Have you ever dreamt of studying in Switzerland? However, just as your excitement starts to soar, a concern might creep in: what about the cost of living? Switzerland is known for more than just its landscapes. This stunning country offers a unique blend of academic excellence, an enriching lifestyle, and professional growth. The cost of living in Switzerland is pricey, but even the salaries are high too.
Swiss cost of living involves everyday choices like where you live, dining preferences, transportation modes, and more. Keep scrolling below to understand and manage the cost of living in Switzerland.
Cost Of Living In Switzerland For Indian Students
For Indian students in Switzerland, the average living cost in Switzerland falls between EUR 2,536 and EUR 2,735 (225,927 to 243,388 INR). See the detailed breakdown below.
| Items | Cost Of Living In Switzerland (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | €1,046 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | €1,245 |
| Transportation | €80 |
| Food Cost | €900 |
| Utility Cost | €224 |
| Entertainment | €76 |
| Groceries | €52 |
| Clothes | €158 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | €2,536 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | €2,735 |
| Annual Cost of Living | €30,432 |
Accommodation Costs In Switzerland For International Students
Housing costs are a major contributor to this that can add up to the cost of living in Switzerland. However, there are still ways to save money on accommodation, especially if you are willing to be flexible with your type of accommodation. One such option is UniAcco, which is known for providing the best and affordable student accommodation in various locations.
Here is the breakdown of the average costs of on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost (CHF/month) |
| On-campus | 450-800 |
| Off-campus | 700-1,200 |
The most expensive cities in Switzerland for student accommodation are Geneva and Zurich. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Geneva is CHF 1,700 per month, while in Zurich is CHF 1,650 per month.
Transportation Costs In Switzerland For Students
When it comes to the cost of living in Switzerland, travelling is an everyday expense, especially for students. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to save money on transportation. Here are a few tips:
1. Train Trains are the most popular mode of transportation in Switzerland. Students can get a discount on train tickets with a Swiss Travel Pass.
The average cost of a train ticket in Switzerland: CHF 10 (USD 10) per ticket
2. Bus: Buses are another affordable option. They are flexible and can take you to smaller towns and villages that don’t have train stations. Students can also get a discount on bus tickets with a Swiss Travel Pass.
The average cost of a bus ticket in Switzerland: CHF 5 (USD 5) per ticket
3. Bike: If you’re staying in a city or town, walking or biking is a great way to get around. It’s free, healthy, and a great way to see the sights. Just be aware of the traffic.
Points to note about transportation costs for Indian students in Switzerland:
- The average monthly transportation cost for Indian students in Switzerland is CHF 150 (USD 155).
- Students can save money on transportation by purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland for a set period of time.
- The cost of a Swiss Travel Pass differs depending on the length of time you want to use it, but it’s typically around CHF 300 (USD 333) per week.
Education Costs In Switzerland For Students
The average expenses in Switzerland for students for education can indeed add up, particularly for international students. Yet, it’s important to highlight the numerous benefits that come with such an experience. However, with careful planning, it is possible to study in your dream country.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for public universities in Switzerland are relatively affordable, ranging from CHF 400 to CHF 3,700 per year for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. PhD programmes are even cheaper, with tuition fees ranging from CHF 100 to CHF 900 per year.
Fees for Private universities in Switzerland range from CHF 9,500 to CHF 32,200 per year, depending on the programme and the university.
Students can get multiple scholarships to study in Switzerland with the help of universities or public institutions. UniScholars helps international students find and apply for scholarships to study abroad, with access to various scholarships and personalised support from expert counsellors.
Living Costs
Students in Switzerland also need to budget for living costs. These costs can differ based on the city in which you live and your lifestyle. However, the average cost of living in Switzerland per month is CHF 2,250 per month to cover accommodation, transport, food, and utility expenses.
Here is a table of the average education expenses in Switzerland for students:
| Programme type | Tuition fees (CHF per year) | Living costs (CHF per month) |
| Bachelor’s degree (public university) | 400 – 3,700 | 2,250 |
| Master’s degree (public university) | 400 – 3,700 | 2,250 |
| PhD (public university) | 100 – 900 | 2,250 |
| Bachelor’s degree (private university) | 9,500 – 32,200 | 2,250 |
| Master’s degree (private university) | 9,500 – 32,200 | 2,250 |
Pre-Arrival And Post-arrival Cost Of Studying In Switzerland for Indian Students
Plan the average expenses in Switzerland with pre-arrival costs like visa and insurance, and budget for post-arrival expenses like tuition and living with scholarships, grants, and budget-friendly living.
