InterEd
Studying abroad in Australia
Australia enrolls more than 850,000 international students in higher education every year. These students represent more than 25% of all university students in the country, making Australia a truly global and diverse study destination.
Top-ranked universities – 9 Australian universities in the world top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Happy students – international students reported nearly 90% satisfaction scores for their living and study experience in Australia (Department of Education International Student Survey 2018.)
Highly employable – over 90% of university graduates in Australia secure full-time work with high salaries three years after the completion of their degree (University World News 2019).
High-quality education – Australia’s higher education system is recognized globally and is ranked 8th in the world (Universitas 21 Ranking of National Education Systems 2019).
Experience a new culture
From the natural beauty of Uluru (Ayres Rock) to the majesty of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s breathtaking landscape is quite unlike anywhere else on earth. 90% of all Australia’s animals are unique to the country, including marsupials like the kangaroo, the quokka and the koala.
But Australia is not just about animals and the Outback, it’s also home to some of the most visited cities in the world including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns and Adelaide. Australian cities are incredibly multicultural, welcoming and laid-back – offering a truly unbeatable lifestyle.
Adapting to life abroad
Moving abroad is a big step. Make the transition to life in Australia that little bit easier.
Adventures of a lifetime
Choosing to study in Australia means you’ll get to experience this magical country up close. You may have heard of Sydney and its famous opera house, but there are so many other landmarks and landscapes to explore across this vast continent.
- Bustling Brisbane – The cosmopolitan capital of Queensland, Brisbane is the gateway to some of Australia’s best beach resorts like the Gold Coast.
- Cool Melbourne – Victoria’s capital city has developed a reputation as Australia’s hippest city, with an exciting local arts and music scene.
- Laid-back Perth – Western Australia’s capital is friendly, diverse and easy-going. Hidden gems include its beaches, food and natural scenery.
- Outgoing Adelaide – This South Australian capital is known for its nightlife, festivals and fine dining. It’s also famous around the world for its wine.
- Down-to-earth Darwin – Australia’s smallest capital Darwin is also its furthest north. Here you can find out about the country’s Aboriginal heritage, the oldest living culture in the world.
Learn a global language
Stand out from the crowd. Mastering the English language will help you in your future career.
Your future
Study in Australia and you’ll graduate with a degree that’s globally recognized and respected by employers around the world. Stand out in a competitive international jobs market by:
- Increasing your industry knowledge and skills with placement opportunities, work experience and volunteering.
- Making connections for the future with networking, industry events and masterclasses.
- Adapting to new and situations, culture and languages.
Start this exciting experience now
Excited about the idea of studying abroad? Take the next step towards your international education and see where INTO can take you!
Learn a global language
Stand out from the crowd. Mastering the English language will help you in your future career.
🇮🇳 ✈️ 🇨🇭
🇮🇳 India → 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Study Destination Guide
Study in Switzerland 🇨🇭
for Indian Students 🇮🇳
Switzerland is home to some of the world's top-ranked universities, globally acclaimed hospitality & business schools, and one of the highest graduate salary destinations in Europe. For Indian students from Tamil Nadu — Namakkal, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore and Chennai — Switzerland offers a prestigious education in a safe, innovation-driven environment with strong post-study career pathways. Explore everything you need to know about studying in Switzerland with InterEd Ventures.
QS World Top 10
ETH Zurich — Global Rank #7
World's #1 Hospitality
EHL — Best Hotel School Globally
₹70L+ Avg Salary
Highest graduate pay in Europe
3rd Innovation Index
Global Innovation Index 2024
Safe & Neutral Nation
Ranked top 5 safest globally
25+
Accredited Universities & Institutions
58,000+
International Students Enrolled
CHF 4,500/yr
Lowest Tuition at Federal Universities
3 Languages
German, French & Italian Regions
Why Switzerland Stands Out
Three defining advantages that make Switzerland exceptional for Indian students
Financial Advantage
Surprisingly Affordable Federal Universities
Public Swiss federal universities — including ETH Zurich and EPFL — charge as little as CHF 730–1,456 per semester (~₹70,000–₹1.4L), making them among the most cost-effective top-10-ranked universities in the world for Indian students. Plus, the Dr. Ambedkar Overseas Scholarship covers up to ₹36 Lakh for eligible SC/ST students.
