What do you think of when you think of Switzerland? Is the landscape dramatic and picturesque country? Or is the only French, German and Italian influences? Perhaps it is the historical and cultural heritage of castles? Or the vibrant youth culture that is respected throughout Europe and is very suitable for anyone considering a period of study in this country marvelously complex. Whichever it is, Switzerland has something special for you.
About two-thirds of the surface of Switzerland is covered with forests, lakes and mountains. Here are some cities steeped in history, cities that are very cosmopolitan and offer the usual facilities that are expected of any major European city, as well as traditional wooden chalets of mountain communities that have been established for centuries. Major events such as Zurich street parade, Fete du Geneve, Extreme Verbier, Switzerland Open Tennis Tournament among many others provide a constant flow of fun and excitement.
One of the main characteristics of this mountainous country is its cultural diversity. The ancestors of people living in this country today have their origin in different countries. The most obvious result of this, is that - even though Switzerland is nothing more than a small country (41284 km2) - until there are four official languages: German (74%), French (20%), Italian (4% ) Ladino (1%) - the remaining 1% speak other languages.
Switzerland is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses, chocolate, watch-making industry, for its landscape and an excellent public transport network. The capital city is Berne; other major cities including Basle, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano and Zurich.
Since Switzerland has no raw materials, which must import, process and sell products. The service industries are undoubtedly the most important part of the economy. These include banking, insurance and tourism. As far as Switzerland has no raw materials, offset to a large skilled workforce with higher technological skills. Agriculture is also an important factor, but the industry production agriculture Swiss does not meet the needs of all people, so that Switzerland should be based on goods imported from other countries. There is hardly a country in western Europe, which compares to Switzerland by its dependence on foreign trade.


You may ask yourself as a student, "what Switzerland can offer me?" Well, there are many advantages to study in Switzerland. The high quality of education is relatively accessible and a large percentage of the student population are international students. You will meet and associate with people from all over the world, giving a global perspective and politically neutral understanding of life. Switzerland is a small country in central Europe and exploring surrounding regions can be easily accomplished with the minimum amount of travel. Switzerland is an ideal place if you enjoy outdoor pursuits. The Swiss Alps provide a picture perfect backdrop and you'll find a wealth of activities available through the stations, which will appeal to the most lethargic of personalities.
After an exhausting day of classes, students what they can do to relax? All universities and colleges offer a wide variety of recreational activities for their students. There are several inter-university sports tournaments and is likely to find tennis courts, sports centres and a coffee bar where students can socialize. Away from campus, students are entitled to discounts on exhibits, theaters, art galleries and museums. A student need only be between 100-150 Swiss francs per week in order to sample everything that Switzerland has to offer. In addition, as many colleges are located in and around the Alps, many students enjoy the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard. Although the cost of hiring equipment can be expensive, a student can buy a pass for approx. 450 Swiss francs. The pass is valid for one year and allows access to various tracks and the beginner slopes giving ample time to refine his technique.
As with any country, as a potential student must meet the entry requirements of the university of their choice, as well as the country itself. All students must possess a valid passport and, in addition, students from some countries also require entry visas for Switzerland. Student entry visas should be requested from the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin, after receiving their letters of acceptance from the university. Assistance and advice to students is easily accessible from their elected institution. Many colleges also require you to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Most Swiss universities structure their academic year in three time periods that run from early September to December, late January to early May and late May and July, respectively. The courses are modular in general with students having to achieve the required number of credits in order to convey his chosen course. Students are asked to complete a certain number of courses per term and thus learn to adapt to a variety of teaching methods. Most classes involve conferences followed by group seminars, designed to discuss the issues raised at the conferences. The teacher / pupil in these discussion groups is relatively low, with an average of ten students assigned to a teacher. Essays and reviews are common but there is also room for individual case studies and audiovisual projects. Library facilities are very good.
Tuition fees for universities and colleges in Switzerland vary from one institution to another. However, if you know that you wish to attend university, you will be able to obtain a brochure (calling or writing to the Swiss Embassy in his country) that the list of expenditures. On average, a student of the annual budget would be needed to cover approximately 16000 Swiss francs to 24000 Swiss francs, depending on where they study and their standard of living. Do not be intimidated if these costs are beyond their price range, most universities offer forms of financial assistance and, in some cases, scholarships.
As business center of Europe, several courses have links with local companies that can not be beaten. Special strengths are in banking, machine tool and precision mechanics. Other strengths are chemical and pharmaceutical engineering, not to mention a large hotel and tourism education departments. The country has been very successful in attracting foreign investment from multi-national companies and also one of the reasons for its huge banking sector. The effect of wealth results in attracting some of the most respected scholars in universities in Europe, attracted by high wages and comfortable lifestyle.
Through the Federal Commission for International Students, the Government provides a small number of postgraduate scholarships for foreigners. These help students conducting research in fields that Swiss universities are particularly active in. A special program there is also providing scholarships for postgraduates from Central and Eastern Europe.
The most popular educational facilities for foreign students, schools are the Hospitality of Switzerland. Located in various towns and cities across Switzerland, these schools are renowned worldwide for its high standards and are almost a prerequisite for the hospitality students seeking an education first class. Famous schools such as César Ritz Colleges, Hôteliere School in Lausanne, International Hotel Management Institute in Lucerne, the Institute Hotel in Montreux and many others provide highly competitive skills in all aspects of the hospitality and tourism management. The entry requirements for these schools can vary depending on your area of interest. Merit-based scholarships are also available but would have to consult with the institution of their choice.
So what are you waiting for? If you're looking to study in a country that is famous for its educational system, with a totally different culture and adventure activities are waiting to be experienced in all around. After all, this is the country where Albert Einstein acquired their technical skills and found the inspiration to create his theory of relativity. Take the decision, positive, and pave his career with a solid foundation. Studying in Switzerland.

