Study in Switzerland

Types of higher education institutions
Universitat/Université
– institution that offers academic courses on all the three levels
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH)/École Polytechnique Fédérale - university offering technical courses
Fachhochschule/Haute École Spécialisée - more specialized and professionaly oriented studies in technical and economic courses

Structure of university studies
Academic year in Switzerland is divided into two semesters: the winter semester from mid-October to beginning of March and the summer semester from mid-April to mid-July. The languages of instructions are German and French, exceptionaly English.

1st level - 1,5 - 2 years full-time study involving more majors
2nd level
- 3 - 4 years full-time study (specialized in one major) leading to Diplom/Diplome or Lizentiat/Licence - these are equivalent to Master degrees
3rd level – doctoral studies
at least 4 years full-time research leading to a doctoral dissertation and PhD

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Application procedures

- application forms can be obtained from the universities where all the students should also apply to
- proof of German or French proficiency is required
- there are the admission tests for undergraduate studies
- foreign students without a Swiss matriculation certificate and residence permit cannot be accepted for the following courses: medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine; it is very difficult to be accepted for these courses: psychology, biology, pharmacology and geography
- deadline for the applications is from June 1 to July 31; application form must be followed by a copy of matriculation certificate or university transcripts
- student who has spent part of his/her studies at a university outside Switzerland can ask for transfer of credits

Financing of university studies
- tuition at the Swiss universities vary from CHF 750 to 1,300 for a semester; in adition you have to pay for exams, health insurance, etc.
- the living expenses in Switzerland are about CHF 1, 300 per month
- contact the Swiss Embassy in your home-country to find out if there are any possibilities of scholarships for study in Switzerland

Health insurance
Swiss universities require students to arrange for their health insurance through the Swiss insurance agency.

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Visa

Foreign students need a residence permit unless their stay is shorter than three months. Student visa is required in case that the studies will involve some practical training.

Important addresses
Eidgenossische Stipendienkommission für ausländische Studierende (ESKAS)
Hallwylstasse 4
CH-3003 Bern
tel. +41 (31) 323 2676
fax: +41 (31) 323 3020
- scholarships for foreign students

Schweizerische Zentralstelle für Hochschulwesen
Seidenweg 68
Bern CH-3012
tel. +41 (31) 302 2334
fax +41 (31) 302 6811
- information on higher education system in Switzerland, exchande programs, scholarships

Useful publications
title: Student handbook
editor: Dr. Ute Braun
published: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Bonn 1991

Internet addresses
http://www.mit.edu/people/cdemello/ch.html - information on Swiss universities
http://www.swissuni.ch - links to Swiss universities

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