Study in Zürich
German-speaking Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland, sitting directly on Lake Zürich, and with large and efficient public transportation systems to get you wherever you need to go. Along with Bern, Zurich is a leading global city and among the world’s largest financial centers, with a very high quality of life. Stroll down the famous Bahnhofstrasse, visit the Zurich Museum of Art, the Chinese Garden, or any number of Zürich's festivals and parades year-round. Picture yourself in Zurich!
- University of Zürich – Study in one of the world's most prestigious institutions in fields such as economics, humanities, law and the sciences. The largest university in Switzerland offers its 24,000 students more than 100 different degree programs and over 3,000 combinations of disciplines in seven faculties. Two thousand lecturers in 140 institutes provide the broadest range of subjects and courses available at any Swiss institution of higher education. Nine museums and collections, covering subjects from anthropology to zoology, constitute another valuable academic resource.
Did you know that 70% of Switzerland is covered in mountains?
Study in Bern
Study economics, politics, and the humanities in the exciting Swiss capital of Bern, where many international businesses and companies have made their home! This fourth most populous city in Switzerland offers both modern advances and opportunities for growth, surrounded by the natural beauty that Switzerland is known for. In 1983 the historic old town in the center of Bern became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bern is ranked among the world’s top ten cities for the best quality of life. Come find out why!
- University of Bern – The university enjoys excellent teaching quality and an intimate campus environment. It hosts two Centers of Competence in "Climate Science" and the National Center of Competence "North South" works on Governance and Conflict, Health and Sustainability. Bern's 14,000+ students can choose from 8 faculties and some 160 institutes. Research is also strong in Computer Science and Space Research. Theatre Studies are based in Bern uniquely. In 2008, the Humanities faculty founded the Center for Cultural Studies, Center for Global Studies and Center for the Study of Language and Society. Also enjoy modern sports facilities, tennis courts, a swimming pool, interior courts for volleyball, basketball, and other team sports.
Did you know that the average Swiss eats 23lbs of chocolate per year compared to the 11.7lbs consumed by Americans?
Study Fribourg
Having official languages of both French and German, this central city is an exciting place to study pluralism and the effects of a bi-lingual society! Fribourg is nestled at the foot of the pre-Alps and like its sister city, Bern, Fribourg has preserved its medieval center. Students are invited to stroll the winding streets and visit any one of Fribourg's unique and diverse museums, theaters or its international film festival. Those interested in ice hockey or basketball will especially be attracted to the sports that the city has to offer!
- Université de Fribourg - Fribourg is the only university in Western Europe that has instruction in both French and German. Total enrollment is 10,000 with about 1,500 international students. Fribourg is very strong in law, philosophy, and theology, emphasizing European law, comparative religions, and philosophies. Courses are often highly structured. Also of note are Fribourg’s Institute of Medieval Studies, the Institute of Eastern and Central Europe, the Federalism Institute, the Institute of Counseling in Family Matters, the Institute of Ethics and Human Rights, and the Institute of Sports.
Did you know the typeface “Helvetica" was created in Switzerland and literally means "Swiss?" The same typeface is called "Geneva" on Macs.
The Scoop on Student Visas
All persons, including U.S. citizens who intend to stay in Switzerland for more than three consecutive months, will need authorization from the cantonal authorities and a visa from the responsible Swiss visa desk. Requirements:
- Three national (type D) visa application forms, fully completed and signed by the applicant.
- Four recent passport photos (very strict requirements, please consult the details on the webpage). Digital files and photocopies will not be accepted.
- Two copies of valid passport or travel document.
- If applicable, original and copy of proof of residency in the USA, e.g. a valid permanent resident card (green card), F-1 visa (plus copy of I-20), etc. Notarized copy if applying by mail.
- Two copies of confirmation/registration letter from the school, university, etc. in Switzerland.
- Two copies of confirmation of payment of school tuition fees.
- A statement containing exact details of income and assets, with official proof and/or bank statements (2 copies each).
- Two copies of previous diplomas and school certificates.
- Two copies of a written confirmation that the applicant will leave Switzerland after he/she completes the chosen course study.
- Two copies of a resume (biographical data, schools attended, etc.).
- Two copies of a brief essay on the applicant's future plans.
- Visa fee & additional postage fee, please check the website for the current fees.
Your request will be forwarded for a decision to the competent cantonal foreign police where you intend to study and the representation will only be able to issue your visa upon receipt of the authorization. Please note that the procedure takes at least 8-10 weeks.
Once the authorization has been given, you will have to send the following documents to the competent Swiss representation in order to obtain you visa:
- Original passport or travel document
- If applying by mail: one prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number
- Always check Swiss Consulate for most current information.
The iconic Matterhorn peak in the Swiss Alps
Understanding Academics in Switzerland
There are 12 recognized universities awarding doctorate degrees in Switzerland. Two of the 12 universities are Federal Institutes of Technology. About 100,000 students attend these academic institutions; 21% are international students (one of the highest percentages of foreign university students in the world for one country). Though a number of variations exist, most universities consist of the following faculties: theology, law and social sciences, arts, natural sciences, and medicine. In addition to the 12 universities mentioned above, there are also 9 universities of applied sciences, 14 universities of teacher education, and several university institutes receiving financial support from the Swiss Confederation.
Did you know that Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romanisch (which is only spoken by less than one percent of the population.
Social Life Beyond the Classroom
Although you might not live on campus, you will have opportunities to meet Swiss students as well as other international students. Almost all universities have sports grounds and sports associations. At each institution, you will find a number of different clubs and activity groups that provide a good opportunity for you to meet people and to do things that you enjoy. Even if you are not a "joiner" and clubs do not particularly appeal to you, you should nevertheless get involved in things that interest you. The Associations d'Étudiants, Fédérations des associations d'étudiants and Sociétés d'étudiants are organized according to the particular faculté under which you are studying.
Other Must-See's:
The Matterhorn: You may have been on the ride at Disneyland, but nothing can prepare you for the grandeur of this natural setting. Don't worry about the climb up; the view will become the memory of a lifetime!
Interlaken: Interlaken is Switzerland's answer to an adventure park for adults. Go sky-diving over a glacier, water-ski in the lake, and take a trip to the highest train station in Switzerland.
Brissago: Situated on the shore of the stunningly beautiful Lago Maggiore and surrounded by the Alps, get a feel of “la dolce vita” when you stroll around in the medieval town where Italian is spoken, the restaurants serve osso buco and where palm trees blow in the breeze.
Contributed by Alissa Krame
Alissa is currently Program Officer at the ISEP Network, administering student exchanges for students to and from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. She studied abroad for a year at the Karls-Eberhardt University in Tübingen, Germany and now helps other students live the dream! Find her on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Global Images
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