Erasmus in Switzerland: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Are you going to do your Erasmus in Switzerland? In this article, we tell you the most important things you need to know for your experience, from the best cities to study to requirements for international students, what to do during your stay, convenient accommodation options and information about the best Universities. You’re sure to have the best experience!

Doing a university exchange in Switzerland is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in quality education while enjoying the rich cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes. Willkommen, Bienvenue or Benvenuto, depending on which region you’re going to!

Popular Erasmus Cities in Switzerland

Switzerland, with its unique blend of breathtaking alpine landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, offers several attractive destinations for an exchange. One of the most popular cities is Geneva, whose multicultural atmosphere and proximity to Lake Geneva make it a vibrant destination for exchange students. Another standout city is Zurich, a financial and cultural metropolis that combines a thriving arts scene with the natural beauty of its surroundings. There’s also Basel, with its rich history, world-class museums and convergence of Swiss, German and French cultures. Meanwhile, Bern, the Swiss capital, offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with its medieval charm and rich historic architecture. Lugano, located in the Italian region of Switzerland, attracts students with its Mediterranean lifestyle, mild climate and proximity to lakes and mountains.

ZURICH Zurich is a small but welcoming and cosmopolitan city. Many students and professionals move here to study or work, as the opportunities it offers are very good. For this reason, his student life is dynamic and young, with different environments in different areas of the city. The Swiss city has a very beautiful old town, with medieval streets and buildings.

BASEL Basel is a charming city located in the north of Switzerland, on the border with Germany and France. It is a pleasant city, full of life and not very big, although it is the third most populated city in the country. It has a great cultural offer that you will be able to enjoy, including museums of all kinds, buildings with wonderful architecture, sculptures

GENEVA Geneva is surrounded by the Alps and the Jura Mountains, south of the Lac de Genève in Switzerland. It has a lot of French influence, which can be seen in its gastronomy and some of the districts, as well as in its language since it is the area of Switzerland where French is spoken. It is known for having the European headquarters of the United Nations and

LAUSANNE Lausanne is a city located on Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, in the west of the country and the canton of Vaud. It's steeped in history, with a medieval old town and several notable buildings and monuments. It is also known for being the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. You might be wondering, “what is life like f

Study in Switzerland: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Switzerland

Generally, for the application you have to submit a transcript of your academic records, a motivation letter and the Learning Agreement, completed and signed.
If you’re from an EU or EEA country, you don’t have to apply for a visa. However, if you’re from a third country, you do have to apply for a student visa for your stay. Please, keep in mind that it can take up to three months for this visa to be granted so you have to apply with enough time.
All students have to apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Switzerland if the stay will be longer than three months, which costs around CHF 250 for non-EU students. In addition, when leaving the country you have to get an exit certificate, which costs around CHF 25.
You must take out valid health insurance for your stay in the country. The different universities may have agreements with some insurers, but you can choose the one that suits you best. If you’re from an EU or EEA country, you can carry the European Health Insurance Card. Also, if you have private health insurance already taken out in your country, you can see if you can validate it as equivalent to one in Switzerland.
It’s recommended to take out liability insurance covering the whole period of your exchange. Its price usually starts from CHF 15 per month and, if you plan to move around by bike, you have to make sure that’s covered.
Classes can be given in different languages, either the official ones (Italian, French or German) or in English. Accordingly, the university will probably ask you to present a certificate proving your level in that language, so they can be sure that you can follow the classes.

Why study in Switzerland?

Switzerland is home to some of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Its focus on high-quality research and teaching attracts students from all over the world.

Multiculturalism is a hallmark of Switzerland, with several official languages and a mix of European cultural influences. This provides a unique environment to learn and understand diverse perspectives, as well as to get fluent in the language of the region in which you do the exchange, whether Italian, French or German.

Switzerland is known for its high quality of life and its reputation for being one of the safest countries in the world. In addition, the Swiss transportation system is famous for its efficiency. All these aspects will let you enjoy your experience to the fullest, being able to explore every corner of the country that you want.

Another reason is that being located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland allows you to travel and explore different countries and cultures. For example, Italy, Germany, France, Liechtenstein and Austria border the country and are easily accessible.

Best things to do in Switzerland as a student

You can explore iconic cities, such as Zurich, with its lively arts and culture scene, or Geneva, with its international organizations and beautiful shores of Lake Geneva. In addition, you can't miss exploring the small Swiss towns, with their charming cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

Switzerland's landscapes offer opportunities for outdoor activities from skiing in the Alps to hiking in the many national parks. Places like the Jungfrau Region or Lake Lucerne are must-see destinations that allow you to appreciate the majestic beauty of Swiss nature. Likewise, excursions to places such as Mount Titlis or the Matterhorn are unique experiences.

Switzerland's rich cultural life is also reflected in its festivals. During the summer, Montreux hosts the famous Jazz Festival, attractive to music lovers everywhere. In Lucerne, the Classical Music Festival on the shores of the lake is another highlight. As for sporting events, Switzerland hosts exciting skiing and snowboarding competitions during the winter, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. And, if you enjoy tennis, attending the Swiss Open in Basel can be a thrilling experience.

Finally, take advantage of Switzerland's central location to easily travel to other European countries. The efficient transportation network allows you to explore cities such as Paris, Milan or Munich in a fast way. Make the most of your exchange!