Swiss universities. Universities in Switzerland: features of admission to Swiss universities. What are the prospects for Russians to get an education in Switzerland

General information about the country.

State in Western Europe. It borders in the north with Germany, in the south with Italy, in the west with France, in the east with Austria and Liechtenstein. Population - 7.7 million people. The official languages ​​of Switzerland are: German, French, Italian and Romansh (the latter is official only for communication with Romansh speakers). The capital of the country is the city of Bern. Largest cities- Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne. Switzerland is a parliamentary republic. The territory of the country is 41,284 square kilometers. Switzerland is the richest country in the world and one of the most important banking and financial centers world (Zurich - the third after New York and London world currency market).

Higher education in Switzerland.

There are 12 public universities in Switzerland: seven "classical" cantonal universities - in Basel, Bern, Friborg, Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Zurich and St. Gallen - two small cantonal universities in the status university College of Lucerne and Universita della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, as well as two special polytechnic schools EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich, where they teach engineering and architecture. There are also private universities, business schools and world-famous hospitality institutions.

Subjects are taught depending on the language region: German– in Basel, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne and St. Gallen; in French - in Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel; in Italian - in Lugano; in two languages ​​(German and French) - in Friborg.

Universities in Switzerland are subject to both the federal government and the cantons, so a unified educational program It does not work. A mandatory minimum exists only for the faculties of engineering, law, economics and management, Agriculture and design. Programs for all other specialties differ depending on which canton the university is located in. Universities regulate the number of students with an exam after the first year of study, the most difficult. After it, up to 50% of students are eliminated. Students take the same exam after the second year of study. This is followed by 2-3 years of advanced training, after which they are awarded a licentiate degree (Lizentiat) or a diploma (Diploma). These degrees correspond to a master's degree. The next stage - doctoral student (PhD) - requires another three years of study. The academic year at Swiss Universities is divided into two semesters. The winter semester starts in mid-October and lasts until early March. The spring semester starts in mid-April and ends in mid-July.

Admission to Swiss universities is made in accordance with the accepted system of competitive selection. The applicant submits documents to the university where he would like to study and waits for the decision of the selection committee. Since Swiss universities accept students from abroad, the admissions committee analyzes not only the academic performance of applicants, but also the correspondence of the level of education they received to the Swiss level. In some cases, students from abroad are asked to take a preparatory course in order to be admitted to the university.

The percentage of foreign students in Swiss universities is quite high: on average - about 18%, and at the University of Geneva - up to 33%.

In order to enter a state university, a foreign student must be fluent in German, French or Italian and pass the challenging entrance exams based on educational standards with perfection.

Admission of a foreign student to the Faculty of Medicine is almost impossible: the profession of a doctor is so popular that the competition for this specialty is very high. Dental and veterinary faculties are closed to foreigners.

Therefore, for foreigners in Switzerland, private educational establishments, which are represented by private universities of the hotel and tourism business and private business schools, for example: Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, Glion Institute of Higher Education, EU Business School.

Education in Switzerland at private universities is carried out on English language and for admission is not required to pass examinations in the specialty. The main requirement for admission is the presence of a Russian certificate or diploma of higher education and knowledge of the English language.

The highest entry requirements Applicants from Russia are presented with universities in the German-speaking part of the country. To enroll in the first year, you must complete at least two courses at a Russian university and pass a special unified exam for foreigners at the admissions office in the city of Friborg. To enter the universities of Lausanne, Geneva and Neuchâtel, where they teach in French, it is enough for graduates of a Russian high school with a good (without triples) matriculation exam to pass a single exam.

In the system of the Higher educational education The following study programs are available in Switzerland:

1. Bachelor's degree (duration of study 3.5 - 4 years)
2. Postgraduate programs (duration of study up to 1.5 years). The programs are designed for those who already have a higher education and who want to change their specialization.
3. Master and MBA (Master of Business Administration). The duration of training is 1 year.

Many private universities in the country offer a long-term preparatory program "English in Switzerland", and in public universities in Switzerland you can find summer courses German or French.

The education system in Switzerland is as well thought out and reliable as Swiss banks. Diplomas from Swiss universities are valued all over the world; for 7 million of the country's population, there are more than 1 million students and schoolchildren. Studying in Switzerland is not a cheap pleasure, which is why most students and schoolchildren from abroad are the children of officials and big businessmen. At the same time, the rules here are very strict, and the requirements for entering the university are high, but it's worth it: more than a dozen Nobel laureates have graduated from Swiss universities.

Education system in Switzerland

There is no unified national education system in Switzerland. The general structure is about the same: kindergarten, elementary school, secondary school and university (the terms of study coincide with Russian ones). The main advantage of the educational system in Switzerland is its flexibility and multilingualism: depending on the specific educational institution, the education system can be Anglo-American, French, German, Swiss or Italian.

Primary school and the first stage of secondary education (from 6 to 15 years old) are compulsory and free in the country, after which students go to continue their studies in high school (another 3-4 years) or receive secondary vocational education and an applied profession - Maturité professionnelle. Vocational education does not mean that the road to higher education is closed. As a rule, graduates of vocational schools go to applied universities. Those who graduated high school, receive a matriculation certificate - Maturité gymnasiale and enter universities.

