Switzerland boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. This country has the most reliable banking system and a very high per capita income. Not surprisingly, higher education in Switzerland is also of an exceptionally high standard. Not everyone can afford to study here, and it’s not all about the cost.
Benefits of a Swiss education
Universities in Switzerland, even today, honor ancient traditions and place the quality of education above all other principles. Studying in Switzerland for Russian citizens has a number of undeniable advantages:
- unique methods that combine the best qualities of educational systems of other countries, including England, the United States and France;
- research in universities that gives students practical knowledge. Scientific programs are sponsored by construction, pharmaceutical and other industries. The results of student work often have a strong influence on the development of science and commerce;
- Studying in Switzerland is carried out in different languages, which makes it very easy for students from different parts of the world to enter. There are four official languages in the country - German, Italian, French and Romansh. In addition to them, residents speak fluent English. Thus, you will have the opportunity to study at university and improve your foreign languages;
- Swiss universities allow you to do internships in reputable companies. You will be able to study and at the same time receive a high salary for an internship, covering your studies with it;
- you will have a chance to get to know the country from the inside, to travel around it far and wide. Architectural and cultural features, as well as the magnificent Alps with great opportunities for mountain recreation, will not leave you indifferent;
- Studying in Switzerland opens up great opportunities for Russians to obtain a prestigious well-paid job immediately after defending their thesis.
This is not the entire list of benefits of studying in Switzerland. At an affordable price by European standards, you get a promising education that gives you a high chance of getting a good job.
Is it possible to get an education in Switzerland?
Studying in Switzerland for Russian citizens is very promising in terms of future employment. The country's unemployment rate does not exceed 5 percent, which is a very low rate. Competition among foreigners is quite high, so it would be wiser to look for work in other European countries.
In Europe, a Swiss diploma is rated quite highly. International companies are eager to attract students, so in their final years they often offer internships with the possibility of subsequent employment. Statistics say that 90 percent of graduates from higher education institutions in this country are immediately able to work. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about finding employment in Russia.
Many foreigners choose an academic career and remain teaching. However, for this you will have to master the national languages, that is, German, French and Italian.
Prestigious Universities in Switzerland
It is not for nothing that Russians associate studying in Switzerland with prestige. You may want to consider the following schools that offer a wide variety of programs.
Founded in 1833, it is one of the top five universities in the country. The most popular destinations among applicants are:
- natural Sciences;
- economics and business;
- art, design;
- medical industry.
The public institution offers the largest number of programs in the country. Not only Swiss citizens, but also foreigners can apply here. According to statistics, every sixth student came from another country. At your disposal will be a clinic, a library, archives for scientific research and museums. In recent years, management has decided to focus on scientific fields and explore such important aspects as climate change on the planet and the causes of population aging.
The private university in Geneva is relatively young: it opened in 1984. The founders and managers decided to open branches of the institution in different countries and combine international programs. Not only academic knowledge is valued here, but also student skills. It includes 4 schools (that is, faculties):
- business and marketing;
- rights;
- diplomacy;
- information technologies.
Geneva College encourages applicants to study in two specialties at once, as well as to combine study and internship. Lectures are given not only by ordinary teachers, but also by owners of successful businesses. The teaching staff includes representatives of 20 nationalities.
Teaching is in English, the university recommends the best students to reputable organizations such as the UN.
European University – Geneva Business School
The educational institution is also not very old; it opened in 1973. The leaders of the Geneva Business School tried to combine the basic principles of European education and the American economic model.
Efforts are aimed at gaining leadership skills, developing self-confidence and finding the most effective solutions. Among the teaching staff there are well-known top managers, financiers, and business owners. The business school's diploma is recognized throughout the world.
Lausanne is home to one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, which began its work in 1537. It is distinguished by the high quality of teaching in various disciplines and offers about 350 courses for future applicants. The most popular are “economics and business”, “medicine”, “natural sciences” and “technical sciences”. Specialties in the restaurant and hotel business are relevant.
The state university annually ranks high in Western rankings. Part of the activity is aimed at research. The diploma does not require confirmation in other states.
World Trade Institute
It was formed in 1999, becoming one of the main scientific centers of the country. His specialization is in various areas of law and economics. Most of all, this educational institution will be of interest to those who plan to continue postgraduate education.
The World Trade Institute provides an opportunity to gain practical experience during your studies and helps you establish business connections. Lectures are often given by experts in the field of international economics and finance. Teaching is conducted in English.
This educational institution is also often called the University of Italian Switzerland. It was founded in 1996, the buildings are located in two cities (the second is Mendrisio). Every year it accepts applicants from more than 100 countries. The percentage of foreign students is more than 60.
The Lugano university focuses on scientific research in computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics. These industries are some of the most in demand and highly paid in our time. University teaching is conducted not only in English, but also in Italian. The university organizes internships for its students in specialized organizations.
Swiss universities in world rankings
- Swiss Higher Technical School;
- University of Geneva.
By the way, ETH Zurich is annually included in the top ten world-famous rankings - QS and THE. In addition to this Swiss institution, only universities in England and the USA made it into the top ten.
How to choose a university in Switzerland
Before submitting documents, you must determine the following points for yourself:
- the amount you are willing to spend on training;
- courses and specialty you want to receive.
It is also necessary to choose in advance the language of instruction in which you will receive education.