Pre-arrival Costs In Switzerland
Here is the average pre-arrival cost in Switzerland for international students (cost of living in Switzerland in Rupees):
| Pre-arrival Cost | CHF | INR |
| Application fees: | 100-300 | 8,500-25,500 |
| Visa fees: | 60 | 5,100 |
| Health insurance: | 350-450 | 29,700-38,500 |
| Travel costs: | Varies on Flights, distance and location | Varies on Flights, distance and location |
Post-arrival Costs In Switzerland
- Tuition fees: Tuition fees differ based on the type of programme you are enrolled in and the university you attend. For public universities, tuition fees range from CHF 400 to CHF 3,700 per year. For private universities, tuition fees range from CHF 9,500 to CHF 32,200 per year.
- Living costs: You can expect to spend around CHF 2,250 per month on accommodation, transport, food, and utility expenses. (depending on your preferences)
- Other expenses: In addition to tuition fees and living costs, you may also need to budget for other expenses, such as textbooks, course materials, and social activities.
Here are some tips for saving money on your pre-arrival and post-arrival costs:
- Apply for scholarships and grants
- Live in a shared apartment or student dormitory
- Cook your own meals
- Take advantage of student discounts
Healthcare Costs In Switzerland
All students in Switzerland are required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance is based on the provider and the type of insurance you choose. However, you can expect to pay around CHF 200 to CHF 300 per month for health insurance.
Popular University Fees In Switzerland
The following table shows the average tuition fees at leading universities in Switzerland:
| University | Tuition fees (CHF per year) |
| ETH Zurich | 1,700 |
| EPFL | 1,700 |
| University of Zurich | 2,400 |
| University of Geneva | 2,400 |
| University of Lausanne | 2,400 |
Entertainment Costs In Switzerland
The average entertainment costs in Switzerland differ depending on your interests and lifestyle. However, here are some examples of typical average entertainment costs:
Certainly, here are the updated costs in Indian Rupees (INR) for the mentioned entertainment expenses in Switzerland for Indian Students:
- Cinema ticket: CHF 20 (1,780 INR)
- Concert ticket: CHF 50 (4,450 INR)
- Meal at a restaurant: CHF 50 (4,450 INR)
- Drink at a bar: CHF 10 (890 INR)
Key Takeaways
- Switzerland offers a unique blend of academic excellence, an enriching lifestyle, and professional growth with high salaries.
- For students, the average monthly living cost ranges between EUR 2,536 and EUR 2,735 (225,927 to 243,388 INR).
- Accommodation costs differ with on-campus options being more affordable than off-campus alternatives. The average cost for on-campus accommodation is 450-800 CHF/month (40,100 to 71,600 INR), while off-campus accommodation ranges from 700-1,200 CHF/month (62,500 to 107,100 INR).
- Transportation costs for students average around CHF 150 (1550 INR) per month and can be reduced with a Swiss Travel Pass.
- Tuition fees for public universities range from CHF 400 to CHF 3,700 per year for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes (35,700 to 330,000 INR).
- Pre-arrival costs for Indian students include application fees, visa fees, and health insurance, while post-arrival costs encompass tuition, living expenses, and additional educational materials.
- Healthcare costs typically range from CHF 200 to CHF 300 per month (17,800 to 26,700 INR).
- Entertainment costs in Switzerland vary, with examples like a cinema ticket costing CHF 20 (1,780 INR) and a meal at a restaurant costing CHF 50 (4,450 INR).
FAQs
1. Is Switzerland expensive to live?
While living in Switzerland can be expensive (the average cost of living for students is INR 1,07,000-1,40,000 per month, excluding rent), it also offers high-paying jobs, the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, and access to a high standard of living.
2. How much money do you need to live comfortably in Switzerland?
The average monthly cost of living for students in Switzerland is around 1,800 CHF (approximately 158,163.60 INR).
3. What are the main components of the cost of living in Switzerland for students?
The main components of the expense of living in Switzerland for students are accommodation, food, transportation, and tuition.
4. How does the cost of living in Switzerland compare to other European countries for students?
The cost of life in Switzerland is a little higher compared to other countries in Europe. Students need to budget around 1,650-2,500 EUR per month. This is higher than other European countries, such as the UK (70.64 cost-of-living index) and Germany (59.47 cost-of-living index).
5. Are there affordable housing options for students in Switzerland?
Yes, there are affordable housing options for students in Switzerland. Other options include renting a shared apartment or room or living with a host family.
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