Schools in Switzerland

The quality of education in Swiss schools is at its best, both in private and public ones, Swiss certificates are accepted without question by universities around the world.

Public schools for citizens of the country are free. They are also open to children of foreigners living in Switzerland for a long time (diplomats and employees international organizations). It is extremely difficult for foreigners to get there "from outside".

In addition to the state, there are more than 260 boarding schools in Switzerland. Almost all of them are aimed at foreign students. Children of bankers, politicians study there, Arab sheikhs and other respected citizens. The best teachers and educators work in these schools, and the boarding houses themselves look more like elite sanatoriums than educational institutions. They are located outside the city, in very picturesque places, in addition to studying, children go in for horseback riding, tennis, ride skiing and go on mountain hikes. All this, of course, is not cheap: full-time education will cost from 25,000 CHF per semester, and a boarding house with accommodation - from 60,000 CHF per semester.

There are many programs in Swiss schools, but the most popular and at the same time difficult is Swiss Federal Maturite (Matura). It is divided into five thematic areas: ancient languages, mathematics and natural Sciences, modern languages and Latin, modern foreign languages ​​and economics. As you can see, the main emphasis in education is on the study of foreign languages, in Swiss schools this is extremely important, also because most schools are international. In each of the directions there are 2 specialized subjects, several secondary and in without fail sports, art criticism and etiquette. For foreigners, many schools have programs in different languages.

The requirements for entering Swiss universities are very high, and the cost of education is even higher, but it's worth it: more than a dozen Nobel laureates have graduated from Swiss universities.

Colleges in Switzerland

High school students have the opportunity to enter colleges in Switzerland - from the age of 15. After studying for three years in college, entering a Swiss university will be much easier than coming here after grade 11 in home country. Colleges teach accounting, information technology, hotel management and other professions. The term of study is 3-4 years, and the cost is approximately 3-4 times lower than in universities.

Higher education in Switzerland

The largest university in Switzerland is the University of Zurich. It is followed by the Zurich polytechnic school. Other universities and institutes (there are 12 state universities in the country, of which 7 are classical and 5 are specialized) are much smaller, but the quality of education does not suffer from this.

If you are planning to study economic sciences, you should pay attention to the universities of St. Gallen, legal specialties - to the universities of Fribourg, Lausanne and Carrier, exact sciences - to the universities of Zurich, but philology is best taught in Geneva. Universities that train specialists in the field of international tourism and hotel business are also popular.

The most popular specialties in Switzerland are medical, it is very difficult to enter there, since there is no end to local school graduates, and there are also restrictions on the enrollment of foreign students.

How to apply to a Swiss university

For foreign applicants at the University of Friborg, a single exam is held in early autumn, which consists of five disciplines: language, mathematics, history and two specialized ones. Many universities have preparatory departments for foreigners who start their work in 2-3 months

The Russian certificate is not quoted in all Swiss universities. The admissions committee reserves the right to appoint additional exams if the applicant's certificate does not correspond to the Swiss school curriculum.

In private universities, everything is simpler: only a certificate, a test confirming knowledge of the language, and an interview are required.

Higher education in public universities in Switzerland is paid, including for citizens of the country. However, the cost can be considered symbolic: from 1000 to 2000 CHF per year. It is noteworthy that for both local and foreign students the price is almost the same. The exception is the University of Italian Switzerland - 4000 CHF per year and 8000 CHF per year for foreigners. In private universities, of course, it will be much more expensive. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

Required documents

• certificate of secondary education (it is desirable that the grades were not lower than "fours" in all subjects)
• certificate confirming knowledge of the language (the one required by the program)
• certificate confirming knowledge of English (mandatory for everyone, not less than 500-550 TOEFL scores or 5.5-6.0 IELTS)
• the most stringent requirements are imposed by the German cantons - you need a certificate stating that you have studied in Russian university at least four semesters

A package of documents should be sent 5-12 months before the start of training.

Language schools in Switzerland

Switzerland is a multinational and multilingual country, here you can pick up almost any European language. The most popular courses are the international networks Eurocentres (French) and inlingua (German, French, Italian, English and Spanish). The Swiss language has been successfully taught at the C&L Study Center and Oekos Schule for many years.

The cost of training, depending on the duration and program - from 200 to 1000 CHF per course. For foreign applicants, language courses for admission are opened at universities in the summer.

Education systems in different countries

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The best universities in the world

• UK universities: Eton, Cambridge, London and others
• Universities in Germany: Berlin im. Humboldt, Düsseldorf Academy of Arts and others
• Universities of Ireland: Dublin, National University Galway, University of Limerick
• Universities of Italy: Bo, Bologna, Pisa, University for Foreigners in Perugia
• Universities of China: Beijing, Beida, Zhejiang University and others
• Lithuania: Vilnius University
• US Universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton and others

The main task of local universities is to produce a ready-made professional who understands innovations and is able to independently analyze information. But syllabus Higher education in Switzerland is not only made up of couples: it provides hours for active recreation. In their free time, students can engage in horse riding, mountaineering and other sports.

