Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students
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With an unmatchable quality of education, Switzerland is a great option for students willing to study abroad. The education system in Switzerland was ranked #6 in the world by the World Population Review, 2021 which is also a big reason why students across different borders prefer to study here, sorting with the higher cost of living in Switzerland.
Owing to the high exchange rate of its currency, Swiss Franc (CHF), i.e. 1 CHF = 96.10 INR, many Indian students often worry about the cost of living in Switzerland even before starting their application procedures. For this reason, we have come up with this article to cater to all the doubts that the students may have about the living expenses in Switzerland.
Cost of Housing in Switzerland
Accommodation is usually the biggest part of the living cost in Switzerland. Here is a detailed breakdown of various types of accommodations available in Switzerland for international students.
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| Accommodation Costs in Switzerland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of Accommodation |
Average Monthly Rent in CHF |
Average Monthly Rent in INR (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 99.30 INR) |
| On-campus Accommodations/University Dormitory |
600 - 1000 |
59.6k to 99.3k |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (in the city centre) |
1800 (may vary in different cities) |
1.79 L |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (outside the city centre) |
1450 |
1.44 L |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (in the city centre) |
3176 |
3.15 L |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (outside the city centre) |
2500 |
2.48 L |
Please note that these costs may vary from property to vendor and location. You can also try to bargain on the rents provided by the local landlords if opting to rent a private apartment.
Related Read: Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World
Transportation Cost in Switzerland
The cost of transportation is pretty high in Switzerland. A more affordable way to get around the city is by means of biking. The breakdown of the cost of transportation is given below.
| Mode of Transportation |
Average Cost in CHF |
Average Cost in INR (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 99.30 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transport (1 Way Ticket) |
3.50 |
348 |
| Local Transport Monthly Pass |
80 |
7944 |
| Taxi |
4 - 69 |
397 - 6852 |
Cost of Food and Groceries
The breakdown of the cost of food and groceries in Switzerland is given below.
| Food/Grocery Options |
Average Cost in CHF |
Average Cost in INR (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 99.30 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries |
200-500 |
19.9k - 49.7k |
| Eating-out |
20-40 (Per Meal) |
1,925 - 3,850 |
Miscellaneous Expenditures
Other than food, travel and accommodation, there are other expenditures as well that the students must take a look at if they are preparing a tight budget.
| Particulars |
Average Monthly Cost in CHF |
Average Cost in INR (at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 99.30 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance |
200 - 400 |
19.9k - 39.7k |
| Phone and Internet Bills |
30-60 |
2,979 - 5,958 |
| Entertainment Activities |
100 - 200 |
9,930 - 19.9k |
Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students
To manage expenses in Switzerland, Indian students should familiarise themselves with the breakdown of the average cost of living in Switzerland. Understanding the approximate cost of living in Switzerland, as outlined below, will help Indian students prepare their finances accordingly.
| Expense Category |
Average Range (CHF), Monthly |
Average Range (INR, at an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 99.30 INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees, if applicable |
400 - 3,800 |
39.7k - 3.77 L |
| Study Materials |
50 - 100 |
4,965 - 9,930 |
| Utilities (Electricity, heating, water, internet) |
150 - 300 |
14.9k - 29.8k |
| Health Insurance |
200 - 400 |
19.9k - 39.7k |
| Transportation |
70 - 120 |
6.9k - 11.9k |
| Food |
300 - 500 |
29.8k - 49.7k |
| Accommodation |
800 - 1500 |
79.4k - 1.49L |
| Entertainment/Miscellaneous |
100-200 |
9,930 - 19.9k |
Top 5 Universities in Switzerland
Along with its breathtaking scenery, Switzerland is also home to 6 universities in the top universities list in the world list in 2024. The universities in Switzerland are a big attraction among students for their quality of education and some of the top universities in Switzerland are listed below.
| Top 5 Universities in Switzerland and Their Cost of Studies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Top Swiss Universities |
QS World University Rankings 2025 |
Average 1st Year Tuition Fees |
| ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland |
#7 |
₹1.37 L |
| EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland |
#26 |
₹1.37 L |
| University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland |
=109 |
₹1.35 L |
| University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland |
#131 |
₹1.6 L |
| University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland |
=155 |
₹93.99 K |
Tips for Saving Money in Switzerland
The cost of life in Switzerland can be exhausting. For this reason, below we have provided some tips on saving money during your stay in Switzerland.