Despite a steady increase in the number of students, universities in Switzerland have not yet had to restrict admissions to study in subjects other than those doctors. Taking into account the number of applicants for these issues, a decision is taken from one year to another as to whether an entrance examination needs to be held for Swiss students. Therefore, apart from a few special exceptions, foreign students are not admitted to medical studies.
Switzerland has a high quality system of education that is relatively accessible to foreign students. The population of students from some universities, for example, consists of over 40% of foreign students, and this trend is increasing.
In this section of our site contains information for young people wishing to study in our country. Parents seeking information about the schooling of their children (under 15 years old) in Switzerland may refer to the "delocalisation".
Our company specializes in immigration from the rich to Switzerland for retirement, whether business or development purposes and as such do not offer services to students. We believe, however, studying abroad is something that should be encouraged and have compiled a series of articles on key issues for foreign students studying in Switzerland:

2. Types of University
Currently, Switzerland has 12 recognized traditional universities (10 universities cantonal and federal institutes of technology 2), 8 universities of applied sciences, 14 universities in teacher training, and even more university-level institutions supported by the Confederation.
The institutions supported by the Confederation are mainly the Graduate Institute of International Studies and Development in Geneva (Institut universitaire des hautes études internationales et du développement (IHE)), the University Institute of Public Administration (Institut des Hautes Etudes en Public Administration (IDHEAP )) In Lausanne, the Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch (Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch (IUKB)) in Sion and the University of distance learning Switzerland FS-CH.
Apart from higher education institutions mentioned above, there are also a number of private universities and education institutes in Switzerland. However, courses and degrees offered in these universities are not recognized here. Among the courses and degrees offered many of them are of dubious value, why students are advised to clarify in advance precisely whether these are recognized or not.
The following information relates only to universities.
3. Language of instruction
The universities of Basel (BS), Bern (BE), Lucerne (LU), St. Gallen (SG), Zurich (ZH) and the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) are located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
The universities of Geneva (GE), Lausanne (LA) and Neuchâtel (NE) and the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) are in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
The University of Fribourg (FR) is in a bilingual canton. Therefore, the courses are offered in German and / or French.
Since the founding of the Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) in Lugano in 1996, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland has also had its own university.
4. Course
The academic year is divided into two semesters: conferences in the fall semester last week from 38 to 51 and the spring semester in the calendar of the week from 8 to 22. More details can be found
5. Academic Degrees and duration of the studies
Since the winter semester 2001/02, Swiss universities have been busy adjusting their curricula to comply with the Bologna Declaration. Under this new two-tier system, first grade was awarded the bachelor degree (180 ECTS or three years full-time study) and the second master (90 - 120 ECTS or 1.5 to 2 years full-time study). A bachelor's degree is the prerequisite for admission to studies at the Masters. A Master's degree and good grades are prerequisites for completing a doctorate.
On the other hand, universities can grant master's degrees in higher education, called the Masters of Advanced Studies - MAS (at least 60 ECTS or one year of full-time studies). The MAS does not give access to doctoral studies.
Since the implementation of the new two-tier system of study not yet complete, grades according to the old system are still being awarded. The first degree is awarded the Lizentiat / or Diploma license with a total length of full-time studies of 4 to 5 years and 6 years of medical studies (no credits). However, experience shows that usually last 1 to 2 years. The Lizentiat / License Diploma correspond to a master 'degree level in the U.S., in most Swiss universities, are prerequisites for completing a doctorate.
It is expected that in 2011 only grades according to the new two-tier system will be awarded.
Most universities cover a variety of different fields and house several faculties. For a better understanding of their courses of study, we suggest that you consult their websites or summary table provided by the Central Bureau of Swiss universities.
The academic year is divided into two semesters: the winter semester begins the last week of October and continue until mid-February, the summer semester runs from mid-March or mid-April until mid-June or mid July, according the University. Every semester dates are set out in the Swiss University Conference site.
The total length of the study until the first academic degree is generally 4 to 5 years, depending on the program, and 6 years for medical studies. However, given the number of students currently enrolled, it is almost impossible to get enrolled in schools of medicine and pharmacy. There is no availability for the time being.
Switzerland academic degrees are a bachelor's degree, diploma and a doctorate. The Graduate Diploma and correspond to the American Masters degrees. As a general rule, most Swiss universities seek a degree or a diploma, as a prerequisite for a doctorate. There are two reports available to assist you, if you want to become more familiar with the Swiss university system, the shortest - Switzerland higher education - and a more complete - A guide to Swiss higher education system and their qualifications.

