🇨🇭 Studying in Switzerland
German, French or Italian depending on the region; bachelor's degrees are almost all in the national language, master's often in English
💶 Tuition
Cantonal universities ≈ CHF 435–4,000 a semester (often more for foreigners: UZH 1,220, St. Gallen ≈ 3,340, USI 4,000); ETH and EPFL charge CHF 2,190 a semester to foreign students who move to study (tripled from autumn 2025); private hospitality schools ≈ CHF 35–60k a year (EHL: ≈ CHF 184k compulsory fees over 4 years; Glion: CHF 176.5k tuition per programme); living costs are very high
In the national language: €1.1k–5.5k/yr
In English: €7.2k–45k/yr
Living costs: €22.5k/yr — Canton of Zurich: CHF 21,000 a year for a student permit (≈ €22,500)
🗣️ Language of teaching
German, French; a handful of English-taught programmes.
Language requirements: German/French/Italian by university: ETH, UZH, Bern need C1; EPFL, UNIGE, Fribourg B2; English tracks (HSG, USI, hotel schools) IELTS/TOEFL
📝 How to apply
Russian certificate + proof of admission to the same field in Russia + 2 years of university study (cantonal universities); ETH: reduced entrance exam (otherwise the full one), EPFL: entrance exam; B2–C1 in the language. Medicine and dentistry are closed to foreigners without Swiss residence.
🎓 Preparatory year
- EPFL CMS: a year of maths and physics in French instead of the entrance exam; needs ≥ 80% in maths and physics; EPFL tuition applies — ≈ 12 months, €4.7k
- ETH entrance exam in German (January): reduced CHF 550 or full CHF 800; ETH runs no prep courses, so self-study or private schools — ≈ 9 months, €600–900
🏅 Scholarships
- ETH social scholarships — ETH: need-based scholarships for bachelor students (partial); check eligibility for foreigners with the Financial Aid Office
🏛️ Universities by subject
Computer Science & IT
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🤖 Machine Learning Engineer, 🧠 AI Engineer (LLM & Agents), 🛡️ Cybersecurity Engineer, 🏭 OT / Industrial Control Systems Security Specialist
Mathematics & Statistics
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🤖 Machine Learning Engineer, 🤖 Health data scientist / medical AI engineer, 🕵️ Fraud Analyst, 👁️ Computer Vision Engineer
Physics & Astronomy
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: ☢️ Nuclear Engineer, 🔬 Microelectronics Engineer (Chip Design & Fabrication), ☢️ Medical physicist, ☢️ Nuclear Reactor Operator
Chemistry
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules
Careers: ⚗️ Drug discovery scientist (pharmacologist), ⚗️ Research Chemist, 🧪 Biochemist, 🏭 Food Technologist
Biological Sciences
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules - University of Lausanne Lausanne · €1.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; taught in French (B2+)
Careers: 🧬 Geneticist, ✂️ Genome Editing Scientist, 🧠 Neuroscientist, 🌱 Plant Breeder
Earth & Marine Sciences
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - University of Bern Bern · €5.5k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 or the university test; CHF 1,700/semester surcharge from 2026 - University of Lausanne Lausanne · €1.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; taught in French (B2+)
Careers: ⛏️ Exploration Geologist, 🐧 Polar Researcher, 💧 Hydrogeologist, ⛰️ Geotechnical Engineer
Environmental Sciences
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - University of Bern Bern · €5.5k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 or the university test; CHF 1,700/semester surcharge from 2026
Careers: ♻️ Waste & Circular Economy Specialist, 🚰 Water and Wastewater Treatment Engineer, 💧 Hydrogeologist, 🚰 Water and Wastewater Engineer
Agriculture & Forestry
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL) Zollikofen · €5.5k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review of certificate and practical experience; German/French B2–C1; CHF 2,550/semester for foreigners from 2026 - Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Wädenswil · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester
Careers: 🚁 Agricultural Drone Operator / Precision Ag Technician, 🌱 Plant Breeder, 🛰️ Precision Agriculture Specialist, 💉 Veterinary Nurse / Vet Tech
Veterinary Science
- University of Zurich (Vetsuisse Faculty) Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Veterinary medicine is under numerus clausus with an aptitude test; access for non-resident foreigners is restricted (check); German C1 * - University of Bern (Vetsuisse Faculty) Bern · €5.5k/yr
Veterinary medicine is under numerus clausus with an aptitude test; access for non-resident foreigners is restricted (check); German C1 *
Careers: 🐾 Veterinarian / Veterinary Surgeon, 💉 Veterinary Nurse / Vet Tech, 🐄 Livestock Specialist / Animal Scientist, 🐟 Fish Health Veterinarian
Medicine
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: ❤️ Cardiothoracic Surgeon, 🧊 Transplant Surgeon, 🎯 Interventional Radiologist / Interventional Cardiologist, 👵 Geriatrician