Admission Advantage
English-Taught Programs & Prestigious Degrees
Hundreds of Master's and MBA programs are fully taught in English, with no requirement for German or French. A Swiss degree from ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich or IMD Business School carries immense global recognition — opening doors across Europe, the US, and Asia for Indian graduates.
Career Advantage
Highest Salaries in Europe + 6-Month Job Search Visa
Switzerland consistently ranks #1 for graduate salaries in Europe. After graduation, international students can apply for a 6-month job-seeker permit to find employment in Switzerland. Industries like finance, pharma, hospitality, and engineering offer CHF 80,000–150,000+ (₹70L–₹1.3Cr) annual packages to qualified graduates.
CapitalBern
Population8.9 Million
LanguagesGerman, French, Italian
CurrencyCHF (Swiss Franc)
Int'l Students58,000+
Universities25+ Accredited
Key AdvantageHighest EU Salaries
Why Study in Switzerland?
Top 6 reasons Indian students choose Switzerland for higher education
World-Class University Rankings
ETH Zurich ranks #7 globally (QS 2025) and EPFL #14. Switzerland punches far above its size — producing Nobel laureates at extraordinary rates. For STEM, Hospitality, Finance and Pharma, Swiss degrees are globally unmatched.
#1 Hospitality & Business Education
The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is rated the world's best hospitality school. Swiss hotels schools like Les Roches and Glion also rank top globally. For Indian students targeting hotel management or luxury brand careers, Switzerland is the definitive choice.
Pharma, Finance & Innovation Hub
Switzerland hosts global HQs of Nestlé, Novartis, Roche, UBS, and over 300 MNCs. Studying here provides unparalleled internship and placement access. Indian students in pharma, biotech, finance, and business benefit immensely from this ecosystem.
Safe, Neutral & Stable Country
Switzerland consistently ranks among the top 5 safest countries in the world. Its political neutrality, low crime rate, and excellent infrastructure make it ideal for Indian students and families seeking a worry-free study environment abroad.
Multilingual, Multicultural Environment
Switzerland's four official languages and truly international student body make it uniquely cosmopolitan. Major cities like Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Basel are global hubs where English-speaking Indian students thrive academically and socially.
Federal Universities at Low Tuition
Unlike private Swiss institutions, the two federal universities — ETH Zurich and EPFL — are publicly funded with tuition of just CHF 730/semester (~₹70,000). This makes a world top-10 degree accessible even for budget-conscious Indian students from Namakkal, Salem, or Erode.
Top Universities in Switzerland
Ranked institutions accepting Indian students with English-taught programs
EHL
⭐ World #1 Hospitality School
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
Ranked the world's best hospitality school, EHL Lausanne offers globally recognised Bachelor's & Master's degrees in hospitality management. Indian students trained here secure placements in luxury hotels across Europe, Middle East and Asia. InterEd provides dedicated guidance for EHL applications from Tamil Nadu students.
