Switzerland is increasingly attracting students worldwide, not just to its scenic beauty, but also to its top-class yet affordable universities with a strong focus on research and specialization. This explains why numerous students from India opt for MS or Master of Science courses in Switzerland universities.
The cost of these courses, however, is a key consideration in the minds of the students. In addition to the tuition fee, the other living expenses involved for studying in Switzerland must be factored in to make an informed choice.
This blog shares the approximate cost of MS in Switzerland universities in 2025 as well as an estimate of the other living costs to help you arrive at a well-planned decision.
Cost of MS in Switzerland 2025 at Top Universities
The average cost of pursuing an MS program at different universities in Switzerland is likely to vary based on many factors. The rank and reputation of the university, its location, course curriculum, and other infrastructure facilities play a considerable role in defining the tuition fee for MS courses at each university.
The list below shares the cost of MS courses at the top 5 Switzerland universities for your reference:
University Offering MS Course in Switzerland
QS World University Rankings 2025
Approximate Tuition Fee in 2025
ETH Zurich
7
CHF 730 per semester / CHF 1,460 per annum (approx INR 1,49,140)
EPFL
26
CHF 2,190 per semester / CHF 1,560 per annum (approx INR 1,59,350)
University of Zurich
=109
CHF 720 per semester / CHF 1,640 per annum (approx INR 1,67,500)
University of Basel
131
CHF 850 per semester / CHF 1,275 per annum (approx INR 1,30,245)
University of Geneva
=155
CHF 500 per semester / CHF 1,000 per annum (approx INR 1,02,150)
Source: Top Universities
Cost of MS at Public Universities in Switzerland in 2025
An MS in Switzerland is offered at both public and private universities. For a better understanding, we share below the cost of studying the program at some public universities in Switzerland:
MS Public University in Switzerland
Approximate Tuition Fee in 2025
University of Geneva
CHF 500 per semester / CHF 1,000 per annum (approx INR 1,02,150)
University of St. Gallen
CHF 3,329 per semester / CHF 6,658 per annum (approx INR 6,80,000)
University of Bern
CHF 950 per semester / CHF 3,217 per annum (approx INR 3,28,600)
University of Zurich
CHF 820 per semester / CHF 1,640 per annum (approx INR 1,67,500)
University of Italian Switzerland
CHF 4,000 per semester / CHF 918 per annum (approx INR 93,743)
Cost of MS at Private Universities in Switzerland in 2025
The table below shares the cost of MS in Switzerland at some of the top private universities in the country in 2025:
MS Private University in Switzerland
Approximate Tuition Fee in 2025
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
CHF 29,400 for the entire program (approx INR 30,02,257)
IMD Business School
CHF 2,240 per semester / CHF 1,560 per annum (approx INR 1,59,300)
International University in Geneva
CHF 36,400 for the entire program (approx INR 37,17,080)
Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM)
CHF 14,055 for the entire program (approx INR 14,35,262)
International Business Academy of Switzerland (IBAS)
CHF 24,800 for the entire program (approx INR 25,32,516)
Most Affordable Swiss Universities for MS Courses in 2025
To help you budget your higher learning plan forstudying in Switzerland, listed below are the most affordable Swiss universities offering MS programs to international students in 2025:
Affordable MS Universities in Switzerland
Approximate Tuition Fee in 2025
University of Zurich
CHF 820 per semester / CHF 1,640 per annum (approx INR 1,67,500)
University of Lausanne
CHF 580 per semester / CHF 1,160 per annum (approx INR 1,18,456)
University of Geneva
CHF 500 per semester / CHF 1,000 per annum (approx INR 1,02,150)
ETH Zurich
CHF 730 per semester / CHF 1,460 per annum (approx INR 1,49,140)
University of Bern
CHF 950 per semester / CHF 3,217 per annum (approx INR 3,28,600)
Cost of Living in Switzerland for MS Students in 2025
In addition to the tuition, semester, and application fees for international students applying for MS courses, there are various other costs associated with living and studying in Switzerland. Let’s take a fair idea below of the total cost of living in Switzerland to help plan your finances better:
Cost of Student Accommodation in Switzerland
Depending on the type of student accommodationyou choose for your study stay in Switzerland, the cost of living would vary. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved for accommodation in the country.
Disclaimer: The numbers below are indicative only and likely to vary from one city in Switzerland to another for every student.
Accommodation Type
Average Rent Per Month (Approx)
Campus accommodation or university dormitory
Starting at CHF 800 (approx INR 81,700)
I BHK (city center)
CHF 1,800 (approx INR 1,83,800)
I BHK (outside city center)
CHF 1,450 (approx INR 1,48,070)
3 BHK (city center)
CHF 3,176 (approx INR 3,24,300)
3 BHK (outside city center)
CHF 2,500 (approx INR 2,55,300)
Cost of Food
In addition to accommodation, students also need to factor in the monthly costs involved in food and other groceries.