- Cook at home as much as possible.
- Take advantage of student discounts.
- Use public transportation or a bike instead of taxis.
- Find part-time jobs in Switzerland to supplement your income.
- Live in a smaller town or city outside of Zurich and Geneva as living in these metro cities will prove to be costlier than staying anywhere else.
While Switzerland promises an enriching experience for Indian students, navigating the high cost of living in Switzerland requires realistic budgeting and careful planning. By delving into the various aspects of the cost of living in Switzerland below, you can craft a budget that maximises your Swiss adventure without breaking the bank. Additionally, exploring some suitable scholarships and loan options can add another layer of security to your financial plan. This was all about the cost of living in swiss. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
Also Read:
Cost of Living in Switzerland FAQs
Q. Is Switzerland expensive for Indian students?
A. Yes, the living cost in Switzerland is way too much for Indian students. Students must keep aside an average budget of 1 - 2 L per month or 12-14 lakhs a year merely just to survive in Switzerland. However, as much as it is expensive to live, the ROI upon completing your higher education in Switzerland is equally high.
Q. Is Switzerland more costly than India?
A. Yes, the price of living in Switzerland is way more than in India. The average monthly rent for a 1 bedroom apartment at the city centre in Switzerland is around 1.7 L which is 10 times more than in many cities in India.
Q. What is the biggest expense in Switzerland?
A. Housing dominates the cost of living in Switzerland. Rent in major cities can easily consume 50-70% of your budget, with shared apartments starting around 780 CHF and private one-bedrooms reaching 1,600 CHF or more.
Q. Are there ways to save on living costs in Switzerland?
A. There are various ways to cut your cost of living in Switzerland. Consider living outside major cities, cooking at home instead of eating out, utilising public transportation (which is excellent), and taking advantage of free cultural activities and outdoor recreation.
Q. How much does it cost to live and study in Switzerland for international students?
A. Living and studying in Switzerland for international students can be expensive. Students may expect a monthly cost range of CHF 1,500 - CHF 2,500 to cover essentials like accommodation, food, transportation, and some leisure activities. This can vary depending on your lifestyle choices and the city you live in.
Q. How much can Indian students earn while studying in Switzerland?
A. Indian students in Switzerland can earn anywhere between 2,000 to 3500 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month through part-time work while studying. This amount can vary depending on factors such as job type, hours worked, and individual qualifications.
Q. Is Switzerland a good place to live for Indian students?
A. Yes, Switzerland is a great place to live for both Indian and other international students. This comes from the high quality of life in Switzerland, its picturesque beauty, excellent education system, safety, diverse environment and several part-time and full-time work opportunities.
Q: Â What is Switzerland universities acceptance rate for international students?
There are many top ranked universities in Switzerland that offer the best education to students. We have mentioned below Switzerland universities acceptance rate for international students:
| Switzerland Universities | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | 27% |
| University of Zurich | 19% |
| University of Geneva | 21% |
| University of Fribourg | 8% |
Q: Â What are the ETH Zurich requirements for international students?
Check below the ETH Zurich requirements for international students:
- Higher secondry certificate for bachelor's degree
- Bachelor's degree for graduate admission
- GPA (no minimum requirements)
- English language proficiency scores
- Additional test score of any GMAT/GRE (if required)
- Letters of reference
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
- Resume or CV
Q: Â What are the IMI Switzerland top courses?
