The types of accommodation available in Switzerland for your PhD are similar to those in the UK. However, you may find that housing available is limited and is generally costlier.
Accommodation types
During a Swiss PhD, you will normally stay in one of two types of accommodation:
Student residence – shared student housing on campus, similar to UK halls of residence. However, at Swiss universities this accommodation is very limited.
Private renting – rooms and flats available to rent from a landlord or letting agent.
Regardless of which option you choose, your university’s international office will be able to share more information about housing available in the area. There are also links to organisation and services for accommodation at the Rector’s Conference of Swiss Universities (CRUS). Because accommodation can be limited, it is recommended that you start your search early.
The cost of accommodation in Switzerland is relatively high, and you can expect to pay around €700 per month. However, this can vary significantly depending on your accommodation type and location.
The cost of living is relatively high in Switzerland, even compared to other countries of Western Europe.
In addition to tuition fees, you can expect to pay around €1,880 per month, budgeting €711 for accommodation, €609 for food, and €457 for miscellaneous costs.
Prices in Switzerland
The following table gives an indication of prices for some common expenses during a PhD in Switzerland:
Student Cost of Living in Switzerland - 2023
Based on crowdsourced data published by Numbeo.
In Switzerland, international PhD students are able to work up to 15 hours per week during semesters and can work unlimited hours during holiday time. You will need to report your work to the relevant immigration authorities.
Additionally, non-EU / EEA students will require a work permit, applied for on your behalf by your employer. You may also need to contact the Swiss Immigration Authority or local Swiss embassy to check your rights to work while studying in Switzerland. Also, these international students are only permitted to work six months after commencing PhD studies.
Employment contracts with your university
Many Swiss doctoral students are considered university employees, undertaking teaching and administrative work. Therefore, you may be subject to foreign workers’ regulations and must apply for relevant immigration and work documents. Your university’s international office will be able to provide more guidance.
The Swiss currency is the Swiss franc (Fr. or CHF).
There are two main banking systems in Switzerland:
Study In SwitzerlandSwiss national banks – these are major nationwide banks that offer standard banking services
Cantonal banks – regional banks available in individual cantons (provinces) that often well-respected and offer good rates
Both types often provide banks accounts designed for students. In order to open a Swiss bank account, you will normally require the following documents:
your residence permit and / or student visa
proof of student status
Its usually much easier to open a bank account once you’re living in Switzerland, but it is possible to open an account when you’re abroad. However, you will need additional documents such as an Apostille stamp and visit your local Swiss bank branch in person.
Public transport networks in Switzerland are famously reliable and efficient. Most students in Switzerland are eligible for the GA travelcard, which gives discounted rates and unlimited travel on many public transport options.
Public transport networks in Switzerland are famously reliable and efficient. Most students in Switzerland are eligible for the GA travelcard, which gives discounted rates and unlimited travel on many public transport options.
Swiss trains, like their clocks, are renowned for running on time. The rail network connects most major towns and cities of Switzerland to each other, and to other cities in Europe. Most main trains are run by Swiss Federal Railways.
The national airline of Switzerland is Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). Based mainly in Zurich, Geneva and Bern, Switzerland’s airports have frequent flights to many of Europe’s other major cities and to destinations around the world.
Inner-city travel
Like Swiss trains, the bus networks in Switzerland are also extensive and reliable and offer quick journeys around and between cities. Many cities also have tram networks for convenient inner-city travel.
If you are a student who loves chocolate, luxury items, and beautiful scenery, Switzerland is made for you. Not only that but known for its world-class education and cutting-edge research, Switzerland is fast becoming a top destination for international students. Are you the one who wants to study in Switzerland? Find top courses, popular universities, educational requirments, Cost of studying, scholarship, post study visa. Then this post is for you!
Known for its innovative research-oriented universities, Switzerland is one of the most sought-after study destinations in Europe. As an international student in Switzerland, you can witness amazing scenery. The scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps and the Jura Mountains can make your study abroad trip one to remember for decades. When it comes to Swiss universities, the country is famous for providing a wide range of courses and Swiss Ph.D. & MBA are popular among international students.
More than 20% of Switzerland’s workforce are foreign nationals; most of them are former international students in Switzerland who decided to get a job in Switzerland after graduation. More than 12 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Switzerland, the highest number of any country in the world. Being a European financial and business center, foreign nationals dream of studying in Switzerland and want to continue their career in Switzerland after graduation.
The list is not limited to the above… Want to know more? Come along…
Post-study visa in Switzerland