6. Admission requirements
The ability in the language
A good knowledge of the language of instruction (German, French or Italian). What universities teach in languages that can be found in section "more detailed information on language requirements of the respective universities can be found
In the meantime, universities are increasingly offering courses in English, particularly college-level Master.
From Foreign Affairs of the school or college certificates
To be admitted to a university, candidates must have either a state recognized by the maturity of Switzerland certificate or other foreign certificate recognized as equivalent by the university. The university in question decides whether to recognize the certificate and if the holder has the right to be admitted to studies.
More information on evaluation of its certificate can be found at the compiled by the Committee on Admissions.
7. Entrance Examination Swiss universities
Central entrance exams:
Candidates who either hold the certificates only partially recognized for admission or which calls for the university to take a college entrance exam must pass the examination in Freiburg. These examinations are held twice a year
everal types of scholarships are available: some are supplied by the Swiss State, while others by the universities themselves and others by various private foundations.

Confederation fellowships are reserved for students who already have a university degree (Postgraduate). There are two types of special postgraduate scholarships, one for Central America and some countries in Eastern Europe, and the other for the fine arts and music. Scholarships are usually offered to foreign governments. Applications are sent to Swiss diplomatic representative of the national institution responsible for scholarships in the country of origin. Therefore, you should contact your ministry of education or diplomatic representative of Switzerland. For more information, visit the Federal Commission for Scholarships website.
Exchange scholarships are coordinated by the universities themselves, so you need to know whether their home university has any agreements with Swiss universities. You can also consult the various Swiss universities Web sites to see what kind of scholarship are available.
Some private foundations offer grants within their own terms. Many of the Swiss university Web sites containing search engines to help you locate them. To begin with, we recommend using the search engine Yellow or consult the list of bases provided by the University of Lausanne

Scholarships government
The Swiss Government offers scholarships to foreign students and artists on a reciprocal basis or as part of a pool of scholarships to several countries. It is awarded to candidates graduate of both industrial and developing countries.
Candidates must first know their own country if the authorities are entitled to a scholarship or government should approach the Swiss embassy or consulate (http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/ reps.html) in their home country. A list of the countries concerned and learn more about government grants, such as application requirements, the duration of the scholarship amount of scholarships, etc. application procedure are available in http://www.sbf.admin.ch / eskas-e.html.
Before applying, candidates (who must be under 35 years old and proficient in English, German, French or Italian) should contact a teacher (www.proff.ch) or with the department responsible for the programme elected to the highest educational institution of Switzerland in order to obtain a written confirmation of acceptance.
University scholarships

10. Health insurance
Foreign students who intend to stay in Switzerland for more than three months must get health insurance, which is mandatory. Students from the states that provide mutual assistance are exempt from this international obligation. Other students may be exempted if they have insurance coverage equivalent in their country of origin.
More information:
Health insurance for foreign students in Switzerland: PDF (German) / PDF (French)
Information sheet on health insurance for the EU / EEC-students: PDF
11. How come if you want to study in Switzerland
This section applies to foreign students wishing to study at a university in Switzerland. If you are a citizen of Liechtenstein, a recognized political refugee, an alien who resides in Switzerland, either with you or your parents have a Swiss work permit for at least five years or a state of maturity of Switzerland recognized certificate, or you is the son of a diplomat, was treated like a Swiss candidate. The procedure described below does not concern you.

If you are already enrolled at a university in your country, please inquire about multilateral agreements (such as Erasmus / Socrates) or bilateral agreements between his university and a Swiss university.