🏛️ Top Ranked Federal & Cantonal Universities
🇨🇭
QS #7 — 2025
ETH Zurich
📍 Zurich
🇨🇭
QS #14 — 2025
EPFL Lausanne
📍 Lausanne
🇨🇭
QS #83 — 2025
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
🇨🇭
QS #103 — 2025
University of Geneva
📍 Geneva
🎯 Career & Business Focused Institutions
🇨🇭
IMD
Business School
Business School
Top 5 Global MBA
IMD Business School
📍 Lausanne
🇨🇭
Les
Roches
Roches
Top 3 Hospitality
Les Roches
📍 Crans-Montana
🇨🇭
Glion
Institute
Institute
Top 5 Hospitality
Glion Institute
📍 Montreux
🇨🇭
HSG
St. Gallen
St. Gallen
Top Business School EU
Univ. St. Gallen (HSG)
📍 St. Gallen
Popular Courses in Switzerland
Explore top programs across disciplines for Indian students
MSc Computer Science
ETH Zurich
MSc Data Science
EPFL Lausanne
MSc Artificial Intelligence
University of Zurich
MSc Cybersecurity
ETH Zurich
MSc Information Systems
Univ. of Bern
MSc Human-Computer Interaction
EPFL
MSc Mechanical Engineering
ETH Zurich
MSc Electrical Engineering
EPFL
MSc Civil Engineering
ETH Zurich
MSc Robotics & Automation
EPFL
MSc Environmental Engineering
ETH Zurich
MSc Chemical Engineering
EPFL / ETH Zurich
MBA Full-Time Program
IMD Business School
MSc Management
Univ. St. Gallen (HSG)
Master in Finance
IMD / HSG
MSc International Affairs & Governance
Univ. St. Gallen
Executive MBA
IMD Business School
MSc Banking & Finance
Univ. of Zurich
MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
MSc Biomedical Engineering
ETH Zurich / EPFL
MSc Molecular Life Sciences
Univ. of Geneva
MSc Biotechnology
ETH Zurich
PhD Biological Sciences
Univ. of Basel
MSc Nutrition & Health
ETH Zurich
BBA in Hospitality Management
EHL Lausanne
MSc in Hospitality Management
EHL / Glion
BA International Hotel Management
Les Roches
MBA Hospitality & Luxury
Glion Institute
MSc Global Hospitality Business
EHL
BSc Culinary Arts & Entrepreneurship
Les Roches
Intake & Admission Calendar
Switzerland intake schedule for Indian students — plan your application early
| Intake | Application Deadline | Courses / Level | Best For | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September / October 2025 (Main) | December 2024 – April 2025 | UG, PG, PhD, MBA, Hospitality | All programs; main intake | Primary Intake |
| February / March 2026 | September – November 2025 | Selected PG & Hospitality programs | Students who missed Sept. intake | Limited Seats |
| September 2026 | January – April 2026 | All levels | Advance planning; best for Sept 2026 | Applications Open Soon |
| Rolling Admissions | Varies by institution | Private hospitality schools (EHL, Les Roches, Glion) | Students with flexible timelines | Ongoing |
Eligibility Requirements
Academic and language requirements for Indian students applying to Swiss universities
| Level | Academic Requirement | English Test | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (Bachelor's) | Class 12 with 70–80%+ (Science/Commerce/Arts based on course) | IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 / TOEFL 72+ | Entrance exam for ETH/EPFL; portfolio for design; Swiss Matura equivalent assessment |
| PG (Master's) | Bachelor's degree with 60%+ (3 or 4-year degree recognized) | IELTS 6.5 – 7.0 / TOEFL 90+ | GRE/GMAT for some programs; relevant work experience for professional Master's |
| MBA | Bachelor's in any discipline with 3+ years work experience | IELTS 7.0+ / TOEFL 100+ | GMAT 650+ for IMD/HSG; strong professional profile; leadership essays |
| PhD / Doctoral | Master's degree with strong research background | IELTS 7.0+ / TOEFL 100+ | Research proposal; supervisor approval required at ETH/EPFL; fully funded positions often available |
| Hospitality (EHL/Les Roches/Glion) | Class 12 for BBA; Bachelor's for MSc/MBA | IELTS 5.5 – 6.5 | Interview; motivation letter; hospitality experience preferred; financial proof required |
Switzerland Student Visa Process
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your Swiss student visa (Type D National Visa)
Step 1 — Months 10-12 Before
Get University Admission Offer
Apply to Swiss universities and secure your official admission letter (Zulassung). Federal universities have competitive entry — InterEd helps Tamil Nadu students with a strong application. Keep a copy of all correspondence with the university.