Features of studying at Swiss universities
The education system consists of:
- bachelor's degree- training lasts 3-4 years depending on the specialty;
- master's degree- lasts 1-2 years. If you want to build a career in this country, then a master's degree is a must;
- doctoral studies- 12 universities in the country have the right to award Ph.D. degrees. Postgraduate study requires 3 years.
Progress control is carried out through oral and written examinations, a thesis and a six-point grading scale.
Is it difficult to enroll?
The country's educational institutions are happy to accept foreigners, but they must be 18 years old. An important condition is knowledge of the language in which teaching is conducted (most often it is English). Features of training:
- Medical education in Switzerland is in great demand, but it is almost impossible to obtain for residents of other countries. There is always a limited number of places;
- to enroll, a person must study at school for at least 11 years, know English, and have a diploma;
- Only those who have completed 2 years of university in their home country can be enrolled;
- the future student must pass a unified exam.
If these conditions are met and you have sufficient knowledge, you can safely submit documents.
Required documents for admission to a university in Switzerland
Mandatory package of papers that must be provided:
- a statement that will be written according to the established template;
- personal characteristics;
- autobiography;
- academic reference.
The university will consider the application for at least two months.
Average cost of tuition and student accommodation
Private universities are quite expensive. State institutions offer low prices by European standards, but very high requirements for future students. More detailed prices can be found on the official websites of universities. Studying in Switzerland for free is also possible; the most gifted young people are given a grant. The budget will cover living expenses.
The high standard of living leads to high prices for housing and food in the country. Although, if compared with Moscow, life in Zurich, Geneva and other cities is even cheaper for Russian citizens. Renting a room on a student campus will cost about 700 francs, and for a one-room apartment you need to pay 1200-1500 francs per month. Food costs will cost approximately 500 francs per month. Transport costs are 250 francs each month, insurance will cost the same amount.
Do not refuse the opportunity to receive a prestigious diploma that will be in demand in any country. Theoretical and practical knowledge will give you the highly paid job you have always dreamed of.
Switzerland is recognized as the best country in the world and occupies a leading position in livability ratings. This also applies to education. The opportunity to develop comprehensively and reveal individuality is the main principle of the local education system. Another advantage is the lack of an official language: they teach in English, German, French and Italian. A Swiss diploma opens the way to life in the country, in the European Union and America.
Applying to Switzerland is a difficult process. There are 35 higher education institutions (12 classical) and 120 vocational colleges in the country, which enhances competition.
There are three educational programs:
- Bachelor's degree - 3.5–4 years;
- Master's degree - 1–2 years;
- Doctoral studies - 3 years.
Study lasts 4–6 years. Consists of two semesters: summer (October–March) and winter (April–July). Specific dates are specified on the website. Admissions offices open in the spring, and lectures begin in the fall.
The state has the Bologna system. The study is divided into three cycles. In each of them you need to collect a certain number of credits, which are awarded for achievements:
- First cycle - bachelor's degree, 180 ECTS;
- Second cycle - master's degree, 90–120 ECTS;
- The third cycle is doctoral studies, the number of credits is individual.
A student must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Most Russian graduates will have to study for a year in their home country or enroll in preparatory courses.
Upon admission, a foreigner takes five exams in Friborg. In the first and second years, difficult exams are taken, which eliminate up to 50% of students. At the university level, the required number of credits is regulated ( ECTS) for further translation.
A common method of admission from Russia and the CIS is to study at a specialized school. They are cheaper and start immediately after primary school.
Learning programs
Higher education is divided into:
- Traditional (classical) - scientifically oriented. These are federal research and technical institutes;
- Pedagogical - preparation for teaching in educational institutions (preschool, schools and higher education);
- Applied sciences and arts - practice-oriented, prepare for work in the profession. These are mainly art institutes, music institutions, etc.
The number of faculties, including those where they teach in foreign languages, is growing every year. A lot of time is devoted to the practical part; after completing a bachelor’s degree, the path to the labor market is open, and a master’s degree provides in-depth knowledge and opens access to work in large companies. Doctoral degrees are awarded to distinguished students.
Each stage has specific features.
- Bachelor's degree - takes 3–4 years (depending on the specialty). Most lectures are required to attend. At the beginning, the applicant chooses a direction and receives a list of subjects;
- Master's degree lasts 1–2 years. A bachelor's degree in the same specialty is required. The choice of most students, opening the way to large companies;
- Doctoral studies (postgraduate studies) - the period is set individually. A master's degree in the same specialty is required. At the end, a scientific dissertation is written and defended.
High school students (children from 15 years of age) and graduates enter professional colleges. This is the choice of most applicants because it is cheaper than preparatory courses and makes it easier to enroll in the institute. The average period is 3–4 years (or less if you pass exams).
Conditions for admission
Requirements for applicants vary depending on the region and university. Sometimes it is necessary to pass entrance exams.
First of all, knowledge of the language in which the lectures will be conducted is required. The level of proficiency is specified by the institute. Twice a year, in June and September, language exams are held in Friborg. There are no deadlines for delivery; you can prepare and learn at preparatory courses. Price - about 4600 €.
Some institutions accept other international certificates:
- English - IELTS and TOEFL;
- French - DALF and DELF;
- German - Goethe Certificate;
- Italian - CELI.
Confirmation of academic level is required. For a bachelor's degree this is a certificate of secondary education (11 grades or 9 grades plus a vocational college), for a master's degree it is a bachelor's diploma (Swiss or domestic). In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, a certificate is not enough; a couple of years of study in your home country are required.