Nursing & Midwifery
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester - Bern University of Applied Sciences Bern · €5.5k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review of certificate and practical experience; German/French B2–C1; CHF 2,550/semester for foreigners from 2026 - HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Lausanne · €2.2k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate + practice), selection for health fields; French B2+; CHF 1,050/semester for foreigners
Careers: 💊 Nurse, 🌷 Palliative Care Worker (Hospice), 🧤 Scrub Nurse (Theatre Nurse), 💉 Anaesthetic Nurse / Nurse Anesthetist
Dentistry
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Bern Bern · €5.5k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 or the university test; CHF 1,700/semester surcharge from 2026 - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🦷 Dentist, 🗿 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, 🦷 Dental Hygienist, 😁 Orthodontist
Pharmacy
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: ⚗️ Drug discovery scientist (pharmacologist), 🦠 Microbiologist / Virologist, 📋 Clinical research associate, ⚕️ Pharmacist
Allied Health
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester - Bern University of Applied Sciences Bern · €5.5k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review of certificate and practical experience; German/French B2–C1; CHF 2,550/semester for foreigners from 2026 - HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Lausanne · €2.2k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate + practice), selection for health fields; French B2+; CHF 1,050/semester for foreigners
Careers: 🦿 Physiotherapist / physical therapist, 🖐️ Occupational therapist, 🦾 Prosthetist and orthotist, 🤲 Osteopath
Psychology
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🧩 Psychiatrist, 🛋️ Psychotherapist, 🧠 Neuroscientist, 🧠 Clinical psychologist
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester
Careers: 🛸 Drone (UAV) Engineer, ☢️ Nuclear Engineer, 🎛️ Controls & Automation Engineer, 🤖 Robotics Engineer
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) Windisch
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate + practice); German C1; English IBM programme costs CHF 5,700/semester for non-Europeans *
Careers: 🛸 Drone (UAV) Engineer, 🔌 Circuit Design Engineer, 🎛️ Controls & Automation Engineer, 🤖 Robotics Engineer
Civil Engineering
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts Horw · €3.3k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate + practice); German C1; ≈ CHF 1,540/semester for foreigners incl. fees (2025/26)
Careers: 👷 Site Manager / Construction Foreman, 🌉 Bridge Engineer, 🎖️ Military Engineer (Combat Engineer Officer), 🛣️ Highway Engineer
Chemical Engineering
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places
Careers: 🔋 Energy Storage Engineer (Batteries & Hydrogen), ✂️ Genome Editing Scientist, 🧫 Biotechnologist / Bioprocess Scientist, 🧫 Synthetic Biologist
Materials Science
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places
Careers: 🧱 Materials Engineer, 🧪 Polymer Process Engineer, 🏭 Welding Engineer, 🔬 Nanotechnology Researcher
Architecture
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - EPFL Lausanne · €4.7k/yr
EPFL entrance exam or the CMS year (≥ 80% in maths and physics); French B2, C1 recommended; first year capped at 3,000 places - Academy of Architecture, Università della Svizzera italiana Mendrisio · €8.6k–10.7k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university; taught in Italian; CHF 4,000 a semester, CHF 5,000 from 2027/28
Careers: 👷 Site Manager / Construction Foreman, 💡 Architectural Lighting Designer, 🔥 Heating and Energy Systems Engineer, 🔍 Clerk of Works / Construction Inspector
Art & Design
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Artistic entrance assessment (portfolio/audition) matters more than the certificate; German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 surcharge per semester - ECAL – University of Art and Design Lausanne Renens · €2.2k/yr
Competitive entry: portfolio, assignments and interview; French; HES-SO foreign rate CHF 1,050 a semester * - HEAD – Genève (Geneva School of Art and Design) Geneva · €2.2k/yr
Competitive entry: portfolio and entrance assignments; French; HES-SO foreign rate CHF 1,050 a semester *
Careers: 🪑 Industrial / Product Designer, 🖼️ Art Conservator / Restorer, 🪑 Furniture Restorer / Conservator, 🖍️ Art Teacher
Music
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Artistic entrance assessment (portfolio/audition) matters more than the certificate; German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 surcharge per semester - Geneva University of Music (HEM) Geneva · €2.2k/yr
Audition and music theory test; French; HES-SO foreign rate CHF 1,050 a semester * - Hochschule für Musik Basel FHNW Basel
