Switzerland: tuition, application fees and three funded routes

Tuition

From autumn 2025, ETH Zürich and EPFL tripled tuition for students who come to Switzerland to study, from CHF 730 to CHF 2,190 per semester (CHF 4,380 a year). That is still low compared with private or UK universities. Cantonal universities set their own fees, often with a surcharge for international students.

Application fees, and the cheapest universities

Every Swiss university charges applicants with a foreign degree a fee, and none of them refunds it if you are turned down. Tuition at the cantonal universities is far lower than at ETH Zürich and EPFL.

University	Application fee, foreign degree	Tuition per semester
ETH Zürich	CHF 150 per programme; never waived	CHF 2,190 for students who come to Switzerland to study
EPFL	CHF 150; one master's application per year	CHF 2,190 for students who come to Switzerland to study
University of Zurich	CHF 150	CHF 720, plus CHF 100 for foreign master's students (CHF 500 at bachelor's level)
University of Geneva	CHF 65, deducted from your first semester if you enrol	CHF 500 for everyone, whatever their nationality
University of Lausanne	CHF 200	CHF 580
University of Basel	CHF 100	CHF 850

Geneva is the cheapest of these: CHF 500 a semester for every student, and its CHF 65 fee counts towards the first one. Lausanne, at CHF 580, comes next. The University of Bern charges CHF 850 a semester, plus CHF 1,700 from autumn 2026 for students who were not living in Switzerland when they gained their university entrance qualification.

Compare other countries in our guide to universities with no application fee.

The real cost is living in Switzerland

Zürich, Geneva and Lausanne are among the most expensive cities in Europe. Rent, health insurance (compulsory for residents) and food add up quickly, and your residence permit will require proof that you can pay for them. That is why the funded routes below matter more than the tuition figure.

For master's students: ETH's ESOP

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme pays CHF 13,500 per semester (from autumn 2027) and waives tuition, for about 60 master's students a year who were in the top 10% of their bachelor's cohort. The application window is 1–30 November, earlier than ETH's regular master's deadline.

For master's students: EPFL's Excellence Fellowships

EPFL's Excellence Fellowships pay CHF 10,000 per semester for up to four semesters to a limited number of outstanding master's applicants, which more than covers EPFL's tuition. You are considered only if your master's application is paid for and validated by 15 December; applications in the second window, to 31 March, do not qualify. The fellowship cannot be combined with other substantial scholarships.

For researchers: the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The federal scholarships fund doctoral and postdoctoral research at Swiss universities for researchers from about 180 countries, with a monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 plus fees, insurance and housing support. You apply through the Swiss embassy in your country, which sets its own deadline, and you need a Swiss professor to host you.

Proof of funds and your residence permit

Non-EU students need a residence permit from the canton where they study, and each canton sets its own proof of funds. At ETH Zürich, students from outside the EU/EFTA show a statement from a bank account in their own name holding at least CHF 21,000, with a European bank or one on the Swiss regulator's (FINMA) list, and must show it again for each following year.

Working and staying after graduation

Non-EU students may work up to 15 hours a week during the semester and full time in the lecture-free periods. Bachelor's students, and master's students working outside their university, must wait six months after arriving before a work permit can be issued.

After graduating you can extend your permit for up to six months to look for a job. The six months run from your graduation date, so apply promptly, and the same limit on working hours applies meanwhile.

Common questions

Which Swiss university is cheapest for international students?

Of the major universities, Geneva charges every student CHF 500 a semester and Lausanne CHF 580. ETH Zürich and EPFL charge CHF 2,190 a semester to students who come to Switzerland to study.

How much is the application fee at ETH Zürich?

CHF 150 for each master's programme you apply to. It is not refunded and cannot be waived. EPFL also charges CHF 150 for applicants with a foreign bachelor's degree.

How much money do I need to study in Switzerland?

Each canton sets its own figure. At ETH Zürich, non-EU students show at least CHF 21,000 in a bank account in their name.

Can I work while studying in Switzerland?

Yes, up to 15 hours a week in term and full time in breaks. Bachelor's students must wait six months after arriving.

Can I stay in Switzerland after graduating?

You can extend your permit by up to six months from your graduation date to look for a job.

Switzerland: tuition, application fees and three ways to have them paid for

Funded routes in Switzerland