Sometimes, for admission you need a minimum average grade in the certificate (diploma) and passing a specialized exam. The exam takes place in Friborg in early autumn. These are three compulsory subjects - mathematics, history and language (in which lectures are conducted), one specialized and, optionally, another foreign. You can prepare for it in courses that last 8 months (October–June). Conducted in German and French.
List of required documents
For Russians and CIS citizens the following documents are required:
- Application (form filled out on the university website);
- Confirmation of payment of the registration fee;
- Identity card (passport);
- Two color photographs 30x40 mm;
- Notarized copies of academic certificates (diploma, school certificate, other degrees);
- Certificate of passing the language exam (if available);
- List of educational institutions attended by the applicant.
After receiving the invitation, student visa papers are submitted. The average processing time takes 2–6 months, so it is better to apply as early as possible. For the winter semester - in February, and for the summer - in July–August.
Cost of education
The state is loyal in prices. The cost ranges from 1000–2500 € per year (for foreigners and state citizens).
Varies depending on the level (price per year):
- Bachelor's degree - ~1200€;
- Master's degree - ~1200€;
- Postgraduate studies - ~240€.
In private universities the price is high - up to 30,000€. School fees are about 48,000€ in year.
Is it possible to study for free?
You cannot get an education in Switzerland for free. Public and private institutions are paid for both the Swiss themselves and foreign citizens. You can partially cover the costs with scholarships or grants.
Scholarships and grants for foreigners
The government provides three types of scholarships, the amount of which depends on the specific specialty:
- Research - for students under 35 years of age with a master's degree;
- For doctoral studies - awarded monthly for three years;
- For postdoctoral research - awarded for a year with the possibility of extension up to six months.
The educational institutions themselves issue basic and honorary scholarships. The former receive everything, while the latter are awarded for success and achievement. On average, scholarships are about 1500€ per month. It is better to check the exact figure on the university website.
Master's degree grants are issued annually by the University of Lausanne. Applicants must have excellent academic performance, a bachelor's degree in the same specialty, and be fluent (C1–C2) in German or French. Those admitted under the grant are given a scholarship of 1280 €. Applications are submitted to SASME.
Features of internship and exchange studies
A Russian or CIS student who has completed his first year in his home country can go to Switzerland as an exchange student. To do this, you should apply for participation in the international exchange program or coordinate this issue with the university if it cooperates with the state.
Main requirements:
- Excellent scores in subjects for the last semester;
- Good knowledge of French or German, certificates confirming this.
On a student visa, a foreigner can work a maximum of 15 hours a week, with no restrictions on holidays. The main costs (accommodation, institute) are paid by the exchange program.
Internships take place in the following areas:
- Economics and Finance;
- Tourism;
- Pharmacology;
- Technological specialties and IT (for them, internships are provided by large companies: Microsoft, Google, IBM).
Knowledge of English is desirable.
Living expenses
Despite the cost of government institutions, life itself in the country is expensive.
Most students look for their own housing. A popular option is renting an apartment, a room in a student house or dormitory. The more populated the city, the more expensive housing is. On average it costs 400–800 € per month.
On average, students spend €1,500–2,000 per month on housing, food, insurance, transportation and course materials. You are allowed to work up to 15 hours a week, earning up to 1600 € per month.
However, if a foreigner goes on an exchange, all expenses are covered for him.
Top Universities
The best universities in Switzerland also lead in international rankings. The most popular of them:
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich. Offers unique faculties, ranked in the top ten of the QS world rankings in the fields of engineering and natural sciences;
- École polytechnique federale de Lausanne. The largest number of foreign students and lecturers is ahead of ETH Zurich in materials science. Website: ;
- Universität Zürich. The largest university in the state, programs in various fields; technical, medical and humanities. Website: ;
- Université de Genève. An institution with many profiles, 10 faculties, the most popular direction is philosophy. Website: ;
- Universität Basel. Medicine and humanities, collaborates with research centers. Website: .
Based on the opinion of experts, we can identify cities in which it is better to study this or that direction:
- Economy - St. Gallen;
- Philology - Geneva;
- Jurisprudence - Friborg, Neuchâtel, Lausanne;
- Banking - Zurich, Basil;
- Engineering - Zurich;
- Medicine - Zurich, Basil, Geneva.
Switzerland is mostly spoken of as the country of the most delicious chocolate, reliable banks, expensive resorts and beautiful mountains. Living here is expensive, but there are excellent opportunities for learning. Switzerland is home to the most prestigious universities in Europe, among whose graduates are Nobel Prize laureates. But studying in this mountainous region is also available for Russian students. However, to do this, some difficulties must be overcome. It is very important to understand what education in Switzerland is like, which is so different from the schemes we are familiar with.
Switzerland: education system or systems?
Education in Switzerland is not a single, centralized entity. Quantity fully independent educational systems is equal to the number of federal cantons (the so-called regions into which the country is divided). This is due to the peculiarities of the Swiss Constitution. But all 26 education systems in the country have something in common. The federal government is responsible for ensuring that children and young people in every region receive quality education and that it is accessible to their parents. In addition, education for citizens of the country from six to sixteen years of age should be free everywhere, and even compulsory. Diplomas obtained in different cantons are mutually recognized.
Principles of education in Switzerland
The main feature of education in Switzerland is that it is considered the best in the world. Ever since the Reformation in the 16th century, a completely new view of the process of teaching children arose here. And all education systems in different cantons of the country are still built on traditional Swiss methods. They were developed by such famous teachers as Pestalozzi, Montessori, Piaget and other celebrities. These are the founders of reform pedagogy, which is based on the following principles:
- teaching and raising children is aimed at developing their individual abilities;
- In the process of education, the child must become interested in knowledge and demonstrate creative abilities in this regard as much as possible.
