15 Cheapest Universities in Switzerland for International Students

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In Switzerland, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Switzerland without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Switzerland, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 23 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Switzerland, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Switzerland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Switzerland ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland 1,000 CHF 83%
University of Geneva 1,000 CHF 83%
University of Lausanne 1,160 CHF 80%
ETH Zürich 1,460 CHF 74%
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne 1,460 CHF 74%
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts 1,600 CHF 72%
University of Basel 1,700 CHF 70%
University of Fribourg 1,740 CHF 69%
University of Bern 1,900 CHF 66%
Bern University of Applied Sciences 1,900 CHF 66%
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland 2,000 CHF - 10,000 CHF 65%
University of Lucerne 2,200 CHF 61%
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland 2,400 CHF - 4,400 CHF 57%
University of Zurich 2,440 CHF 57%
Zurich University of Applied Sciences 2,440 CHF 57%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 5,571 CHF for universities in Switzerland.

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1. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland

University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO) is one of Switzerland’s most prominent applied sciences universities. It provides interdisciplinary programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. 46 undergraduate and more than 25 master’s programs are offered at the university. HES-SO has joint agreements with other prestigious institutions in the country. At present, the university has at least 28 affiliated schools providing top-rated courses to its students.

2. University of Geneva

University of Geneva (UNIGE) is one of the leading universities in Switzerland. The institution is, in fact, listed as one of the prominent universities across the globe. It offers more than 500 academic programs at all levels (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral). Undoubtedly, UNIGE only provides high standards of teaching and research. The university puts great importance on its education, and the quality of teaching and training is highly regarded as one of the best in the world.

3. University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne has been in the education industry for more than 480 years. It was initially established to educate pastors and clerics. Over the years, it has expanded to provide exemplary interdisciplinary programs in various fields such as business, biology, medicine, law, geosciences, and political sciences. In addition, the university has an international reputation as one of the most renowned universities all over Europe and, as well, as one of the top universities globally.

4. ETH Zürich

A world-class institution, ETH Zurich was established by the Swiss Government in 1855 with the goal of producing more scientists and engineers in the country. Today, they are highly recognized for their research contributions and academic courses. ETH Zurich specializes in technology, science, math, and engineering programs.

5. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, more commonly known as École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), has a long history that can be traced back to 1853. However, since its inception, the institution has undergone several redevelopments and rebranding. EPFL was reestablished in 1969 and has used its official name since then. Over the years, it has become one of the prominent institutions in Switzerland, occupying high positions in several prestigious higher education world rankings. A truly remarkable institute that produces world-class talents.

6. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is considered the largest educational institution in Central Switzerland. Throughout the years, it has built a great reputation when it comes to engineering, business, and social work courses, among others. As a place where research and education connect, the university continues to innovate its teaching approach and training facilities to welcome more students from different parts of the world.

7. University of Basel

Established in 1460 and known as the oldest university in Switzerland, the University of Basel plays a significant role in the country’s northwestern region. Throughout the years, the school has greatly impacted the local community with its contributions to research and advancements. As one of the reputable higher education schools in the country, numerous international students and faculty are enticed to be part of the university. Moreover, the university has positioned itself as one of the ideal universities for prospective students across the globe.

8. University of Fribourg

The University of Fribourg provides an excellent environment for students to research, study, and work. It is determined to promote a sense of responsibility among its students and staff, which is why it maintains a highly productive learning approach. The university has been actively cooperating with various Swiss and foreign institutes to strengthen its external relationships.

9. University of Bern

One of Switzerland’s top-tier institutions, the University of Bern, offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. They are highly known for their comprehensive quality education and research. As they continue their legacy in providing education to everyone, they received many awards and achievements in the field.

10. Bern University of Applied Sciences

Bern University of Applied Sciences offers an interdisciplinary approach where students can gain adequate learning in a wide range of subjects through research and discussions. It also has a deep international orientation and coordinates with numerous institutions and commercial enterprises globally. The university greatly values strategic education and continually aims to provide excellent teaching in the country.

11. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offers diverse courses for students who want to become professionals someday. It heavily emphasizes practical education, which is why it incorporates a hands-on and application-oriented program concept. Although considered young, the university has proven its competence and is already an appealing institution for industry partners and employers.

12. University of Lucerne

University of Lucerne is a young institution in Switzerland that was only established in 2000. It offers a wide range of comprehensive study programs at all levels. The quality of education is among the best in the country, and each program is explicitly designed and structured to the students’ needs. Additionally, the university is fully committed to providing high standards of teaching and research. It has partnered with several renowned universities and companies to strengthen and improve its education system and develop more diverse multidisciplinary studies.

13. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

Shortened for SUPSI, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland is one of many public institutions located in the small country of Switzerland. However, there is something special regarding this specific institution since SUPSI is one of only nine universities of applied sciences that are recognized by the Swiss Government. Supported financially by the backing of the government, this university offers a variety of courses in undergraduate and graduate coursework.

14. University of Zurich

As the largest university in Switzerland, the University of Zurich offers the widest range of degree programs among all institutions in the country. It has a strong reputation for quality education, particularly in the fields of biology and medicine. The university also has an international reputation for being among the best in research. Today, it continues to develop valuable partnerships with research centers around the globe.

15. Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Known as the ZFH, the Zürcher Fachhochschule is an institution that is made up of four different colleges, which cover the following academic areas: applied sciences, arts, teacher education, and business administration. Due to the four different universities under its name, the ZFH covers a wide range of academic programs while hosting many of its students. In total, the undergraduate programs that you can choose from are nearly 40 in number, and for graduate programs, over 20 master’s programs are offered at ZFH to prospective applicants.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Switzerland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Switzerland ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland 1,000 CHF 84%
University of Geneva 1,000 CHF 84%
University of Lausanne 1,160 CHF 81%
ETH Zürich 1,460 CHF 76%
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne 1,460 CHF 76%
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts 1,600 CHF 74%
University of Zurich 1,640 CHF 73%
University of Basel 1,700 CHF 72%
University of Fribourg 1,740 CHF 72%
University of Bern 1,900 CHF 69%
Bern University of Applied Sciences 1,900 CHF 69%
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland 2,000 CHF - 15,000 CHF 67%
University of Lucerne 2,200 CHF 64%
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland 2,400 CHF - 4,400 CHF 61%
Zurich University of Applied Sciences 2,440 CHF 60%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 6,010 CHF for universities in Switzerland.

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1. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland

University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO) is one of Switzerland’s most prominent applied sciences universities. It provides interdisciplinary programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. 46 undergraduate and more than 25 master’s programs are offered at the university. HES-SO has joint agreements with other prestigious institutions in the country. At present, the university has at least 28 affiliated schools providing top-rated courses to its students.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,000 CHF annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Geneva

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Geneva. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Geneva is 1,000 CHF.

University of Geneva (UNIGE) is one of the leading universities in Switzerland. The institution is, in fact, listed as one of the prominent universities across the globe. It offers more than 500 academic programs at all levels (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral). Undoubtedly, UNIGE only provides high standards of teaching and research. The university puts great importance on its education, and the quality of teaching and training is highly regarded as one of the best in the world.

3. University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne has been in the education industry for more than 480 years. It was initially established to educate pastors and clerics. Over the years, it has expanded to provide exemplary interdisciplinary programs in various fields such as business, biology, medicine, law, geosciences, and political sciences. In addition, the university has an international reputation as one of the most renowned universities all over Europe and, as well, as one of the top universities globally.

The tuition fee at University of Lausanne for incoming international master’s students is 1,160 CHF. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. ETH Zürich

Another affordable university to consider in Switzerland is ETH Zürich.

A world-class institution, ETH Zurich was established by the Swiss Government in 1855 with the goal of producing more scientists and engineers in the country. Today, they are highly recognized for their research contributions and academic courses. ETH Zurich specializes in technology, science, math, and engineering programs.

