Each institution sets its own semester fee, the same for EU and non-EU students – e.g. CHF 500 at the University of Lausanne and CHF 2,190 for international students at ETH Zurich. Switzerland has 10 cantonal universities, 2 federal institutes of technology and universities of applied sciences, with more than 4,000 programmes in total. Find out when to apply, how to plan your budget and how many hours you may work.
EU/EFTA citizens may work up to 15 hours a week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks. Every job, including unpaid work, must be reported to the immigration authorities.
Students from outside the EU/EFTA may also work up to 15 hours a week during their studies, but only six months after the start of their studies, and they need a permit.
Note: Study in Switzerland confirms the 15-hour limit and the six-month waiting period but does not explain how to get the work permit – before you start a job, check with the cantonal migration office or your institution's international office.
You'll find job offers for students at the institutions' careers offices.
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.
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