The education system in Switzerland is diverse and flexible. The programs and methods absorbed the best that pedagogical schools around the world could give.
Preschool and primary education
Preschool education in the country is not included in the list of compulsory types of education. But most Swiss citizens prefer that their children go to kindergartens. It is believed that the child will socialize more easily in this way and will be better prepared for school. In total, about 154 thousand preschool children study in kindergartens in Switzerland. Children are sent there from a very early age. There are even groups that accept four-month-old babies. But mostly children from three to four years old are accepted into kindergartens. In these institutions, children study, play, eat, and sleep. Almost each of them has a swimming pool and a gym. The most popular kindergartens are designed for children to stay there for half a working day.
Private, public and specialized preschool institutions
Kindergartens are private and public; there are almost five thousand of them in the country. 300 of them are private, with paid training. And in state preschool institutions, part of the costs is borne by the city where the kindergarten is located. Parents pay an amount that corresponds to their income. Private kindergartens offer a staggered schedule, when the child is dropped off after lunch and picked up on the way home. Some institutions accept children full-time, but there are no boarding schools or 24-hour institutions in Switzerland. There are also kindergartens in this country designed for children with disabilities and disabilities. There, special conditions are created for them, but still they try to instill in these children the same skills as the rest. And the kids stay in these kindergartens until they acquire the skills that will enable them to attend regular kindergartens.
How preschoolers are taught
The main method of teaching children in the preschool education system is games. Children repeat songs, poems, observe nature, listen to entertaining stories. At the same time, the child begins to be taught languages. Teachers consider a didactic approach aimed at mastering a certain amount of knowledge to be inappropriate for children at this age. The local methodology is pragmatic and person-oriented. In the process of playful learning, educators notice the child’s inclinations and creative abilities and begin to develop them. Leaving a Swiss kindergarten, a child knows less than, for example, his Russian peer, but is better physically developed, self-confident and in a good mood.
Primary school education
Often kindergartens are departments of primary education institutions. After all, little Swiss children also start going to school early - from the age of five or six. Therefore, now many kindergartens are gradually merging with schools. They will soon represent two stages of primary education. In most regions of Switzerland this period of study lasts six years. In order to enroll in primary school, you do not need to take tests or exams - it is open to everyone. One of the main subjects at school is a foreign language. The teaching load depends on the teachers and the region: it can be from 23 to 32 lessons per week. All subjects are taught by only one teacher.
Secondary education in Switzerland
Compulsory secondary education in Switzerland is considered to be primary and lower secondary education (Secondaire I). Young Swiss people go through this stage from 6 to 15 years old. In public schools this education is free. Secondaire I lasts three or four years after finishing primary school. Already at this stage, depending on the abilities demonstrated by the students, they are divided into four groups:
- Those who are going to study further at academic universities. They are preparing to pass exams and enter the gymnasium (conditionally group “A”).
- Students in real classes. Children go through the same program, but with less intensity of learning the material (group “B”).
- Special classes for children who have difficulties with the school curriculum (group “C”).
- Those who, after graduating from the first stage of secondary school, immediately enter special gymnasiums, where education lasts six years.
If students in a lower level class begin to perform well, they can be moved to another group, but this will require a lot of effort.
Secondaire II - second stage
Secondaire II - the next, senior level of school, which means completing secondary education. Typically, the stage takes another two to four additional years, depending on what type of education students choose or what type of education exists in a given canton. But no matter where the schools are located, they are all well equipped, have large areas and modern sports grounds.
Gymnasiums
At the gymnasium, they choose a profile (humanities, natural sciences, etc.), according to which they study 15 main subjects and several additional ones. Students also prepare to take an exam and receive a matriculation certificate (Maturité gymnasiale). With it you can already enter the university and continue your academic education. This certificate is received by young people aged 18–19 years.
Professional education
Those who did not enter gymnasium continue their vocational education. This is what most Swiss people do. At the same time, students go to school for 2 days, and train three days a week at an enterprise in their field. They receive a certificate of secondary vocational education (Maturité professionnelle). With this document you can also enter a university without exams, but of a special type. This is a so-called applied (or professional) university. If students who have received a vocational education still want to go to university, they will have to take exams.
Personally, I see its pros and cons in each of the options: gymnasium or lere (vocational training). You can enter our gymnasium after the second and third grades. Schools have special preparatory courses for admission. But if the goal is a gymnasium, then you definitely need to hire tutors; there are online sites where teachers, depending on their place of residence, offer their services, even by coming to your home for lessons. When you enter a gymnasium, you already lose the opportunity to find a lere in case of failure, since the employer wants to have a 100% guarantee. Therefore, many of those who failed the entrance exams go to the tenth grade at a special school. Why do teachers dissuade, according to our teachers, they say, a gymnasium is needed if the child later plans to go to university, but here you need to know in advance what profession the child wants to become. If university is unnecessary, then there is no point. In general, I know guys who, after graduating from high school, went to work and not continue studying, they said that they had no strength, they were tired and fed up, they were really loaded there.