The tuition fee in ETH Zürich for master’s program for foreign students starts from 1,460 CHF.

5. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 1,460 CHF yearly.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, more commonly known as École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), has a long history that can be traced back to 1853. However, since its inception, the institution has undergone several redevelopments and rebranding. EPFL was reestablished in 1969 and has used its official name since then. Over the years, it has become one of the prominent institutions in Switzerland, occupying high positions in several prestigious higher education world rankings. A truly remarkable institute that produces world-class talents.

6. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is considered the largest educational institution in Central Switzerland. Throughout the years, it has built a great reputation when it comes to engineering, business, and social work courses, among others. As a place where research and education connect, the university continues to innovate its teaching approach and training facilities to welcome more students from different parts of the world.

7. University of Zurich

As the largest university in Switzerland, the University of Zurich offers the widest range of degree programs among all institutions in the country. It has a strong reputation for quality education, particularly in the fields of biology and medicine. The university also has an international reputation for being among the best in research. Today, it continues to develop valuable partnerships with research centers around the globe.

8. University of Basel

Established in 1460 and known as the oldest university in Switzerland, the University of Basel plays a significant role in the country’s northwestern region. Throughout the years, the school has greatly impacted the local community with its contributions to research and advancements. As one of the reputable higher education schools in the country, numerous international students and faculty are enticed to be part of the university. Moreover, the university has positioned itself as one of the ideal universities for prospective students across the globe.

9. University of Fribourg

The University of Fribourg provides an excellent environment for students to research, study, and work. It is determined to promote a sense of responsibility among its students and staff, which is why it maintains a highly productive learning approach. The university has been actively cooperating with various Swiss and foreign institutes to strengthen its external relationships.

10. University of Bern

One of Switzerland’s top-tier institutions, the University of Bern, offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. They are highly known for their comprehensive quality education and research. As they continue their legacy in providing education to everyone, they received many awards and achievements in the field.

11. Bern University of Applied Sciences

Bern University of Applied Sciences offers an interdisciplinary approach where students can gain adequate learning in a wide range of subjects through research and discussions. It also has a deep international orientation and coordinates with numerous institutions and commercial enterprises globally. The university greatly values strategic education and continually aims to provide excellent teaching in the country.

12. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offers diverse courses for students who want to become professionals someday. It heavily emphasizes practical education, which is why it incorporates a hands-on and application-oriented program concept. Although considered young, the university has proven its competence and is already an appealing institution for industry partners and employers.

13. University of Lucerne

University of Lucerne is a young institution in Switzerland that was only established in 2000. It offers a wide range of comprehensive study programs at all levels. The quality of education is among the best in the country, and each program is explicitly designed and structured to the students’ needs. Additionally, the university is fully committed to providing high standards of teaching and research. It has partnered with several renowned universities and companies to strengthen and improve its education system and develop more diverse multidisciplinary studies.

14. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

Shortened for SUPSI, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland is one of many public institutions located in the small country of Switzerland. However, there is something special regarding this specific institution since SUPSI is one of only nine universities of applied sciences that are recognized by the Swiss Government. Supported financially by the backing of the government, this university offers a variety of courses in undergraduate and graduate coursework.

15. Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Known as the ZFH, the Zürcher Fachhochschule is an institution that is made up of four different colleges, which cover the following academic areas: applied sciences, arts, teacher education, and business administration. Due to the four different universities under its name, the ZFH covers a wide range of academic programs while hosting many of its students. In total, the undergraduate programs that you can choose from are nearly 40 in number, and for graduate programs, over 20 master’s programs are offered at ZFH to prospective applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Switzerland?

Applying to cheap universities in Switzerland requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Switzerland for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Switzerland?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Switzerland. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Switzerland is the Bern University of Applied Sciences, which offers Architecture, Art Education, and Business Administration to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Bern University of Applied Sciences offers Biomedical Engineering, Conservation-Restoration, and Contemporary Arts Practice.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Switzerland, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Switzerland as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Switzerland for international students was helpful!