Audition and music theory test; German (some teaching in English) *
Careers: 🎼 Music Teacher, 🎹 Instrumental Music Teacher, 🎙️ Musical Theatre Performer, 🪕 Folk Ensemble Director
Drama & Dance
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Artistic entrance assessment (portfolio/audition) matters more than the certificate; German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 surcharge per semester - La Manufacture – Lausanne University of Performing Arts Lausanne · €2.2k/yr
Competitive auditions over several rounds; French; HES-SO foreign rate CHF 1,050 a semester * - Accademia Teatro Dimitri Verscio
Physical theatre: entrance auditions; Italian/English *
Careers: 💃 Choreographer, 🎭 Hair, Makeup & Prosthetics Artist, 🗿 Prop Maker, 🎙️ Musical Theatre Performer
Film & Animation
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Artistic entrance assessment (portfolio/audition) matters more than the certificate; German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 surcharge per semester - ECAL – University of Art and Design Lausanne Renens · €2.2k/yr
Competitive entry: portfolio, assignments and interview; French; HES-SO foreign rate CHF 1,050 a semester * - HEAD – Genève (Geneva School of Art and Design) Geneva · €2.2k/yr
Competitive entry: portfolio and entrance assignments; French; HES-SO foreign rate CHF 1,050 a semester *
Careers: 🎞️ Film Producer, 🎬 Game Producer, 🎥 Film Director, 📹 Cinematographer / Director of Photography
Media & Journalism
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - Università della Svizzera italiana Lugano · €8.6k–10.7k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university; Italian (informatics in English); CHF 4,000 a semester, CHF 5,000 from 2027/28 - Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester
Careers: 🎖️ War Correspondent, 📣 Investor Relations Manager, 📽️ Video Producer, 🎙️ Government Press Officer / Spokesperson
Languages & Translation
- University of Geneva (Faculty of Translation and Interpreting) Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university; French B2+ plus two strong working languages (multilingual communication bachelor) - Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🔤 Computational Linguist / NLP Specialist, 🗣️ Speech and language therapist, 🔤 Russian as a Foreign Language Teacher, 🏮 Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Specialist
Literature
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules
Careers: 🔤 Russian as a Foreign Language Teacher, 📚 English, Literature or History Teacher, 📖 Narrative Designer, 📝 Screenwriter
History & Archaeology
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Basel Basel · €1.8k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 recommended; medicine under numerus clausus rules - University of Bern Bern · €5.5k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 or the university test; CHF 1,700/semester surcharge from 2026
Careers: 🎖️ Army Officer, 🪑 Furniture Restorer / Conservator, 🏛️ Conservation Architect, 📚 English, Literature or History Teacher
Philosophy & Theology
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Fribourg Fribourg · €2.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university; French or German B2 (bilingual university); CHF 985 a semester for foreigners - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🤔 Philosopher, 🕍 Religious Studies Scholar
Sociology & Social Work
- University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) Olten
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate + practice); German C1; English IBM programme costs CHF 5,700/semester for non-Europeans *
Careers: 🌷 Palliative Care Worker (Hospice), 🔗 Addiction counsellor, 🕵️ Police Detective, 👨👩👧 Couples and family therapist
Politics & IR
- University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners - University of St. Gallen St. Gallen · €7.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + HSG online aptitude test (foreigner quota); first year in German or English, C1 - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🎖️ Army Officer, 🤝 Public Affairs / Government Relations Specialist, 🖥️ Government Digital Transformation Specialist, 🕵️ OSINT Analyst (Open-Source Intelligence)
Law
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of St. Gallen St. Gallen · €7.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + HSG online aptitude test (foreigner quota); first year in German or English, C1 - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 🤖 Legal Technologist / Legal Engineer, 🤝 Public Affairs / Government Relations Specialist, 🔍 Digital Forensics Investigator, 🛂 Border Guard / Border Force Officer
Economics
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of St. Gallen St. Gallen · €7.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + HSG online aptitude test (foreigner quota); first year in German or English, C1 - University of Lausanne (HEC Lausanne) Lausanne · €1.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; first year in French (B2+), later some courses in English