You must be at least 18 years old and have a good knowledge of the official language of instruction. They also must possess a state of maturity of Switzerland recognized certificate or a foreign certificate recognized as equivalent. All Swiss university-level institutions are autonomous in recognition of certificates and its decision to admit the candidates.


Step 1
Contact the university of their choice, in writing and within the timely apply for admission to study. You must submit the following documents with your request:
A copy of his maturity, high school or other secondary education certificate.
Copies of any college or university and examination certificates of brands together with an official statement about the content of their studies
A detailed curriculum vitae
 
Step 2
Once you've received confirmation of acceptance of a Swiss university, contact the Embassy of Switzerland in their home country for information on entry formalities. In general, the following documents that are requested:
A valid passport
Confirmation that you have been accepted by a Swiss university
A guarantee of sufficient financial means to stay during their studies. See the section on work and study.
A Curriculum Vitae indicating their reasons for wanting to continue their studies in Switzerland.
In addition, you need to ensure that you return to their country once they have completed their studies. Warnings: tourist visas can not be prosecuted in residence permits for students after their arrival in Switzerland.
 
Step 3
Upon arrival in Switzerland, will have to apply for a residence permit from the Immigration Police. The following documents are required:
A valid passport with a visa if necessary
Confirmation that you have been accepted by a Swiss university
A guarantee of sufficient financial means to stay during their studies. See the section on work and study.
Proof of permanent residence in Switzerland
His residence permit must be renewed each year.
 
Review of income
If you have a certificate that is recognized only partially or by calling the university to take a college entrance exam, you can sit in the examination of Freiburg. It is held twice a year (June-October). A special course designed to prepare students for the college entrance exam will be held in Freiburg from October to late June. Course fees are approximately 4,200 SFR. The contact address is:
Freiburg preparatory courses
Route du Jura 1
CH - 1700 Fribourg
Exceptions
The Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne and Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) to organize their own entrance exams. The application deadlines are in Zurich mid-January meeting for February and mid-July for the September session. Periods of Lausanne are in late May for the summer session and mid-August for the autumn session. Lausanne also offers a one-year period
The University of St. Gallen accepts only a limited number of foreign students, who are all required to take an entrance examination. Candidates who hold a certificate of maturity accepted for admission to the University of St. Gallen can sit the college entrance exam in St. Gallen. Candidates with certificates of maturity that is only partly accepted sit on the review of Freiburg.

Application
Contact the university of their choice. The pre-application procedure for some universities can be done on the Internet. For the implementation will require, among other things:
the original or a certified copy of high school certificate
photo
Immigration formalities
When you receive confirmation of acceptance of a Swiss university, contact the Swiss embassy in your country to obtain information on entry formalities for Switzerland. You have to prove that you have sufficient financial means to stay during their studies.
Residence permit
You will need to apply for the police department dealing with foreigners after his arrival in Switzerland to obtain a residence permit. You must submit the following documents:
a valid passport, if necessary with a visa
confirmation that you have been accepted by a Swiss university
a guarantee of sufficient financial means to stay during their studies (for example, bank statement)
statement concerning his address in Switzerland
The residence permit will be issued only if its financial resources are warranted. In addition, you need to renew the residence permit per year. Foreign students are allowed to work 15 hours a week, provided that the period of study is not prolonged.
To get his residence permit, you have to show - first to the embassy, then the Police Aliens - which has the financial means to support yourself during his studies in Switzerland (a bank or similar statement authenticated do document). The idea is that you can not finance their education exclusively through additional work in Switzerland. That is correct, this provision is intended to limit the number of applications - some people have taken advantage of student status to evade the quotas of foreign workers allowed in Switzerland. Education should be the main reason for their stay.
However, once it has demonstrated that it has the necessary financial resources to study in Switzerland, can work alongside their studies. In fact, the student residence permit allows for profit-earning activity, provided their university provides a statement confirming that their use does not prolong the duration of their studies.
In practice, many students - Swiss and foreigners alike - to work alongside their studies to earn pocket money and gain work experience. For foreign students, the number of weekly working hours are limited to 15, but this is quite flexible depending on the canton (in Geneva, for example, can work up to 30 hours per week). However, most people will advise you not to take on extra work because the college is already fairly heavy workload, depending on the option. But if you feel sure of yourself, if you are a student fast and are physically and mentally fit, why not give it a try?
It's easier to find employment in major urban centres such as Geneva and Zurich. Each university has a job placement office that provides information on employment of students. Wages vary between 20 and SFR SFR 35 in accordance with work and their abilities.