Irina Driada
http://forum.ladoshki.ch/showthread.php?31635-Preparing-a-child-for-gymnasium-in-Switzerland-(tests-exams-recommendations-how-to-choose-a-gymnasium)
Guesthouses
Traditionally, many foreigners have always studied and worked in Switzerland. Therefore, many private schools operate according to the standard of not only Swiss education, but also of large countries of the world (there are French, Italian, English and international programs). Their graduates receive certificates that are recognized in Switzerland. But when entering a university, students are required to pass exams with a passing grade, as well as demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the language in which they will further study. There are a total of 260 such schools and boarding schools in Switzerland. Almost all of them are located in resort areas. Not only foreigners, but also Swiss citizens study in private schools. Therefore, there are active discussions in the country about whether communities should reimburse parents for at least part of the costs of educating a child in a boarding school.
Features of studying in Switzerland
Since Switzerland has several official languages, education in schools is conducted in one of them: German, French or Italian. In addition, graduates must speak a second state language of their choice, as well as English. If Swiss preschool education is inferior to Russian in terms of knowledge, then secondary education in this country is highly valued in the world. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) rated Swiss graduates above the European average. The country's public kindergartens and primary schools are funded by communities (villages and towns), while secondary schools are funded by the cantons.
When does the school year start?
Each canton of the country resolves this issue in its own way. In some regions, schoolchildren go to school on August 11, 15, 20. The latest school opening hours are September 1st. True, there are discussions in the country about having one date for the start of the school year throughout the country. But such issues are put to a referendum, and it must be approved by at least 10 cantons.
Video: Russian children in Swiss schools
Are schools open to visitors?
Children of foreigners, including Russians, can go to regular Swiss schools for free. But here everything depends on the canton of residence and on what stage of Swiss education the child “fits” into it. If he went to primary or secondary school (Secondaire I), then he is entitled to free language courses (based on the language of instruction). They are organized directly in schools. If we are talking about Secondaire II, then the child will have to take special courses until he masters the language sufficiently. Without this, he simply will not be admitted to the senior level of school. This is done because in Swiss schools between half and 2/3 of children are foreigners, and teachers prefer to maintain a high level of knowledge of the teaching language. There are also schools with English as the language of instruction, but they are paid.
Do you dream of living and studying in Switzerland? Then you need to understand the intricacies of the immigration process into the country:
Inclusive education
Switzerland can boast that an inclusive education format has been operating in the country for a long time. People with special needs study here along with everyone else. However, they are not subject to any discrimination. All buildings, libraries, and auditoriums are equipped with special devices and facilities so that they can be visited by people with limited mobility, hearing or vision problems, and so on. This type of training not only develops social skills in people with disabilities, but teaches other schoolchildren and students how to behave with such people. In addition, depending on their illness or other characteristics, students with disabilities can choose an educational institution that has a specialized and specially equipped rehabilitation center. Schools employ specialists who help such children and teach them using the most advanced interactive techniques. As a result, people with disabilities are included in adult life with virtually no problems.
Higher education
Money for higher education of young people is allocated by the cantons where certain universities are located, and only two universities receive funding from the federal budget. There are two types of higher education institutions in Switzerland: universities and applied universities (including business schools and evening technical colleges where working people study). Applied universities prepare specialized specialists for any type of activity, for example, tourism or engineering. In total, there are 23 applied universities in Switzerland (14 of them are pedagogical) and 120 technical colleges. Their training lasts for 3–4 years.
Academic education
Academic education in Switzerland is only available at universities. They are mostly state-owned in the country. There are two federal universities, 10 cantonal, several private, and 2 institutes of technology. University studies last from four to six years. But due to the adaptation of Swiss education to the Bologna system, most universities offer a bachelor's degree (three years) and a master's degree (one and a half to two years). After receiving a master's degree, students study for an additional three years to obtain a doctorate degree. The academic year consists of two semesters: winter (from October to March) and summer (from April to July).
Photo gallery: popular Swiss universities for study
The University of Lausanne trains first-class economists. The capital's university specializes in teaching law, medicine and philology. The University of Zurich is the largest in the country. It is famous for its Faculty of Philosophy. The University of Basel is the oldest in Switzerland.
Universities in Switzerland - brief description
The oldest university in Switzerland is located in Basel. It was founded back in 1460. And the largest academic university in the country is the University of Zurich. 25 thousand students study here at the same time. It has several faculties, and the largest and most popular is philosophy. More than half of the students at the University of Zurich attend this department. Natural sciences, medicine, economics, theology, veterinary medicine, and law are also taught here. At the University of Zurich there is a prestigious Higher Technical School, where they study architecture, management, mathematics, and social sciences.
Video: student reviews of studying at the University of Geneva
Other popular universities and destinations
The universities of Geneva, Lausanne, Neufchâtel and Friborg are also popular. The University of Geneva is famous for teaching law, medicine and Russian literature. Lausanne trains criminologists, lawyers, biologists, theologians, pharmacologists, and psychologists. And the University of Bern is famous for its faculties of political science, physics, astronomy and statistics. Assessing the quality of education in Swiss universities, experts say that economics is best taught in St. Gallen and Lausanne, banking in Basel and Zurich, law in Friborg and Neufchâtel, and philology in Geneva.
What are the prospects for Russians to get an education in Switzerland?
Studying at a Swiss university is available not only to citizens, but also to foreign students. Moreover, for the latter it is one of the cheapest in Europe. Of the 245 thousand students, more than 47 thousand are foreigners, and their number is constantly growing. Switzerland is one of the first European countries to introduce exchange programs for students. It is easier for foreigners to enter an applied university than a university. Therefore, Russians who want to study at Swiss academic universities often first choose to study at a vocational college, business school or applied university.