Step 2 — Months 8-10 Before
Gather Financial Documents
Switzerland requires proof of CHF 21,000 (~₹20L) per year for living expenses in a blocked/accessible bank account, plus tuition fee proof. Sponsorship letters, bank statements (6 months), and education loan sanction letters are all accepted. InterFx by InterEd assists with forex and blocked account guidance.
Step 3 — Month 8 Before
Cantonal Approval (for Students Outside EU)
The Swiss canton (state) where your university is located must issue a residence permit approval before you can apply for a visa. Your university typically coordinates this. InterEd tracks this step actively for enrolled students.
Step 4 — Month 6-7 Before
Prepare Visa Documentation
Collect: valid passport (6+ months validity), admission letter, cantonal approval, financial proof, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation in Switzerland, academic transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL certificate, passport photos, and completed visa form.
Step 5 — Month 5-6 Before
Submit Visa Application at Swiss Embassy
Apply at the Swiss Embassy in Chennai, New Delhi, or Mumbai. Biometrics appointment required. Visa fee: CHF 60 (~₹5,500). Processing time: 4–8 weeks. Apply well in advance — InterEd manages the entire application checklist for you.
Step 6 — Month 4 Before
Receive Visa & Book Travel
Upon approval, receive your Type D National Visa (long-stay). Book flights 6–8 weeks in advance. Arrange accommodation — university halls, private student apartments, or home-stay. InterBuddy connects you with current Swiss-based Indian students.
Step 7 — Upon Arrival
Register with Cantonal Authorities
Within 14 days of arrival in Switzerland, register at your local cantonal municipality (Gemeinde/Commune). Collect your Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung). This is mandatory for all international students staying beyond 90 days.
Cost of Study in Switzerland
Annual tuition fees in Swiss Franc (CHF) and Indian Rupee (INR) equivalent
🖥️ Engineering / STEM (ETH / EPFL)
CHF 1,460/yr
≈ ₹1.4 Lakh/year
Federal universities have near-free tuition. Most expensive aspect is living cost, not tuition. Most affordable top-10 degree globally.
📊 Business / MBA (IMD / HSG)
CHF 85,000 – 1,00,000
≈ ₹80L – ₹95L total
IMD MBA is premium priced but consistently delivers ROI through top-tier placements in global finance, consulting, and FMCG firms.
🍽️ Hospitality (EHL / Les Roches / Glion)
CHF 25,000 – 45,000/yr
≈ ₹24L – ₹43L/year
Private hospitality schools have higher fees but offer industry placements, paid internships, and global hotel chain connections from day one.
🏠 Student Accommodation
CHF 800 – 1,600/mo
≈ ₹76,000 – ₹1.52L/month
University halls (cheaper), shared apartments, or private studios. Zurich and Geneva are most expensive. Lausanne, Bern and Basel are more affordable.
🍱 Food & Groceries
CHF 400 – 700/mo
≈ ₹38,000 – ₹66,000/month
University canteens offer subsidised meals (CHF 8–12). Indian grocery stores available in major cities. Cooking at home is common and cost-effective.
🚌 Transport & Miscellaneous
CHF 200 – 400/mo
≈ ₹19,000 – ₹38,000/month
Swiss public transport is world-class. Half-Fare Card (CHF 120/year) is a must. Student discounts available on trains, trams, and buses across cantons.
Scholarships for Indian Students in Switzerland
Funding opportunities to reduce the cost of studying in Switzerland
🏆 Government of India
Dr. Ambedkar Overseas Scholarship — Switzerland
Up to ₹36,00,000
Available to SC/ST students from India for Master's and PhD programs in Switzerland. Covers tuition, living expenses, visa, travel, and contingency costs for up to 2 years. This is the single highest-value scholarship for eligible Tamil Nadu students from Namakkal, Salem, Erode, and Coimbatore. InterEd provides full guidance on eligibility and application.