Food and Grocery Items
Average Cost Per Month (Approx)
Groceries
CHF 200 (INR 20,400)
Dining Out/Restaurants
CHF 30 (per meal) / INR 3,060
Cost of Transportation
The cost of transportation is relatively higher in Switzerland. It is recommended to travel through the city on a bike. The detailed breakdown is as follows:
Top Scholarships for MS Students in Switzerland in 2025
Indian students aspiring to pursue MS courses in Switzerland can avail the benefit of a host of scholarship options offered by the Swiss government as well as top universities in the country.
Some of the best scholarships available to help you offset the cost of an MS in Switzerland considerably are:
Scholarship
Amount Granted
ETH Zurich Excellence Master's Scholarship
CHF 12,000 per semester + waiver on tuition fee / CHF 24,000 per annum (approx INR 24,50,800)
Excellence Scholarship of the University of St. Gallen for Master’s Students
CHF 20,000 per program (approx INR 20,42,350)
Excellence Master Fellowship at the University of Geneva
CHF 10,000 - CHF 15,000 per annum (approx INR 10,21,175)
Göhner Scholarship for Teachers in Training
CHF 1,200 per month / CHF 14,400 per annum (approx INR 14,71,600)
The Nestlé Scholarship for Women at IMD
CHF 25,000 (approx INR 25,54,845)
How upGrad Can Help You Study MS in Switzerland in 2025
upGrad is an online global higher learning platform that can help you pursue a Master’s (MS) degree in Switzerland in 2025. Our experts offer a combination of services designed to guide and help you prepare for an academic path in Switzerland
We partner with several leading Swiss institutions offering MS courses to students worldwide, and our collaborative network enables students to pursue higher education in some top Swiss universities.
We provide complete assistance in university applications, including help with drafting SOPs and LORs on students’ behalf.
We also offer career placement support in Switzerland after completing an MS program in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is studying in Switzerland more affordable compared to the US or the UK?
Yes, pursuing higher education in Swiss universities is relatively easier to afford than the universities in prime study-abroad destinations such as the US or the UK. However, the cost of living in some big Swiss cities like Geneva or Zurich can be generally higher.
Can Indian students work while studying an MS in Switzerland?
Yes, Indian students pursuing MS courses at Swiss universities are permitted to work part-time (during the academic year) and full-time (during holiday breaks). Part-time implies up to 15 hours per week.
What is the application fee for MS programs in Switzerland?
This may generally vary from one Swiss university to another and for different MS programs. However, for general reference, it may be stated that the average application fee for MS courses in Swiss universities is approximately CHF 150.
How much should Indian students budget annually for an MS in Switzerland?
The average cost of pursuing an MS in Swiss universities is likely to be in the estimated range of CHF 1,000 - CHF 20,000 per annum (differs for public and private universities).
Are part-time jobs easy to find for Indian students in Switzerland?
It’s neither too easy nor impossible to find suitable part-time jobs for Indian students pursuing an MS in Switzerland. With the right skill set, willingness to learn, and English proficiency, students can work and earn in part-time roles alongside their studies.
Can I get PR in Switzerland after studying?
Yes, you can apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) in Switzerland after completing your studies in the country. If you meet the necessary eligibility requirements for a PR, you may be considered by the Swiss immigration authorities for a PR.
Can Indian students stay in Switzerland after completing their MS?
Yes, Indian students can continue staying in the country upon MS course completion; however, they would need to extend their study visa and procure a work permit thereafter. A 6-month study visa extension is permissible upon graduation to seek a job in the country.
Is it necessary to know German or French to study an MS in Switzerland?
It is not mandatory since many study institutions in Switzerland offer courses in English, French, and German as the medium of instruction. However, a working knowledge of these foreign languages is helpful for smooth survival in the country.
Do tuition fees differ for international and Swiss/EU students?
This may vary at the discretion of each university. For instance, most public universities in Switzerland keep the tuition fees the same for Swiss, EU, and non-EU students, thus making the country attractive for international students. However, some institutions may charge slightly higher fees for non-EU students.
How long does a typical MS program last?
The average duration of an MS program in Switzerland is likely to last between 1.5 and 2 years. However, this may vary from one university to another, depending on the course curriculum.
Are there any low-cost or tuition-free universities in Switzerland for MS students?
Yes, Switzerland does offer several public universities, such as the ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, and University of Geneva, which charge very low tuition fees. However, there are currently no tuition-free institutions in the country as of now.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
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