Why Switzerland

1. Quality of Education

Switzerland is one of the most competitive countries in the world and widely recognised internationally as a centre of excellence in education, research, and innovation. Great emphasis is placed on ensuring the autonomy of Swiss universities and researchers, on fostering competition and quality, and on encouraging a broad-minded outlook.

Common to the country’s richly diverse higher education system is a drive for uncompromising quality in teaching and research. Swiss universities play an active role in shaping the future with the necessary responsibility. So be a part of this quality! Welcome to Swiss universities!

2. Renowned Institutes

Zurich’s Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, known as ETH Zurich spots the 7th place in Science and Technology and has hosted a massive 31 Nobel Laureates. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne- EPFL), the University of Geneva and the University of Zurich also hold top positions in the 2013-14 QS World University Rankings’ Top 100.

In fact, so many Swiss universities are ranked amongst the top 200 universities worldwide that around 50% of all students in Switzerland can claim to attend one of those top institutes.

3. Truly International

You will probably have to manage or work with people from another country at some point in your career, since most companies are international or global. That's why it's important to develop cross-cultural management skills, and one of the way to do that is to attend business school with classmates and professors of different nationalities.

Switzerland is a good place to do this, because even though it's roughly the size of Virginia, it is also home to 50,000 international students. In fact, 21% of students and 40% of the faculty at Swiss universities come from other countries. At some universities, international students account for as much as 40% of the student body.

4. Student Satisfaction

According to international student testimonies, Switzerland is considered a great place to receive higher education in Europe. In total, 228 students shared 530 comments related to their experience of studying in Switzerland, giving the country an excellent rating of 8.9 out of 10.

Six universities in Switzerland received awards of international student satisfaction. The first three had average ratings of at least 9 out of 10 and were awarded the Certificate for Excellent International Student Satisfaction. Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) placed first, followed by the University of Bern and ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Three more universities in Switzerland were rated “very good”, including ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, The University of Lausanne and the University of Zurich.

5. Quality of Life

Known for its cultural variety, living in Switzerland can give you a taste of what it's like to live in three different countries: Germany, Italy, and France. Switzerland is full of charming towns to explore, such as Neuchatel which is known for its fountains, and Grimentz which is known for the traditional timber houses you often see in pictures of Switzerland. Spa lovers can relax in one of Switzerland's many thermal baths. If you are into sightseeing, Switzerland has several UNESCO world heritage sites including the frescoes of Muhair and the abbey complex of St. Gallen. Lausanne and Bern are home to some of the world's most beautiful cathedrals.

Switzerland has become so synonymous with gourmet food, that this article would be incomplete if we didn't mention it. There's chocolate and cheese Switzerland has become so famous for, and you can visit factories for both. Gruyeres is known for its great cheese which visitors can explore by following their Cheese Factory path. Maison Cailler, Nestle's luxury chocolate brand, allows people to tour their factory in Broc, Gruyere. Swiss food isn't all chocolate and cheese though. Switzerland's cultural variety is reflected in Swiss cuisine, which varies from region to region -- fondue in the French part, Rosti (a hashbrown-like dish) in the German part, and saffron risotto in Ticino.

6. Multiculturalism

Switzerland is a land of great cultural diversity. It has four national languages-German, Italian, French and Romansh thereby allowing great cultural diversity

 Life in SwitzerlandDownload Guide

• The cost of living in Switzerland is similar to that of big European cities.
• Food is on average more expensive than in most European countries.
• The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc.
• Food and utilities will cost around 800 to 850 CHF per month.
• Accommodation will cost 400 to 600 CHF per month.
• Monthly living expenses are 1,500 to 2,500 CHF.
• In some cases, international students and researchers will be offered accommodation opportunities.
• The Swiss population is mainly urban, with more than one third of the population living in the five biggest cities.
• Locals keep traditions especially in the mountain and rural areas.
• Many organisations dedicated to the arts, such as museums, foundations, galleries, festivals.
• International conferences and political meetings take place around the country throughout the year.
• Skiing, hiking and climbing are very popular. Many mountain bike trails are available as well.
• Many lakes in Switzerland are a great place for water sports. Sailing is extremely popular in the country.
• Just 18 Swiss chocolate companies made 172,376 tonnes of chocolate in 2012. The Swiss eat more than 10 kilos of chocolate every year.
• Reading and outdoor walks are also popular activities in Switzerland.

 Higher Education system

Switzerland attracts thousands of international students each year. With approximately 20% of the student population coming from overseas, Switzerland truly is a welcoming destination for students for their education and to discover a new culture. Switzerland welcomes international students in its drive for innovation, technology and research, education and business development. Switzerland’s investment in education and research is among the most eminent of all OECD nations. Apart from technology and research, Switzerland is also well-known around the globe for its excellence in hospitality.

Undergraduate studies result in a Bachelor's degree, advancing to a Master's degree. About 135,000 students attend Switzerland's Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. programmes, most of which are focused on quality research work.

The Swiss higher education system includes:

• 10 cantonal universities
• 2 Federal Institutes of Technology
• 8 universities of applied sciences
• 20 universities of teacher education
• Other private higher education institutions

The first university in Switzerland was founded in 1460 in Basel and has a tradition of chemical and medical research.