Swiss Government
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS)
CHF 1,920/month + Full Fee
Awarded by the Swiss Confederation to outstanding international students for research, PhD, and postdoctoral programs. India is an eligible country. Covers monthly stipend, tuition waiver, accommodation supplement, and health insurance. Highly competitive — only 15–20 Indian students selected annually.
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme
CHF 12,000/year + Tuition
Merit-based scholarship for outstanding Master's students at ETH Zurich. Awarded to top 4–5% of applicants globally. Covers full tuition and monthly living stipend. Indian students excelling in STEM and Computer Science are regularly awarded this scholarship.
University Merit
EPFL Master Fellowships
CHF 1,250/month
EPFL offers merit fellowships to exceptional Master's students in engineering, computer science, and life sciences. Monthly stipend based on academic excellence. Indian students from IITs, NITs, and top state universities regularly qualify. Applications submitted alongside the EPFL Master's program application.
EHL / Hospitality
EHL Merit Scholarship & Alumni Bursaries
CHF 5,000 – 15,000
EHL awards partial merit scholarships and alumni bursaries to exceptional international students demonstrating leadership potential, academic excellence, and financial need. Tamil Nadu students can apply through InterEd's EHL partner channel for maximum scholarship consideration.
Post-Study Work Rights in Switzerland
Work visa options for Indian graduates after completing studies in Switzerland
6-Month Job Search Permit
After completing a degree in Switzerland, international graduates can apply for a 6-month residence permit to search for employment. Requires proof of sufficient funds (CHF 1,750/month) and registration with local cantonal authority. Must apply before student permit expires.
Employment Permit (Quota-Based)
Switzerland applies quotas on non-EU work permits. After securing a job offer, your employer sponsors a work permit (L or B permit). Priority is given to graduates from Swiss universities. Indian graduates in engineering, finance, pharma, and hospitality have strong employability.
Permanent Residence (C Permit)
After residing in Switzerland for 5–10 years continuously (depending on bilateral agreements), you may apply for a C Permit (permanent residence). Switzerland does not have a direct PR-to-citizenship pathway for non-EU nationals as rapidly as some countries, but employment security is high.
Key Career Advantage
Swiss companies globally relocate their best talent. An employment contract with Nestlé, Novartis, UBS, or any Swiss MNC often includes international transfer opportunities. Indian graduates regularly move from Zurich offices to Singapore, London, or Dubai branches — massively boosting their global career trajectory.
Work While Studying in Switzerland
Part-time work regulations for Indian students enrolled at Swiss universities
During Semester Hours
International students holding a valid Swiss residence permit can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic semester. Federal law allows this without requiring a separate work permit once you have your student residence permit (for the first semester: no work allowed).
During Academic Holidays
Full-time work (unlimited hours) is permitted during semester breaks and official academic holidays. Swiss summer holidays (July–August) are popular for Indian students to undertake full-time paid work or internships to fund living expenses.
Paid Internships (Hospitality)
Hospitality school students (EHL, Les Roches, Glion) complete mandatory paid internships — often in 5-star Swiss hotels or international luxury chains. These placements are fully paid (CHF 1,500–2,500/month) and count toward degree credits — unique to Switzerland.
Earning Potential
Swiss part-time minimum wages range from CHF 22–28/hour (~₹2,100–₹2,650/hour), among the highest in the world. Working 15 hours/week can cover CHF 1,200–1,500/month of living costs (~₹1.1L–₹1.4L), significantly reducing the financial burden on Indian student families.
