Switzerland is a country in Europe that sits between the Western, Central, and Southern parts of the continent. Famous for its chocolates, banks, watches, winter sports, and long-standing neutrality, the country is one of the most developed nations in the world, with a very high standard of living and high average wealth per adult.
Switzerland is also a popular study destination for international students. Public university tuition is often lower than in many other Western European study destinations, although fees vary by institution, level of study, residence status, and nationality, and foreign-student fees are sometimes higher than Swiss-student fees. This attracts many students from abroad, and in this article, we will be naming the cheapest universities for international students in Switzerland.
Affordable Schools in Switzerland for International Students
1. University of Zurich
With a student body of more than 28,000, the University of Zurich is first on our list of cheap universities in Switzerland. It is also one of the oldest, having been founded in 1833. It currently consists of seven faculties, including law, business, economics and informatics, medicine, arts and social sciences, science, theology, and veterinary medicine. This gives it Switzerland’s widest range of degree programs.
The university is home to many international students, who can enjoy the excellent facilities and high quality of education at the University of Zurich. The main language of study for bachelor’s degrees is German, although individual modules may be offered in English or other languages. At the master’s level, the main language of instruction for most programs is either German or English, with some programs also using French, Italian, or Spanish.
2. University of Geneva
The University of Geneva is a public research university based in Geneva. It is one of Switzerland’s major universities, with 19,078 students, nine faculties, and 13 interfaculty centers and institutes. The main teaching language is generally French, but courses taught in English are available at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Geneva is ranked #=155.
Nine faculties make up this affordable university in Switzerland, and its teaching and research activities are spread across different areas of Geneva.
3. University of Lausanne
The University of Lausanne dates back to the 16th century, when it was originally founded as a school of theology. It has since evolved into a university comprising seven faculties. Today, UNIL has more than 17,000 students and welcomes students from many countries, including exchange students from partner universities around the world.
The university’s main campus sits in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Geneva. From the library, which also serves as an eating hall, there is a great view of the Alps, creating a pleasant atmosphere for studying.
4. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is an institute of technology based in Zurich. It was founded by the Swiss Confederation in 1855 and has played a crucial role in educating the country’s aspiring engineers and scientists. Most of its programs are in the fields of mathematics, engineering, technology, and science, so if any of these fields are of interest to you, ETH Zurich is one of the strongest choices in Switzerland. It is also one of the best universities in the world, ranking #7 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #3 in Engineering and Technology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
ETH Zurich recruits about 35% of its students from abroad, and one of its best-known alumni is Albert Einstein.
5. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, or EPFL, is one of two Swiss federal institutes of technology developed to support the education of engineers and scientists in Switzerland. It ranks as one of the best universities in Switzerland and one of the best technology schools in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, EPFL is ranked #=22 globally and #8 in Engineering and Technology. It is located in the suburbs of Lausanne in the French-speaking area of Switzerland.
Due to its high standards and comparatively low tuition fees, this affordable university in Switzerland attracts many international students. EPFL has more than 15,000 students and offers a wide range of student associations, cultural activities, and extracurricular opportunities.
6. University of Bern
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: 950 CHF/sem through spring 2026 for many foreign students; from fall 2026, 2,550 CHF/sem for affected non-Swiss students, plus semester fees
Founded in 1834, the University of Bern is ideally located in the Swiss capital and offers a wide range of courses across its eight faculties and around 150 institutes. With 19,741 students in 2025, the University of Bern is the third-largest university in Switzerland and one of the best public universities in Switzerland. Most of the university’s institutes are located near the center of the city, and others are spread throughout Bern.
This affordable university in Switzerland offers many programs for its students. Bachelor’s programs are generally taught in German, while many master’s programs are taught in German or English, and graduate school programs are commonly offered in English. There is also a large number of visiting and exchange students, due to the university’s collaboration with other institutions and organizations.
7. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
FHNW is a major university of applied sciences in Switzerland. Its 10 schools are spread across several locations in the German-speaking area of Switzerland, including Basel, Brugg-Windisch, Muttenz, and Olten. It has a broad range of available programs and uses current technology and innovation to provide a strong learning experience for its students.
People from more than 60 countries work and study at FHNW, and the university’s global network and partnerships make it an attractive option for many international students.
FAQS About Studying in Switzerland
What are the General Requirements to Study in Switzerland?
Each university has its own set of admission requirements. In general, when you apply for a bachelor’s degree, you will need a recognized upper-secondary school-leaving certificate and the required application documents; requirements vary by country and program. A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is normally required if you plan to apply for a master’s. For doctoral study, applicants normally need a recognized master’s degree and must also meet faculty, graduate school, and supervisor requirements when applying for a doctoral program in Switzerland.
Do Universities in Switzerland Offer English-taught Programs?
Yes. While many programs are taught in French, German, or Italian, English-taught courses and programs are available at Swiss universities, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels. The EU Business School in Geneva, for example, offers English-language business programs, and the University of Basel has a Master’s Degree in Animal Biology with English-language instruction.
In this article, we hope that you’ll be able to decide which low-cost institution in Switzerland to enroll in. If you need more articles about studying in Switzerland, visit our Study in Switzerland Page for more valuable tips and information. Make sure to also check Available Programs in Europe for more study options!
