Arrive in Switzerland and settle into your accommodation. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the surrounding area and become familiar with essential local services, transportation and the general environment. The day provides an opportunity to rest after your journey and prepare for the education and cultural activities ahead.

Begin with an introduction to education opportunities for international students in Switzerland. Discuss areas such as undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and short-course study while considering factors including program type, language, admission criteria and study objectives.

The remainder of the day can be used to explore the local education environment and surrounding city. Optional institutional visits may be arranged depending on availability and the selected program, but no specific campus appointment or institutional meeting is guaranteed unless separately confirmed.

Discover the city from a student perspective through a combination of sightseeing and cultural exploration. Learn how the urban environment, public transportation, shopping areas, restaurants and leisure facilities contribute to everyday life.

A cultural experience provides further insight into Swiss traditions and the country's multicultural character. The day is designed to help prospective students understand the environment beyond their future classroom.

Continue exploring the practical aspects of studying and living in Switzerland. Topics may include accommodation considerations, transportation, language, daily routines, personal budgeting and adapting to a new cultural environment.

Depending on the selected itinerary, there may also be time for further education-oriented exploration or an optional institutional visit subject to availability. Participants can use the experience to identify questions they should investigate before selecting a program or submitting an application.

Enjoy a broader Swiss experience through sightseeing and lifestyle exploration. Discover local architecture, public spaces, food and cultural attractions while experiencing the efficiency and connectivity of Swiss transportation.

This day also provides time to reflect on the experience and consider which aspects of Swiss education and student life are most relevant to your future plans.

Conclude the experience with time to review your impressions and discuss potential next steps. Participants can revisit their education interests, preferred study level, preferred location and future travel or application plans.

Transfer arrangements and departure services depend on the selected package. Participants then continue their onward journey or return home with a clearer understanding of Switzerland as a potential study destination.

For international students, Switzerland can provide an environment with strong international connections, multiple languages and access to a diverse range of education pathways. The country's higher-education landscape includes different types of institutions and programmes, meaning that students should research individual programmes carefully rather than assuming that requirements are the same across Switzerland.

The country's multilingual character is another important consideration. German, French, Italian and Romansh are Switzerland's national languages, while individual programmes may be taught in one of these languages or in English. Language expectations therefore depend on the institution and programme.

Switzerland's location in Europe also makes it an interesting destination for students who want to experience life in a highly connected European country. Its public transportation network provides extensive connections by train, bus and boat, making travel between cities and regions practical for residents and visitors.

Most importantly, students should assess Switzerland based on their own academic objectives, budget, preferred language, programme requirements and long-term plans.

Education Opportunities

International students may explore a range of education options in Switzerland, depending on their academic background and objectives. These can include:

• Bachelor's degree programmes
• Master's degree programmes
• MBA and postgraduate programmes
• PhD and research opportunities
• Diplomas and continuing education
• Short courses
• Professional and specialised programmes
• Other recognised study and training opportunities

The availability of programmes, admission criteria, language requirements and tuition fees varies between institutions and programmes. swissuniversities provides programme information and notes that its study programmes platform lists programmes offered by accredited Swiss universities.

International qualifications may also require specific assessment or recognition depending on the institution and level of study. Admission requirements can vary according to the applicant's previous education and nationality. swissuniversities publishes country-specific admission information for the 2026/27 academic year.

Students should therefore confirm requirements directly with the relevant institution before making an application.

Student Life in Switzerland

Student life in Switzerland can involve a combination of academic study, independent living, cultural activities and everyday experiences in a multilingual society.

Accommodation

Students should investigate accommodation options well before their intended study period. Depending on the city and institution, options may include student residences, shared accommodation, private rentals or other arrangements. Availability and costs vary considerably, so accommodation should be considered as part of the overall study-planning process.

Transportation

Public transportation is an important part of daily life in Switzerland. The Swiss public transport network connects cities and regions by train, bus and boat, providing students with practical options for commuting and exploring the country.

Food & Lifestyle

Students can experience Swiss cuisine alongside international food options in the country's larger urban areas. Shopping, cafés, museums, outdoor activities and cultural events can all form part of life outside the classroom.

Languages

The language environment depends on the region. Students should check the teaching language of their intended programme and consider whether additional language skills will be useful for daily life.

Social Life & Leisure

Switzerland offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor experiences. Students may spend free time exploring cities, visiting museums, enjoying lakes and mountain landscapes or participating in local activities.

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and an important international urban centre. It offers a highly developed city environment with extensive transportation connections, cultural activities and a diverse international population.

Geneva

Geneva provides an international and multilingual setting in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Its global outlook and location near Lake Geneva make it an interesting city for students considering an international lifestyle.

Lausanne

Lausanne is located on Lake Geneva and offers a compact urban environment with a strong student presence. Its French-speaking setting makes language considerations particularly relevant for prospective students.

Bern

Bern, Switzerland's federal city, provides a more relaxed urban atmosphere while still offering access to cultural, administrative and educational environments.

Basel

Located in northwestern Switzerland near the borders with France and Germany, Basel offers an international setting and convenient cross-border connections. Its location can appeal to students interested in experiencing different parts of the region.

Lucerne

Lucerne combines a scenic lakeside setting with a compact city environment. It can provide a valuable introduction to Swiss lifestyle and culture for students who want to experience more than a major metropolitan centre.