Video: review of study and practice at a hotel management university in Switzerland
What do Russians choose?
For Russians, the most popular universities are professional, technical, and business schools, where they teach tourism, hotel and restaurant management, banking and finance. Such education is not only prestigious, but can also provide a good career in the future. After all, Switzerland is a benchmark in the field of tourism and hotel business, especially in mountain resorts. And banking in this country is so well developed that any employer will not refuse a graduate of a specialized Swiss college or business school, because they train the best specialists in the world. Students from Russia also go to Switzerland to study art, design, economics and sociology.
The main thing is the language
Teaching in different cantons is conducted in the official language of the region, so you need to take this into account when applying. But if a student lacks knowledge of the language, he can take additional courses that will help him “catch up” with his classmates. The easiest way for immigrants from Russia or the CIS countries is to enroll in French-language universities in Geneva, Lausanne or Neufchâtel. They go there immediately after graduating from high school. To do this, you need to provide a certificate of secondary education with a high grade point and a certificate of knowledge of French (DALF). There are no exams for these universities, as well as competition. Anyone who meets the requirements is accepted.
What do universities want?
German-language universities require foreign students to have already studied for two years in their own country. Foreign applicants will also have to pass a single exam of five subjects (three compulsory, and two at the university’s choice). This exam is also required by Italian-speaking and some French-speaking universities. It is rented once a year - in the fall, in September-October in the city of Friborg. There are special courses for foreigners. They help applicants prepare for this exam. The courses last 33 weeks. Language tests for those who do not have certificates are taken there. And in some applied universities - for example, tourism, business, management - they teach in English. Therefore, to enter there you need to take an English proficiency test (mainly TOEFL) along with your certificate. By the way, the number of study programs in English is increasing every year in Switzerland. In addition, universities may introduce competitive exams for particularly popular programs.
If you have completed less than 2 courses (in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine - in general, not at a European university), for admission to Switzerland. The university will have to take the Friborg exam. It consists of 5 subjects, three of them are compulsory (foreign language, mathematics, history), two are optional. Everything is in a foreign language (German, French - depends on the university, canton). This is where the difficulty lies. A friend of mine specially went to Friborg for preparatory courses to enter the University of Zurich.
http://forum.ruswiss.ch/topic/20110-education-in-Switzerland/page-3
Stages of admission
Despite regional or typical features, admission of a Russian student to any Swiss university consists of the following stages:
- Registration for your chosen course or program through an electronic application.
- Payment of the registration fee (the amount is returned if the applicant is accepted).
- Providing the following documents to the selected university:
- original or certified copy of certificate and/or diploma with grades;
- if the applicant has already studied at a Russian university, then he sends the curriculum and a list of subjects he studied (in the language in which the university is taught). The number of academic hours in each subject is also indicated;
- a short autobiography and two photographs 30 x 40 mm;
- two letters of recommendation signed by officials;
- motivation letter;
- confirmation of solvency (in most cases this is a certificate of a bank account for at least 20 thousand dollars or a guarantee of payment of the required amount for education and living expenses).
There is always detailed information on the remaining documents, as well as in what form and within what time frame they are submitted, on the website of the selected university. All that remains is to pass the language test and/or exam for foreigners in Friborg, obtain insurance and obtain a study visa.
Cost of education
Since Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, it is believed that studying there is very expensive. But this is only true if the student chooses a private university, hotel college or business school. There, training can cost from 20 to 75 thousand dollars a year. In public educational institutions - universities and colleges - Swiss citizens study for free. Legally, foreign students, including those from Russia, also study for free. They simply pay between 500 and a thousand francs ($320–$640) per semester for minimal fees. This is not very much, considering how expensive the country is to study. The rest - up to 95% - is paid by the state.
Possibility of part-time work
Switzerland gives young people from other countries studying at its universities the opportunity to officially work from the second year of study. Therefore, students are issued a special residence permit (Permis B). In addition, you must obtain a part-time work permit from the rector’s office. The issuance of such a permit does not depend on the student’s academic performance. The main condition is that part-time work does not interfere with studying. The number of working hours varies in each canton. In general, it should not exceed 15 hours per week during the semester. During the holidays you can work full time. Many students work part-time in the universities themselves - in departments, helping professors write books or conduct research, and so on. If students do not study at universities, but at professional universities or business schools, then there are many paid internship programs there. In this case, the university itself selects the job.
What grants and scholarships are there?
The country provides grants for studying in Switzerland only to students from EU countries. For others, there are government scholarships, but their number is negligible. Thus, 30–40 scholarships are allocated for citizens of Central and Eastern European countries to study at Swiss universities. Mostly they go to excellent students. There are also scholarships for foreigners who already have a higher education, but want to study in graduate school at a state university in the country. The amount of this scholarship is about $1,700 and is paid for 9 months (academic year). 8 special scholarships per year are intended for undergraduate or graduate students in economics. They are paid by a project of the International Student Association to support those studying economics.
Additional scholarships
Some scholarships, for example for those applying for a master's degree in art and music, are provided by the Swiss government for students from those countries with which mutual agreements have been concluded (Russia is one of them). They cover all tuition and living expenses. With this scholarship you do not need to provide a bank account certificate. In addition, every year Swiss universities provide an average of 5–10 scholarships of 1,600 francs to international students to study in various master's programs. Scholarships for Russian students are often provided by the Swiss Embassy in the Russian Federation.