Careers: 👔 Chief Executive Officer (CEO), 🏛️ Banking Supervisor (Financial Regulator), 🏷️ Pricing Manager, 🦄 Venture Capital Analyst / Investor
Business & Management
- University of St. Gallen St. Gallen · €7.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + HSG online aptitude test (foreigner quota); first year in German or English, C1 - University of Lausanne (HEC Lausanne) Lausanne · €1.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; first year in French (B2+), later some courses in English - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 👔 Chief Executive Officer (CEO), 💰 Chief Financial Officer (CFO), 🎯 Product Manager, 🏥 Hospital Chief Executive / Healthcare Manager
Accounting & Finance
- University of St. Gallen St. Gallen · €7.2k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + HSG online aptitude test (foreigner quota); first year in German or English, C1 - University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Geneva Geneva · €1.1k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; French B2; medicine effectively closed to non-resident foreigners
Careers: 💰 Chief Financial Officer (CFO), 🧬 Fintech Engineer / Quant Developer, 🏛️ Banking Supervisor (Financial Regulator), 🛡️ Risk Manager
Education
- Zurich University of Teacher Education Zurich
Teacher education designed for Swiss matura holders; German C1+; foreign certificates assessed case by case, chances are low * - Bern University of Teacher Education Bern
Teacher education designed for Swiss matura holders; German C1+; foreign certificates assessed case by case, chances are low * - HEP Vaud (University of Teacher Education) Lausanne
Teacher education designed for Swiss matura holders; French C1+; foreign certificates assessed case by case, chances are low *
Careers: 🤝 Special Education Teacher (SEN), 🛠️ Further Education (FE) Lecturer / Vocational Instructor, 🔨 Design & Technology Teacher, 📐 Maths, Physics or Computing Teacher
Sport Science
- ETH Zurich Zurich · €4.7k/yr
Russian certificate + admission to the same field at a Russian university + reduced ETH exam (CHF 550), else the full one (CHF 800); German C1 by 31 March - University of Bern Bern · €5.5k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 or the university test; CHF 1,700/semester surcharge from 2026 - Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen Magglingen
Sport bachelor: sports entrance test + matura or recognised certificate; German/French *
Careers: 🦿 Physiotherapist / physical therapist, 🏅 Sports medicine doctor, 🏄 Adventure Sports Instructor, 🏔️ Mountain Guide / Trekking Leader
Hospitality & Tourism
- EHL Hospitality Business School Lausanne · €26.1k–42.8k/yr
File + interview, English certificate; Preparatory Year is part of the programme; ≈ CHF 184k compulsory fees over 4 years - Les Roches Crans-Montana · €35.8k–71.6k/yr
File review, English certificate; tuition CHF 33,450 a semester, ≈ CHF 170k in total (+ board and lodging ≈ CHF 42.5k) - Glion Institute of Higher Education Glion / Bulle · €37.5k–76.5k/yr
File review, English certificate; tuition CHF 36,500 for semester 1, then 35,000 per semester, CHF 176.5k in total; mostly taught in Bulle
Careers: 🏄 Adventure Sports Instructor, 🏔️ Mountain Guide / Trekking Leader, 🏡 Farm Stay Host (Agritourism), 👨🍳 Head Chef
Geography & Planning
- University of Zurich Zurich · €2.6k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 (Goethe C1, DSH-2); medicine closed to non-resident foreigners - University of Bern Bern · €5.5k/yr
Certificate + 2 years at a Russian university + admission to the same field; German C1 or the university test; CHF 1,700/semester surcharge from 2026 - OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate + practice); German C1 *
Careers: 🏙️ Urban Planner, 🌍 Satellite Imagery Analyst (Remote Sensing), ⛏️ Mine Surveyor, 🏙️ City Manager / Local Government Manager
Aviation & Maritime
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Winterthur · €2.6k/yr
University of applied sciences: file review (certificate, usually a year of work experience); German B2–C1; CHF 720 + 500 foreign surcharge per semester - European Flight Academy (Lufthansa Aviation Training) Zurich
Not a university: Lufthansa Group/SWISS pilot selection; requires the right to live and work in CH/EU, practically closed to Russian citizens *
Careers: 🔧 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, ⚓ Naval Officer / Submariner, 🛫 Airline Pilot, 🚢 Ship's Captain / Deck Officer
Sources: swissuniversities.ch, ethz.ch, ethz.ch, epfl.ch, uzh.ch, ecus-edu.ch
Not sure what to choose?
A ~100-question quiz builds your interest profile and matches you with careers and universities in Europe, the UK and the US.
Take the quiz →Scales are expert estimates; tuition and admission rules are for 2026/27 from official sources — always check the university website.