Cost of Living

The cost of studying in Switzerland depends on the city, institution, programme and personal lifestyle. Students should create a realistic budget covering:

• Accommodation
• Food and groceries
• Local transportation
• Health insurance
• Study materials and equipment
• Personal expenses
• Mobile and communication costs
• Leisure and social activities
• Travel within Switzerland
• Other administrative or education-related expenses

Tuition fees also vary by institution and student status. For example, swissuniversities publishes separate tuition-fee information for Swiss and foreign students and notes that the applicable information from each institution is decisive.

Because costs can change and individual circumstances differ, prospective students should obtain current figures directly from their chosen institution and relevant Swiss authorities.

International students should investigate Swiss entry and residence requirements well before travelling.

Whether a visa is required depends on nationality, the purpose and duration of the stay and other individual circumstances. Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration provides nationality-specific information on visa and entry requirements.

For longer stays, different procedures may apply than for short visits. Swiss authorities distinguish between short-term Schengen visas and national procedures for longer stays where applicable.

Visa and immigration requirements vary by nationality and individual circumstances. Students should confirm the latest requirements with the relevant Swiss authorities before travelling.

GlobalLink Suisse can help students understand the practical planning considerations surrounding their journey, but official visa and immigration decisions remain the responsibility of the relevant Swiss authorities.

Who This Experience Is For

This six-day experience may be suitable for:

• Prospective international students
• Parents exploring Swiss education options
• Students considering Bachelor's programmes
• Students considering Master's or postgraduate education
• Students interested in short courses or professional education
• Students comparing different Swiss cities
• Students who want to experience Switzerland before making a study decision

The experience can be particularly useful for students who want to combine education research with a first-hand introduction to Swiss culture and everyday life.

GlobalLink Suisse provides an opportunity for prospective international students to combine education exploration with a professionally organised Switzerland travel experience. Rather than considering education options entirely from a distance, students and families can use the seven-day orientation to gain a practical sense of Swiss cities, lifestyle, transportation and cultural environment.

The experience can also help students organise the questions they need to answer before making an education decision. These may include the preferred level of study, academic interests, location, language, intended study period, accommodation requirements and travel arrangements.

GlobalLink Suisse can assist with planning the travel experience and discussing education interests, while recognising that admission decisions, programme requirements, tuition policies and immigration decisions remain with the relevant institutions and Swiss authorities.

Practical Information for International Students

Passport Requirements

Travellers should ensure that they have a valid passport or recognised travel document appropriate for their nationality and intended travel. Exact requirements should be confirmed through official Swiss sources before departure.

Visa Considerations

Visa requirements depend on nationality and circumstances. Students should determine whether they require a visa or other authorisation before confirming their travel arrangements.

Currency

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF). Students should plan for currency exchange, banking and payment arrangements before travelling.

Languages

Switzerland has several national languages, with German, French and Italian being particularly relevant depending on the region. The language used for a particular study programme must be confirmed with the institution.

Transportation

Switzerland has an extensive public transportation network covering trains, buses and boats. Students should become familiar with local transportation options during their orientation.

Weather

Switzerland experiences distinct seasons. Students should consider the season of travel when preparing clothing and planning outdoor activities.

Accommodation

Accommodation should be researched early, particularly when planning a longer study period. Students should compare location, availability, facilities and total costs before committing.

What to Pack

Pack according to the season and itinerary. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, travel documents, personal medication where applicable, charging equipment and essential personal items are useful considerations.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance should be considered for the journey. Visa applicants may also have specific insurance requirements depending on their circumstances; students should check the applicable official requirements before travelling.

Why should international students study in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers a multilingual and international environment, diverse education pathways and a distinctive European lifestyle. Students should assess individual institutions and programmes according to their academic and personal objectives.

How can international students study in Switzerland?

The process generally involves identifying suitable programmes, checking academic and language requirements, preparing the required documents, applying to the relevant institution and then addressing any applicable visa or residence requirements.

What types of courses can international students take in Switzerland?

Depending on the institution, international students may explore Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, PhD, diploma, professional, short-course and other recognised study opportunities.

How much does it cost to live in Switzerland as a student?

Living costs vary significantly by city, accommodation type and lifestyle. Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, study materials and personal expenses rather than relying on a single national figure.

Planning to explore study in Switzerland opportunities? Contact GlobalLink Suisse to discuss your individual requirements before arranging your journey.

When making an enquiry, it is useful to provide:

• Preferred course or education level
• Academic or professional interests
• Intended study period
• Preferred Swiss city or region
• Proposed travel dates
• Accommodation preferences
• Student support requirements
• Any particular education questions you would like to explore

This information can help GlobalLink Suisse understand your objectives and discuss suitable travel and orientation arrangements.

Call to Action

Thinking about studying in Switzerland? Contact GlobalLink Suisse to explore your education interests, travel plans and the next steps for your Swiss experience.

Whether you are researching Bachelor's or postgraduate opportunities, considering a short course, or simply want to understand Swiss student life before applying, a six-day discovery experience can provide valuable destination orientation alongside cultural exploration.

GlobalLink Suisse — explore Switzerland, understand the environment and plan your international education journey with greater clarity.

• • info@globalinksuisse.com
  • +41 79 504 36 45