Cost of Living in Switzerland — City Guide
Monthly living costs for Indian students across major Swiss cities (CHF per month)
| City | Rent (Student) | Food | Transport | Total/Month | INR Equiv. | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 1,200–1,800 | CHF 450–600 | CHF 90 | CHF 1,740–2,490 | ₹1.65L – ₹2.37L | Expensive |
| Geneva | CHF 1,100–1,700 | CHF 450–600 | CHF 70 | CHF 1,620–2,370 | ₹1.54L – ₹2.25L | Expensive |
| Lausanne | CHF 900–1,400 | CHF 400–550 | CHF 70 | CHF 1,370–2,020 | ₹1.30L – ₹1.92L | Moderate |
| Bern | CHF 900–1,300 | CHF 380–520 | CHF 80 | CHF 1,360–1,900 | ₹1.29L – ₹1.81L | Moderate |
| Basel | CHF 850–1,250 | CHF 370–500 | CHF 75 | CHF 1,295–1,825 | ₹1.23L – ₹1.74L | Relatively Affordable |
| St. Gallen | CHF 800–1,100 | CHF 350–480 | CHF 70 | CHF 1,220–1,650 | ₹1.16L – ₹1.57L | Most Affordable |
Documents Checklist for Switzerland
Complete document list for Swiss university application and visa — prepared by InterEd
✅Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
✅Swiss University Official Admission Letter (Zulassung)
✅Cantonal Residence Permit Approval (coordinated by university)
✅IELTS / TOEFL Score Certificate (program-specific requirement)
✅Academic Transcripts — Class 10, 12, Bachelor's (notarised)
✅Financial Proof — Bank statements (6 months) / Education loan sanction
✅Proof of Funds — CHF 21,000+ per year in accessible/blocked account
✅Statement of Purpose (SOP) — reviewed and refined by InterWise
✅Letters of Recommendation (2–3, academic and/or professional)
✅Accommodation Confirmation in Switzerland
✅Travel Insurance — valid from arrival to end of first semester
✅Visa Application Form + Passport-size Photographs (biometric)
Student Life in Switzerland
What to expect as an Indian student living and studying in Switzerland
Accommodation
University dormitories (cheapest; apply early — limited seats), student housing cooperatives, and private flat-sharing are main options. Websites like WG-Zimmer.ch and Homegate.ch list rooms. Average student room: CHF 700–1,200/month depending on city.
Transport
Switzerland has the world's best public transport. Trains, trams, buses, and boats are seamlessly connected via the SBB Swiss Rail system. Buy the Half-Fare Card (CHF 120/year) to halve all travel costs. Student GA passes available for unlimited travel.
Food & Indian Community
Indian grocery stores and restaurants are well established in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Basel. Cities have active Indian student associations. Desi Marche in Zurich and multiple South Indian restaurants make homesickness manageable for Tamil Nadu students.
Phone & Banking
Get a prepaid SIM from Sunrise, Salt, or Swisscom on arrival. Open a student bank account with PostFinance or Neon (digital bank) — both welcome international students. Most transactions are cashless in Switzerland. Revolut works well for initial days.
Healthcare
Switzerland has mandatory health insurance (Krankenkasse). Students must enroll within 3 months of arrival. Basic insurance costs CHF 250–350/month. University clinics offer subsidised consultations. Students may be eligible for premium reduction subsidies based on income.
Campus Life
Swiss universities have vibrant student unions, cultural clubs, and sports facilities. ETH Zurich and EPFL especially have active international student bodies. Annual cultural events, hiking clubs, ski trips, and tech hackathons offer excellent network-building opportunities for Indian students.
Return on Investment — Switzerland
Why a Swiss degree delivers exceptional career value for Indian students
CHF 90K+
Avg Graduate Salary/Year in Switzerland
6 Months
Post-Study Job Search Permit Duration
97%
InterEd Switzerland Visa Success Rate
₹36L
Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship for SC/ST Students
InterEd — Your Switzerland 🇨🇭 Study Abroad Partner
Trusted by students from Namakkal, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore & Chennai for expert Switzerland university guidance
🌐 InterLing
IELTS, TOEFL & German/French language coaching for Swiss university requirements. Swiss federal universities require IELTS 6.5–7.0 for PG programs.