IMI Switzerland is a precise institute which offers undergraduate, graduate and Diploma courses across various disciplines of hospitality. Some of the top courses include:
- Msc in International Hospitality and Events
- Graduate Diploma in International Culinary Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Hotel & Events Management
- Bachelors of Arts with Honours Degree - Hospitality
- Swiss Advanced Diploma - Hotel Management
Q: Â Does IMI Switzerland offer any undergraduate course?
Yes, IMI Switzerland does offer one foundation course and three undergraduate courses across disciplines of Hospitality, Management, Business and Culinary Arts, namely;
1) Foundation Certificate in Hotel & Tourism Management
- Duration: Six Months
- Allows students a direct entry onto any IMI BA (Hons) degree programme
2) Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree - Hospitality
- Duration: 3 years
- BA (Hons) Degree Awarded
3) Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree - Business
- Duration: 3 years
- BA (Hons) Degree Awarded
4) Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree - Culinary Arts
- Duration: 3 years
- BA (Hons) Degree Awarded
Q: Â Which programs at IMI Switzerland require work experience?
IMI Switzerland is an institute which is known for its programs across discplines of Hospitality, Management, Marketing and Business. The requirements to pursue a course in this institute are not very demanding but a few postgraduate courses do require work experience. These courses are:
1) Swiss Advanced Diploma - Hotel Management:
Requires high school Diploma or similar professional qualification and/or experience.
2) Graduate Diploma in Hotel & Events Management:
Requires bachelor's award in any discipline or a minimum three years of work experience.
3) Graduate Diploma in International Culinary Arts:
Requires bachelor's award in any discipline or a minimum three years of work experience.
Q: Â Who are some of the IMI Switzerland notable alumni?
IMI Switzerland has produced several distinguished alumni in the past years. This list includes the names of highly successful and leading professionals in the diverse fields of hospitality, such as:
| Alumni | Profession |
|---|---|
| Charmaine Sheh | Actress |
| Signe Baldere-Sildedze | Member-Management Board at Olainfarm AS & Director & Owner at SIA Louvre |
| Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Bendara | Internet Personality |
Q: Â How many campuses does IMI Switzerland have?
IMI has one small campus situated along the shores of Lake Luzern with spectacular scenes of the Alps, and the Rigi and Pilatus Mountains in Kastanienbaum. The campus features administrative offices, classrooms, eating joints, recreational spaces, and student accommodation units. IMI Library holds a collection of digital and printed resources of information, which can be used by students and faculty for learning, teaching, and research purposes. Featuring all the modern techniques and information resources, the institution aims at inspiring future students to engage in exciting fieldwork and meaningful research.
This campus also features a dining hall and lobby. Its training restaurant, known as the Swiss Room, serves fresh, healthy, and tasty food to students. The institution has a high-tech gymnasium that features fitness equipment and exercise spaces. IMI provides an on-campus housing facility to both boys and girls. Each room is fully furnished with a cupboard, refrigerator, kettle, modern study facilities, and 24-hour Internet connectivity. The institution also provides several off-campus housing options at a close distance from the site. A frequent bus service connects the campus to the vibrant city and the neighboring areas.
Q: Â How is applying to EPFL different from applying to other universities in Switzerland?
Applying to other Swiss universities is not the same as applying to EPFL. There are various reasons why this is the case:
Eligibility: EPFL has varied requirements for eligibility depending on the program. For example, consecutive Master's programs require a minimum average grade of 4.5 for the whole Bachelor's degree.
Application procedure: For various programs, EPFL offers distinct application procedures. Applicants who possess a Bachelor's degree in the same field of study from a Swiss university, for instance, are required to complete the entire online application process.
International diversity: With a current ranking of 12th in the world for international professors and 16th for foreign students, EPFL is well-known for its great international diversity.
Fees for instruction: Both Swiss and foreign students at EPFL pay comparatively little in tuition.
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