SWEDEN
Capital City:
Bern
Currency:
Official Language:
German, French, Italian, Romansch
Population:
8,29 million
About Switzerland
Switzerland is a small mountainous country officially known as The Swiss Confederation. It is a landlocked country is about the size of the state of New Jersey and is located between France and Italy. It is also neighbors with Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. Most of the Swiss live in the plateau which is between the Alps in the south and the Jura mountains in the north.
Switzerland is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. People usually credit the country’s financial success to its banking system, but there's more to it than just that. Switzerland doesn’t have many natural resources, but the country was one of those in the lead of industrialization. Because of this, the Swiss economy experienced a huge boom in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
When one think of Switzerland’s finest inventions, one might think of chocolate and clocks, but the country has a long history of innovation. Switzerland is well known for having a strong export market. The main exports include pharmaceuticals, gems, chemicals and machinery among others.
Another factor is Switzerland’s focus on its own industries. The Swiss focus on domestic production of goodsrather than importing them from other countries. As a result, Switzerland is considerably more expensive than the rest of Europe. Its no wonder that 40 of the word's billionaires are Swiss citizens!
Switzerland was formed in 1291 as a union of three states and became an independent country in 1815. The constitution, adopted in 1848, does not allow for troops to be sent to serve in foreign wars. The country has remained neutral in conflicts around the world, including both world wars.
Switzerland did not become a member of the United Nations until 2002, and is not a member of the European Union.
Switzerland has an interesting and rich history with which you can trace the story of Switzerland and its inhabitants from the Neolithic period through to antiquity and the modern age. International students can explore these places during vacations. Some Swiss landmarks are:
▪ Lake Geneva
▪ Chillon Castle/ Chateau de Chillon
▪ The Matterhorn
▪ St Peter’s Cathedral – Geneva
▪ Lake Lucerne
▪ Palais des Nations
▪ Fort Vallorbe
▪ Grossmünster
▪ Eiger
▪ Augusta Raurica
▪ Titlis
▪ Aventicum
▪ Gletscherschlucht, Grindelwald
▪ Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower
▪ Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge
Why Study in Switzerland?
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Reputable Universities
As a result of how all Swiss universities excel in teaching and research, Switzerland harbors some of the top ranking educational institutions in the world. The Swiss higher education landscape involves academic studies at the 10 Cantonal Universities and the 2 Federal Institutes of Technology. There are 7 public and 2 private Universities of Applied Sciences that take all professionally-situated foci. Some of the top universities in Switzerland are:
✓ ETH Zurich
✓ Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
✓ University of Zurich
✓ University of Geneva
✓ University of Bern
High Quality Education
Switzerland has a top-class higher quality education. Their teaching methods are based on active learning. They offer an innovative environment for students and researchers to express their autonomy while receiving a quality, global-minded education. Swiss degrees are globally and internationally accepted.
Lots of Programs to Choose From
Swiss universities offer a wide range of courses across disciplines, at various levels of education (undergraduate, post-graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral) and at different institutions of higher education like academic universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education, etc. Switzerland offers the best institutions and internationally accepted courses whether in hotel management or hospital management, MBA or Masters in Science or Arts.
Working While Studying
International students in Switzerland are allowed to take up part-time jobs for up to 15 hours a week during the school term and full-time jobs during holidays. Non-EU/EEA students can only start working 6 months after they have started their studies.
Scholarships & Grants Available
The Swedish government funds two scholarship programs. Students can apply for scholarships based on their financial situation, nationality and merit. These 2 funds are:
✓ Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
✓ The Visby Program Scholarships
Other Master’s Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students include:
✓ Karolinska Institutet Global Master’s Scholarships
✓ Mid Sweden University Tuition Fee Scholarships
✓ Mälardalen University Scholarship Program
✓ Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships
Scholarship Availability
Scholarships for international students in Switzerland are offered by both the Swiss government and universities.
Scholarships offered by the Swiss government include:
• Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students
Scholarships offered by Swiss universities include:
• ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships
• University of Lausanne Master’s Grants for Foreign Students
• EPFL Excellence Fellowships
• Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
• University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
• Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships
• IMD MBA Scholarships
• Excellence Scholarships of the University of St. Gallen
Post-graduation Permit Extension
In Switzerland, international students can extend their stay and work when they’re done with their studies. At first, the student needs proof of residence for the permit extension which will give them a visa extension for up to 6 months. While still looking for a job after graduation, they can still work part-time (a weekly maximum of 15 hours) to cover their living expenses.
The main requirement to apply for a work visa in Switzerland is for an employer to offer you a job and then apply for your permit to get a Swiss Work Visa. This newly earned work permit will then be valid for as long as the graduate is employed by a Swiss employer.
Safe Place to Live
Switzerland is officially known as the third-happiest nation on Earth after Finland and Denmark. With this in mind and by exercising a normal level of discretion international students will feel safe while studying and exploring the country.
Choice of Language of Instruction
Most Swiss universities offers a wide range of programs taught in English. Despite that international students applying can decide on the language they prefer to be taught, which could be either English, French or German