✍️ InterWise
SOP, LOR, and personal statement writing tailored for ETH Zurich, EPFL, EHL, IMD, and other Swiss institutions. Swiss admissions are research-intensive.
💱 InterFx
Forex guidance for Switzerland. CHF is among the world's strongest currencies — we help you manage the CHF 21,000 living cost deposit and tuition remittance efficiently.
👥 InterBuddy
Connect with InterEd alumni currently studying in Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva, and Basel. Get real city guides, accommodation tips, and first-hand university advice from Tamil Nadu seniors.
InterEd Ventures is based in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu and proudly serves students from Namakkal, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruchengode, Rasipuram, Sankagiri, and Chennai. Our Switzerland desk specialises in federal university admissions (ETH/EPFL), hospitality school applications (EHL, Les Roches, Glion), MBA guidance (IMD, HSG), scholarship applications including the Dr. Ambedkar Overseas Scholarship and Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, and complete Type D visa processing support.
📍 Address: RSR Complex, Salem Main Road, Mudalaipatti Post, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu — 637001
📧 Email: naveen@intered.in
🌐 Web: www.intered.in
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Indian students need to know about studying in Switzerland
Yes — Switzerland is outstanding for Indian students, especially in STEM, hospitality, business, finance, and pharmaceutical sciences. ETH Zurich (#7 globally) and EPFL (#14) are among the world's top universities. Switzerland's exceptionally high post-graduation salaries (CHF 80,000–150,000/year), its safe and stable environment, and the world's #1 hospitality schools (EHL, Les Roches, Glion) make it a compelling choice for ambitious students from Tamil Nadu.
Yes, for English-taught programs. Most Swiss Master's programs require IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90–100. ETH Zurich and EPFL require IELTS 7.0+ for most programs. Hospitality schools like EHL accept IELTS 5.5–6.5. If you're applying to French-taught programs in Geneva or Lausanne, DELF B2/C1 French certification is needed instead. InterLing by InterEd offers IELTS and language coaching from Namakkal.
Costs vary significantly: Federal universities (ETH Zurich, EPFL) charge just CHF 730–1,460/year (~₹70,000–₹1.4L) in tuition — among the cheapest top-10 universities globally. However, living costs are high: expect CHF 18,000–24,000/year (~₹17L–₹23L) for accommodation, food, transport, and insurance. Private hospitality schools cost CHF 25,000–45,000/year in tuition. Total annual budget: ₹18L–₹45L depending on institution and city.
Yes. After the first semester, Indian students can work up to 15 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays — without a separate work permit. Swiss part-time wages are CHF 22–28/hour, which means 15 hours/week generates CHF 1,200–1,500/month (~₹1.1L–₹1.4L). Hospitality students also complete mandatory paid internships worth CHF 1,500–2,500/month. This substantially reduces the financial burden on families.
Key scholarships include: (1) Dr. Ambedkar Overseas Scholarship — up to ₹36 Lakh for SC/ST students; (2) Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) — CHF 1,920/month stipend + tuition waiver for PhD and research students; (3) ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship — CHF 12,000/year for top Master's applicants; (4) EPFL Master Fellowships — CHF 1,250/month; (5) EHL/Les Roches merit bursaries. InterEd provides end-to-end scholarship application guidance from Namakkal.
The main intake for most Swiss universities is September/October. Applications typically open in November and close in April for the following September intake. Some private hospitality schools (EHL, Les Roches, Glion) offer rolling admissions year-round and have a February/March intake option. For ETH Zurich and EPFL, one annual intake (September) is standard. InterEd recommends starting your Switzerland application at least 10–12 months before your intended start date.