I was at the Swiss Language Club in Leysin. The school is located in a small, very nice town in the mountains. The views are simply breathtaking. The air and nature are amazing. Every evening before going to bed, I opened the window and enjoyed the birds singing and the starry sky. I stayed in a single room with a private bathroom. It was very comfortable and clean. They fed us very well. The freshest dairy products, lots of fruits and vegetables. Food for every taste and very varied.
Igor
http://www.edutravel.ru/otzyvy_o_poluchenii_obrazovanija_v_shvejcarii.php
How do students live in Switzerland?
The higher education system in Switzerland also differs from the rest of Europe in that some universities not only accommodate students on campus, but also provide food, books, and, if possible, even inexpensive clothing. It is believed that in this way students will focus on their studies and not on looking for part-time work. This depends on the university itself, as well as on its agreement with the applicant. This may include renting an apartment or room in a house for students. To live in Switzerland, taking into account expenses for food, transport and personal needs, students will need on average from one and a half to 2.5 thousand Swiss francs per month. Foreign students in Switzerland have no time to have fun and live their lives. Studying is very difficult, the requirements are high. Therefore, almost all of their time is spent sitting in libraries and working part-time during the holidays. In addition, after the first and second years, students take very difficult exams, after which up to half of the students are eliminated.
After each course there is a mandatory practice of 4–6 months in hotels. In Switzerland, a workplace for internship is found by BHMS and the salary during the internship is 2150 francs - in rubles it turns out to be about 70 thousand per month. Minus taxes, insurance and housing - I got 1,500 francs a month. All students find practice and these practices are quite complex - this is Europe. They want YOU to work during the internship! After all, after all, you are paid money for this, so sometimes after a hard day at work, when you come home, you only had the strength to crawl to bed and go to bed. But I liked it and I enjoyed it.
Kartuzov Anton
http://www.ubo.ru/articles/?cat=101&pub=3413
Table: pros and cons of studying in Switzerland
Advantages of education in Switzerland | Disadvantages of education in Switzerland |
Education has a good reputation worldwide and is considered the best in Europe | The education system is different in each canton, and in general it is very complex |
Advanced pedagogical methods and traditions | Schoolchildren begin to be divided according to the pace of assimilation of material at an early age |
Developed system of inclusive education | In order to study at a Swiss university, you must pass a language exam |
Low cost of education compared to the high cost of living | You need to provide a certificate of a bank account of 20 thousand dollars or have a large scholarship |
Universities, both academic and applied, train highly qualified specialists | Studying at universities is very difficult, you have to devote almost all your time to it |
University graduates have in-demand professions, know several foreign languages and can get a job in Europe | Some universities have high tuition fees or special competitive exams |
Students have the opportunity to work part-time at the university itself or do an internship at an enterprise/company | Not all universities encourage students to work part-time |
There are grants and scholarships from the government and universities for studying foreigners | There are few scholarships, only a few go to them |
Stability, as well as the peculiarities of its democracy and political structure, were also reflected in Swiss education. Universities have broad autonomy and develop their own training programs. At the same time, the national government and local authorities, despite the economic crises, generously finance universities, gymnasiums, schools and kindergartens. In any canton, no matter what its educational features, excellent teachers and professors await a schoolchild or student. Graduates of Swiss universities, technical colleges and business schools speak several European languages, receive prestigious diplomas and become professionals who are happy to be hired in any country. Yes, for this you will have to study by the sweat of your brow, pore over books and stay in the libraries. Funds must be found to live and eat, or a scholarship must be obtained. But the prospect of leaving the university as a sought-after specialist with the opportunity to live and work safely in Europe is worth it.
Switzerland is respected by Russians as a neutral, civilized country with the highest standard of living, beautiful nature, developed educational system, and low tuition fees. But studying in Switzerland is associated with a number of language difficulties, the specifics of the region, and the difficulty of entering Swiss higher schools.
10 Swiss cantonal (state) universities have no restrictions on the admission of foreigners, except for the level of knowledge. At the University of Geneva, foreign students make up 33%. When choosing a university, you need to take into account the language of instruction (language tests depend on it). The predominant languages are German (Basel, Zurich, Lucerne), French (Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel). In Lugano they study in Italian.
The Academy of Geneva is the main university in the country. Seven faculties, an institute of architecture, teach legal disciplines, economics, medicine, psychology, humanities, and theology. The university has more than 13,000 students. A modest tuition fee (CHF 500 per year) and a high level of teaching attract foreigners, of whom up to four thousand study.
In economic disciplines, the University of St. Gallen, which is called a “business academy,” is considered the best. There are four faculties here, five thousand students study, the annual tuition fee is higher - 3126 CHF.
The best technical universities are the higher polytechnic schools of Lausanne and Zurich. Of these, 20 Nobel laureates emerged. Hotel business is taught in private universities. An example of this would be the Hotel Institute Montreux, where two thousand students study in English. The fee in a private higher school is much higher - 14,250 francs per semester.
Restrictions, entrance exams, studies
Restrictions for foreigners in specialties relate to medicine (including dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, physiology). Specialties are in demand, there are not enough study places for the Swiss, and there is a lot of competition at universities.
Entry requirements in Switzerland are the highest in Europe. School graduates from the CIS are practically not accepted. The minimum requirements are four semesters of a Russian university (with full-time study, excellent grades, good reputation of the state university).
For such applicants, in addition to the usual documents, a copy of the language certificate and an academic certificate (including a list of courses with the number of hours, grades) are required. Even if all conditions are met, an on-site entrance exam is possible.
