How to Study Nursing in Switzerland (8 Steps)

Switzerland is a mountainous country in the heart of Europe. It has a high standard of living and four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Its higher education system includes traditional universities and universities of applied sciences, which offer programs to Swiss and international students. You can learn more about the country’s education system and its universities in Europe.

Nursing programs in Switzerland combine academic and practical training. Nurses who completed their professional qualifications abroad and want to work in a regulated healthcare profession in Switzerland generally need to have their qualifications recognized by the Swiss Red Cross.

If you are thinking about studying nursing in Switzerland, be prepared to meet the language requirements for your chosen institution and program. A required language proficiency level can affect your eligibility to apply. The article below explains the step-by-step process of studying nursing in Switzerland.

Steps on How to Apply for a Nursing Program in Switzerland

Step 1. Understand What It Takes to Become a Nurse in Switzerland

If you obtained your nursing qualification abroad and want to work as a nurse in Switzerland, you generally need to complete a recognition process. The Swiss Red Cross handles the recognition of foreign nursing qualifications. The applicable requirements depend on your qualification, and compensatory measures may be required in some cases.

The recognition process begins with a compulsory but free PreCheck. The Swiss Red Cross states that the PreCheck result is issued within a maximum of four weeks after all required documents have been submitted. If you proceed with a recognition application, the currently listed fees are CHF 550 for a nursing or midwifery qualification that meets the applicable EU requirements, CHF 930 if no compensatory measures are required, or CHF 1,000 if compensatory measures are required. Depending on the profession, an additional CHF 130 registration fee may apply. Providers may also charge separate fees for compensatory measures.

Swiss institutions offer nursing degree programs. For example, Zurich University of Applied Sciences offers a full-time Bachelor of Science ZHAW in Nursing. The program takes three years to complete and comprises 180 ECTS credits. Graduates receive the Bachelor of Science ZHAW in Nursing and a professional qualification as a qualified nursing professional with a university of applied sciences degree.

For further education, you can pursue a master’s degree in nursing. Bern University of Applied Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing with four specializations: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Nurse Research Collaborator (NRC). The full-time program takes four semesters, while the part-time program takes approximately eight semesters. The degree comprises 120 ECTS credits.

Step 2. Know What Schools You Want to Attend by Researching

Many factors will determine which nursing school is best for you. Language, location, tuition, and the structure of the program are important considerations. Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, the teaching language and required proficiency level depend on the program. For example, the bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Bern University of Applied Sciences is taught in German, and applicants with a foreign, non-German-language educational background must demonstrate German proficiency at level C1 before beginning their studies.

The second important factor to consider is your financial capacity and the tuition fees charged by the institution. If you can cover your tuition and living expenses during your stay in Switzerland, this may not be a problem for you. Most institutions publish tuition information on their websites, so review the current fee schedule when researching a nursing school.

Lastly, research each nursing school’s curriculum, practical training requirements, and available study formats. Look for a program that covers the important academic and practical aspects of nursing and prepares students for professional healthcare settings.

Step 3. Meet Various Language Requirements of Studying Nursing in Switzerland

Before applying, check the language requirements of your chosen nursing program. Requirements vary by institution and degree level. For instance, the University of Basel master’s degree in Nursing Science is taught in German and English. The university states that the corresponding language skills should be at level C1 or higher before the beginning of the program.

Language proficiency can also be relevant if you plan to work in Switzerland as a nurse after completing a qualification abroad. As part of the Swiss Red Cross recognition process, accepted language certificates include German at level B2, French at level B2, or Italian at level B2. The language certificate may also be issued abroad.

Step 4. Meet the Cost of Studying Nursing in Switzerland

The cost of studying nursing in Switzerland varies depending on the institution and program. In addition to tuition, students may need to pay application fees, examination fees, study-material costs, and other semester charges. Some institutions also publish information about scholarships, loans, and other support options. For example, Bern University of Applied Sciences currently lists standard tuition of CHF 850 per semester. For students with foreign nationality, it lists tuition of CHF 2,550 per semester, with exceptions of CHF 1,050 or CHF 850 in certain cases. Additional fees apply, and the university states that its fees are subject to change.

Step 5. Meet the Application Requirements

The first step in any application is preparing the required documents. Admissions requirements vary by institution, program, and applicant background, so always check the university’s official website for the latest details.

For example, admission to the bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Bern University of Applied Sciences may be based on a vocational baccalaureate, a specialized baccalaureate, an academic baccalaureate, or an accepted healthcare qualification. Applicants with a foreign, non-German-language educational background must demonstrate German proficiency at level C1 before beginning their studies. Where required, applicants must also complete at least two months of work-environment experience in a health-related occupation before the program begins. The institution evaluates foreign educational qualifications separately.

Step 6. Apply to Nursing Schools in Switzerland

Once you have prepared your documents, you can start submitting your applications to nursing schools in Switzerland. To understand how an application process may work, consider Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Its admissions page states that the simplified admission process from the autumn semester of 2026 includes mandatory participation in an information session, an optional online study-counseling session, and, depending on your previous education, an assessment of your personal suitability.

Application processes and deadlines can change. Review the official admissions page of your chosen institution before submitting your application.

Step 7. Submit Your Student Visa Applications

If you are accepted into a program, review the requirements for obtaining a student visa and residence permit. The official process depends on your nationality and country of residence. According to the Swiss authorities, you need proof of acceptance from the institution where you will study. Depending on your nationality, you can use this letter to apply for a residence permit in a Swiss canton or submit a visa application to the Swiss representation responsible for your country of residence. Where a visa is required for a stay of more than 90 days, the applicable visa is generally a national type D visa.

Required documents and procedures vary depending on your country of residence. EU and EFTA citizens must register with the local authority within 14 days of entering Switzerland and apply for a residence permit. The Swiss authorities list documents such as a valid passport or identity card, proof of university registration, evidence of sufficient funds, proof of address, and passport photographs. Other international students should contact the responsible Swiss embassy or consulate for current requirements. If your country-specific checklist requests one, prepare a motivational letter.

Step 8. Get Ready to Leave!

Once you have completed your application and the applicable visa or residence-permit process, you can prepare for your studies. Pay your tuition, complete your registration, arrange accommodation, and plan your travel. You are now ready to study nursing in Switzerland!

FAQs: Enrolling in a Nursing Program in Switzerland

We hope that this guide on how to study nursing in Switzerland was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students to learn more!