros 

• Offers excellent research and teaching
• Provides high-quality advanced services and training
• Contributes to increasing Bern’s appeal as a center of economic innovation
• Focuses on academic interests and social needs
• Through its programs, it brings benefits for science, society, and the economy

Cons

• Decent knowledge of the German language is often required

University of Bern Programs

Program	Degree
Archeology	Bachelor
Basic Antiquity	Bachelor
Classical Philology	Bachelor
Eastern European Studies	Bachelor
Linguistics	Bachelor
Psychology	Bachelor
Social Sciences	Bachelor
Interreligious Studies	Bachelor
Pharmaceutical Sciences	Bachelor
Sustainable Development	Bachelor
Archive, Library and Information Science	Master
Biomedical Engineering	Master
Business And Law	Master
Career and Personnel Psychology	Master
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine	Master
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology	Master
Dance Science	Master
Editing Philology	Master
Healthcare Management	Master
Marketing Management	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 750 for Swiss students, CHF 950 for non-Swiss students (per semester)

University of Fribourg

Whether you are interested in learning, research, or employment, the University of Fribourg offers all three. The university was founded back in 1889 and prides itself on innovative ways of teaching and growing. This has made the university very influential in the region and brings students from both Switzerland and different parts of the world.

Pros 

• The only bilingual university in Switzerland
• Great emphasis on the student-professor relationships
• Constantly focusing on solving society’s challenges
• Excellent international reputation in research
• Courses in French, German, and English

Cons

• Fribourg is a very small town

University of Fribourg Programs

Program	Degree
Art History	Bachelor
Business Administration	Bachelor
Chemistry	Bachelor
Clinical Curative Education and Social Education	Bachelor
Eastern European Studies	Bachelor
Educational Sciences	Bachelor
Environmental Sciences	Bachelor
Human Medicine	Bachelor
Social Anthropology	Bachelor
Sport Sciences and Motor Control	Bachelor
Accounting and Finance	Master
Business Administration	Master
Comparative Literature	Master
Data Analytics and Economics	Master
Computer Science	Master
Environmental Biology	Master
Ethics and Economics	Master
Health Psychology	Master
International Business Law	Master
Management in Technology	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 835 for Swiss students, CHF 985 for non-Swiss students (per semester)

Zurich University of the Arts

Zurich University of the Arts is one of the leading universities of art in Europe. They offer both studying and research programs covering many art areas—film, design, fine arts, dance, theatre, music, transdisciplinary studies, and teaching of design and art.

The shared Toni Campus enables all the disciplines to be in close vicinity to one another and offers an ideal environment for students. With many students pursuing professional projects alongside their studies, the university is considering introducing part-time options.

Pros 

• One of the largest arts universities in Europe
• Wide range offerings with numerous programs
• Provides individual areas of study
• Offers minor and major specializations

Cons

• Quite hard to find accommodation

Zurich University of the Arts Programs (Bachelor and Master)

Program	Degree
Art Education	Bachelor
Design, Knowledge Visualisation	Bachelor
Film, Production Design	Bachelor
Fine Arts	Bachelor
Music	Bachelor
Contemporary Dance	Bachelor
Theatre	Bachelor
Art Education, Cultural Studies	Master
Design, Visual Communication	Master
Film, Cinematography	Master
Fine Arts	Master
Music, Analysis and Teaching	Master
Dance, Choreography	Master
Theatre, Directing	Master
Transdisciplinarity Studies	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 750 for Swiss students, 1,250 for non-Swiss students (per semester)

University of St. Gallen

The University of St. Gallen is a research university established back in 1898 and it is one of the leading business schools in Switzerland. They offer a variety of majors and are very open to international students.

Although they don’t offer scholarships, they have several exchange programs, and their degree holds up in both Swiss and international job markets.

Pros 

• Offers practice-oriented approach
• One of Europe’s leading business schools
• EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA accredited
• Additional focus on character building
• Includes 42 institutes active in research, consulting, and further education

Cons

• Most students go home for the weekend, so the city is relatively empty during that time
• Only four bachelor programs

University of St. Gallen Programs

Program	Degree
Business Administration	Bachelor
Economics	Bachelor
International Affairs	Bachelor
Law with Economics	Bachelor
Accounting and Finance	Master
Business Innovation	Master
Financial Services and Insurance	Master
Quantitative Economics and Finance	Master
Banking and Finance	Master
Business Engineering	Master
International Affairs and Governance	Master
International Law	Master
Marketing Management	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 1,229 for Swiss students, CHF 3,126 for non-Swiss students (per semester)

Geneva Business School

Geneva Business School is a Swiss business school that offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs at reasonable prices. They have campuses in Geneva, Barcelona, and Madrid, making it possible for students to study outside of Switzerland and still get a professionally accredited Swiss degree.

They promise innovative ways of studying and integrating students into the job market. Plus, they are one of the best business schools in Switzerland.

Pros

• Top 100 business schools in CEOWORLD magazine
• Students from more than 85 nationalities
• 3 Palmes of Excellence, awarded by Eduniversal International Scientific Committee
• Offers insights in current business trends
• Provides an interactive learning experience to prepare students for the workplace

 Cons

• Geneva is a very expensive city
• NEW H4 – NEW Table – Geneva Business School Programs

Program	Degree
International Management	Bachelor
International Finance	Bachelor
International Relations	Bachelor
Entrepreneurship	Bachelor
Digital Marketing	Bachelor
Sports Management	Bachelor
International Management	Master
International Relations	Master
International Finance	Master
Sports Management	Master
Digital Marketing	Master

Tuition fee: CHF 12,450 for undergraduate, CHF 10,250 for graduate, and CHF 12,950 for MBA

State Tourism and Hotel Management School

State Tourism And Hotel Management School is a Swiss hospitality school that falls on the cheaper spectrum. This university is located in Bellinzona, a small gem in southern Switzerland with three UNESCO World Heritage castles. So, apart from education, there are many sight-seeing opportunities when studying there.

Pros 

• Relatively cheap
• Trains students for the entire tourism industry
• Recognized by the Swiss Confederation
• Part of the commercial vocational school (ICEC)

Cons

More of a school, rather than a university

 State Tourism and Hotel Management School Programs

Program	Degree
Hospitality management	Swiss federal diploma
Tourism Management	Swiss federal diploma

Tuition fee: under CHF 18,000

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition fees, Switzerland can be quite a pricey country to live in. Their delicious food, great transportation system, and quality watches all come at a price. They put a low price on education (and rightly so), but it’s a different story with everything else.

As a student living in Switzerland, the monthly expenses are around CHF 2,500, excluding all the recreational activities they might partake in and tuition fees. On the bright side, students can work and study simultaneously, and students can apply for financial aid or scholarships. All in all, unlike popular belief, Switzerland does have a reputation for being the cheapest among developed countries in something—and what an amazing thing it is that THAT something is education.