There are no additional fees for studying, as well as admission quotas. Problems of overpopulation are solved by holding a special exam after the first year (about half of the students are eliminated). The high cost of living in Switzerland results in similar living expenses, which can hardly be lower than 16,000 francs (regardless of the region) per year.
Student work is limited (15 weekly hours). You can work after 6 months of study. Hotel service specialties include paid internships at Swiss enterprises (in some schools - six months of study, six months of internship). There are no common curricula; all universities teach according to their own plans.
Work, continuing education
The most promising professions for working in Switzerland are technical, chemistry, and food industry. Excellent academic performance and knowledge of the language provide the opportunity to continue education. Technical schools that combine study with research are promising for doctoral studies.
More than one and a half million foreigners work in Switzerland (up to 20% of the population), and salaries are among the highest in the world. The highest reputation of training in the hotel business allows you to work in hotels, travel agencies, casinos, airlines, and cruise ships in any country.
Russian employers are little aware of the benefits, excluding the hotel business. A Swiss diploma and knowledge of languages will be an advantage for working in foreign missions.
27.08.2018
Universities in Switzerland have become more accessible to Russians
05.12.2017
European higher education is becoming more accessible to Russian students.
Higher education in Switzerland
Time for a change
Truly tectonic shifts have occurred in recent years in politics and economics; the world, the country have changed, and you and I have changed. And we won’t pretend that nothing special is happening, or offer educational programs that have lost their relevance or “free” second-generation opportunities...
We are changing our strategy, based on what was completed during 2016-2017. preparation, carrying out, together with our students, the transition to obtaining the best education both abroad and in Russia (see, for example, our new exclusive direction, effective individual preparation for entrance tests for foreign schools and universities, the Albion + program for additional education for schoolchildren - participants in partner Summer Schools), we are carefully reviewing the huge amount of material that has accumulated on the site over a quarter of a century, moving it to a new platform (will open in the new year 2019!). In the meantime, in accordance with the decision made at Albion, we pre-notify each significant section of the current site with this introduction.
In the end, despite all of the above, the value of education, and high-quality education (and not just “foreign”, “British”, American”, “discounted” and the like) has not gone away, and in the global world, according to our observations, it has only grown as one of the reliable tickets to a world with a higher quality of life.
The growing polarization of modern societies directly affects the sphere of education: the division of the world into a new elite of intellectual aristocrats and other “users” challenges thoughtless paternalistic behavior, including saving on high-quality education for yourself and your children, as well as professional planning and support for this process . And we consider the most important part of our work to show, using real examples of our graduates, the existence of the link “excellent education - persistent character - decent life”, to help our students find and follow their individual path with the help of the best educational institutions and mentors, both in Russia and abroad. abroad, along the chain “the best school – the best university – the best job and an interesting life.”
Switzerland is perhaps the richest, most comfortable and peaceful country in the world. And certainly one of the most beautiful. Greenish-blue mountain ranges covered with dazzling white snow caps, waterfalls cascading into gorges, quiet mountain lakes with emerald water... It’s not for nothing that the most beautiful mountainous areas in the whole world are usually called Switzerland: Moscow Region Switzerland, Saxon Switzerland, Caucasian Switzerland...
For the Russian elite, who consider education abroad one of the indicators of their own status, sending a child to private Swiss school- fashionable and prestigious. Much less is known about the country's universities. Meanwhile, Swiss universities, which have given the world several dozen Nobel laureates, are worthy of the close attention of our citizens. Even despite all the difficulties of entering them, which will be discussed.
Mathematics, science, engineering and architecture are best taught at two Swiss polytechnic schools with university status: EPF Lausanne And ETH Zurich. Both schools are extremely highly rated in the world: according to the authoritative “Times Higher”, in 2004, ETH Zurich was included in the top ten best universities in the world and in the top three universities in Europe (second only to Oxford and Cambridge), and Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPF ) took tenth place in the ranking of European universities.
Both polytechnic schools, unlike other universities, conduct their own entrance exam, and if they pass it successfully, they are ready to accept graduates of Russian schools who have an international certificate of language proficiency (French or German, according to the training program) not lower than C1.
Entry requirements
The package of documents that must be sent to the selected university must include:
- statement,
- detailed autobiography,
- characteristics,
- copy of matriculation certificate
- copy of the language certificate
- and (if necessary) academic certificate, i.e. a list of courses taken at the university, indicating the number of hours and grades for tests and exams.
You need to send the papers before January: correspondence with the university takes two to three months, and it’s a good idea to have some time left so that before the start of the academic year, that is, before October, you have time to send the documents to the “backup” university - if the first one is for you will refuse.
This can happen even if all the papers are in order. Swiss universities decide for themselves what and to what extent to teach students. Therefore, deciding whether a given applicant is sufficiently prepared to receive higher education in Switzerland also remains the prerogative of the university. It is possible that such a stern and independent approach can be turned into a benefit - by making it an additional incentive to enroll. Most likely it will be worth it.
The end justifies the means...Switzerland is a multilingual country: in some universities they teach in German, in others in French, in others in both of these languages at once, there is one Italian-speaking university and two English-speaking ones. .. In addition to them, English is taught in some schools of hotel management, as well as in some master's programs at state universities... Entrance without restrictions or how to enter a Swiss university For Russia, Switzerland is the country of the most reliable banks. Much less is known about its universities. Meanwhile, Swiss bankers, as a rule, receive higher education and study at home, at local universities, which, by the way, have given the world several dozen Nobel laureates...
