With its prominent education system and quality education, Switzerland is a popular European study destination. Its international outlook, role in diplomacy and humanitarian affairs, Alpine landscapes, multilingual environment, and mixture of European cultures are among the reasons international students consider studying in Switzerland.
Switzerland is a relatively small country with more than 9.1 million permanent residents as of December 31, 2025. Its regions can differ considerably in language, local administration, cost of living, and culture. This article highlights five cities in Switzerland that international students may want to consider.
Top Cities to Study in Switzerland for International Students
1. Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city. Swiss German is commonly spoken in the city, while High German is the official written language. Zurich is home to ETH Zurich, which is ranked seventh in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Students should check the language of instruction for each program. For budgeting, the University of Zurich estimates a minimum cost of living of CHF 2,200 per month. Its Student Financial Aid Office suggests budgeting CHF 500 to CHF 900 per month for housing, although actual costs vary.
2. Lausanne
Lausanne is a city on Lake Geneva. It is home to École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Lausanne. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, EPFL is tied for 22nd worldwide and is the second-highest-ranked Swiss institution after ETH Zurich.
Students should check the latest fee page for their institution and study program. At EPFL, the standard semester invoice is CHF 780. For some students, it is CHF 2,240 from the fall 2025 semester because of a tuition change. EPFL estimates that foreign students should budget approximately CHF 2,107 per month for living expenses, excluding tuition fees.
3. Geneva
Geneva is a French-speaking city on Lake Geneva and a major center for diplomacy and science. The Palais des Nations has served as the United Nations’ European headquarters since 1946. Geneva is also home to the International Committee of the Red Cross and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
The University of Geneva is a major institution in the city. Its standard semester fee is CHF 500. As a budgeting reference, the university’s exchange office estimates monthly living costs of approximately CHF 1,800 to CHF 1,900, including average rent of CHF 600, food costs of CHF 600, and public transportation costs of CHF 45 or CHF 70 depending on age.
4. Bern
Bern is Switzerland’s federal city and de facto capital. The University of Bern had 19,741 students in the fall 2025 semester. Bern’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At the University of Bern, the regular tuition fee is CHF 850 per semester, plus a regular semester fee of CHF 34. From the fall 2026 semester, certain non-Swiss students must pay an additional CHF 1,700 per semester; transitional rules apply to some continuing students. For incoming students, the university states that at least CHF 1,500 per month is required to cover minimum living expenses.
5. Basel
Basel is a city on the Rhine. It is home to the University of Basel, which was founded in 1460 and is the oldest university in Switzerland. Established in the context of European humanism, the university is now an internationally networked research university with a focus on life sciences and medicine.
The University of Basel’s sample budget estimates monthly study and living costs of CHF 2,000 to CHF 2,100 for students who do not live with their parents. Its tuition fee is CHF 850 per semester. The university’s housing guidance lists shared-apartment rooms at CHF 500 to CHF 900 per month and one-room apartments at CHF 900 to CHF 1,400 per month.
Studying in Switzerland can broaden your horizons through the country’s culture, history, nature, and society. With a range of universities and research opportunities, Switzerland may be a good choice for students considering study abroad.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities in Switzerland for international students informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Switzerland Page for more educational resources and opportunities, and sample these Open Courses in Europe to learn more about studying abroad.
