Tuition fees in Europe

Each institution sets its own tuition fees, which you pay every semester. Note: many institutions charge international students more than Swiss students – and citizenship of an EU country does not get you the lower rate.

• ETH Zurich: since the autumn semester of 2025 the fee is CHF 730 for Swiss nationals and people who gained their school leaving certificate while living in Switzerland, and CHF 2,190 per semester for all other foreign students. An EU citizen pays the lower rate only if, before starting their studies, they already held e.g. a Swiss B, L or G permit with the right to work, or a C permit. You cannot change your fee group during your studies, even when moving on to a master's,
• University of Lausanne (UNIL): CHF 500 per semester – the same for Swiss and international students (2026/27),
• University of Geneva: CHF 500 per semester (CHF 65 in fixed fees and CHF 435 in tuition).

In 2026/27 the fees for international students are, for example, CHF 2,190 at EPFL, CHF 2,550 at the University of Bern and CHF 4,000 at USI. The Study in Switzerland portal gives a general range of CHF 500–4,000 per semester. These rates apply to EU and non-EU students alike.