The Swiss student visa (Type D National Visa) process involves: (1) Secure admission; (2) Obtain cantonal residence permit approval (coordinated by university); (3) Prepare financial proof of CHF 21,000/year; (4) Book appointment at Swiss Embassy in Chennai, Mumbai, or New Delhi; (5) Submit documents + biometrics; (6) Await 4–8 weeks processing. After arrival, register with the local cantonal authority within 14 days to get your Residence Permit. InterEd manages this entire process for Tamil Nadu students.
Yes, but it's a long-term process. After studying and working in Switzerland continuously, non-EU nationals can apply for a C Permit (permanent residence) after 5–10 years of legal residence, depending on employment and integration records. Switzerland doesn't offer a direct "study-to-PR" fast-track like Canada or Germany, but graduates who secure well-paying Swiss jobs often stay long-term due to the quality of life and high salaries. The 6-month post-study job search permit is the key first step.
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world — consistently ranking in the top 5 on the Global Peace Index. Crime rates are extremely low. Cities like Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva are known for cleanliness, order, and respect for international residents. Indian students, including women from Tamil Nadu, feel particularly safe in Swiss cities. The country's political neutrality and strong rule of law make it a worry-free environment for families sending their children abroad.
Zurich is the largest city and home to ETH Zurich — great for STEM, finance, and tech. It has the largest Indian community but is the most expensive. Lausanne hosts EPFL and EHL — excellent for engineering and hospitality. Geneva is ideal for international relations, finance, and pharma (WHO, UN headquarters). Basel is great for pharma/life sciences (Novartis, Roche). St. Gallen is most affordable and home to HSG business school. InterBuddy connects Namakkal students with InterEd alumni in each of these cities.
No — for most Master's programs, English is sufficient. ETH Zurich and EPFL offer all Master's courses in English. Private hospitality schools (EHL, Les Roches) are also fully English-medium. However, knowing basic German (Zurich/Bern/Basel) or French (Geneva/Lausanne) significantly improves your daily life, job search, and social integration. InterLing by InterEd offers beginner German and French classes for Switzerland-bound students from Namakkal and Salem.
For STEM and Research: ETH Zurich (#7 QS), EPFL (#14 QS), University of Zurich, University of Basel. For Business/MBA: IMD Business School (top 5 global MBA), University of St. Gallen (HSG). For Hospitality: EHL Lausanne (#1 globally), Les Roches, Glion Institute. For Life Sciences: University of Geneva, University of Basel. InterEd recommends programs based on your academic profile, budget, and career goals — call our Namakkal office for personalised guidance.
InterEd is a Namakkal-based study abroad consultancy serving students across Tamil Nadu — including Namakkal, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruchengode, and Chennai. For Switzerland, our dedicated Switzerland desk provides: university shortlisting and profile evaluation; SOP and LOR writing (InterWise); IELTS and German coaching (InterLing); forex guidance (InterFx); Dr. Ambedkar and ESKAS scholarship applications; Type D visa documentation support; and InterBuddy mentorship from current Switzerland-based students. Contact us at +91 93451 51235.
Yes. Major Indian banks — SBI (Scholar Loan), HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Avanse — offer education loans for Swiss universities. Loan amounts range from ₹7.5L to ₹50L depending on institution and program. Switzerland is typically covered under international study loan schemes. ETH Zurich, EPFL, EHL, and IMD are well-recognised by Indian lenders. InterFx by InterEd assists with loan documentation, CHF blocked account setup, and tuition remittance to Switzerland.
The Swiss job market is highly rewarding but competitive for non-EU nationals due to work permit quotas. Companies prioritise Swiss/EU applicants first, but Swiss university graduates — especially from ETH, EPFL, IMD, and EHL — are highly sought after. Industries with strong demand for international talent include banking & finance (UBS, Credit Suisse), pharmaceuticals (Novartis, Roche), engineering (ABB, Schindler), hospitality (luxury hotel chains), and consulting. Average starting salary for Indian graduates in Switzerland: CHF 70,000–120,000/year (~₹66L–₹1.14Cr).
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