In addition, the cost of higher education in Switzerland is one of the most affordable in Europe; this is true for both local and Russian applicants. On average, the price starts from 1,000 Swiss francs per year.

Another important advantage for Russian students: almost all Swiss universities conduct classes in English, German, Italian and French.

Anyone who decides to get a higher education abroad should be aware of the possible difficulties. Studying at universities in Switzerland puts forward equally high requirements for foreigners, and for local, and for Russian students. In addition, each university has the right to conduct its own entrance tests further increasing competition.

All this is due to the fact that Switzerland is a country with high-tech production, where only first-class specialists are needed. This level of training will allow you to easily find a job in the world's leading companies, and the starting salary will be one and a half to two times higher than that of colleagues.

How to apply to universities in Switzerland

Switzerland is mostly spoken of as the country of the most delicious chocolate, reliable banks, expensive resorts and beautiful mountains. Here dear life, but open wonderful prospects for learning. Switzerland is home to the most prestigious universities in Europe, among the graduates of which are laureates Nobel Prize. But even for a Russian student, studies are available in this mountainous region. However, to do this, some difficulties must be overcome. It is very important to understand what constitutes education in Switzerland, which is so different from the schemes we are familiar with.

Switzerland: education system or systems?

Education in Switzerland is not a single centralized entity. Quantity completely independent educational systems is equal to the number of federal cantons (the so-called regions into which the country is divided). This is due to the peculiarities of the Swiss Constitution. But all 26 education systems in the country have something in common. The federal government is responsible for ensuring that in each region children and young people receive quality education, and this is accessible to their parents. In addition, education for citizens of the country from six to sixteen years of age should be free everywhere, and even mandatory. Diplomas obtained in different cantons are mutually recognized.

Principles of education in Switzerland

The main feature of education in Switzerland is that it is considered the best in the world. Ever since the Reformation in the 16th century, a completely new view of the process of teaching children was born here. And all education systems in different cantons of the country are still built on traditional Swiss methods. They were developed by such famous teachers as Pestalozzi, Montessori, Piaget and other celebrities. These are the founders of reformist pedagogy, which is based on the following principles:

• the education and upbringing of children is aimed at developing their individual abilities;
• in the process of education, the child should become interested in knowledge and show creative abilities in this regard as much as possible.

The education system in Switzerland is diverse and flexible. Programs and methods have absorbed the best that they could give pedagogical schools all over the world.

Preschool and Primary Education

Pre-school education in the country is not included in the list of compulsory types of education. But the majority of Swiss citizens prefer their children to go to kindergartens. It is believed that the child is thus easier to socialize and be better prepared for school. In total, about 154 thousand preschool children study in kindergartens in Switzerland. They send children there with very early age. There are even groups where four-month-old babies are accepted. But mostly children from three to four years old are taken to kindergartens. In these institutions, children study, play, eat, sleep. Almost all of them have a swimming pool, a gym. The most popular kindergartens are designed for kids to stay there for half a working day.

Private, public and specialized preschool institutions

Kindergartens are private and public, there are almost five thousand of them in the country. 300 of them are private, with paid education. And in state preschool institutions part of the costs is borne by the city where the kindergarten is located. Parents pay the amount that corresponds to their income. Private kindergartens offer a rotating schedule, when the child is left after lunch and picked up on the way home. Some institutions accept children full-time, but there are no boarding schools and 24-hour establishments in Switzerland. There are also kindergartens in this country designed for children with disabilities and disabilities. There for them are created special conditions, but still they try to instill in these children the same skills as the rest. And the kids are in these kindergartens until they get the skills, thanks to which they will be able to attend regular kindergartens.

How preschoolers are taught

Games are the main method of teaching children in the system of preschool education. Children repeat songs, poems, observe nature, listen to entertaining stories. At the same time, the child begins to learn languages. A didactic approach aimed at mastering a certain amount of knowledge, teachers consider it inappropriate for children at this age. The local methodology is pragmatic and focused on the individual. In the process of playing learning, educators notice the inclinations and creative abilities of the baby and begin to develop them. Leaving the kindergarten in Switzerland, the child knows less than, for example, his Russian peer, but is better physically developed, self-confident and in a good mood.

Primary school education

Often kindergartens are departments at institutions primary education. After all, little Swiss also start going to school early - from the age of five or six. Therefore, now many kindergartens are gradually merging with schools. Soon they will represent two stages of primary education. In most regions of Switzerland, this period of study lasts six years. In order to enroll in primary school, you do not need to pass tests or pass exams - it is open to everyone. One of the main subjects at school is a foreign language. The teaching load depends on the teachers and the region: it can be from 23 to 32 lessons per week. All subjects are taught by only one teacher.

Secondary education in Switzerland

Compulsory secondary education in Switzerland is primary and first secondary (Secondaire I). Young Swiss go through this stage from 6 to 15 years old. IN public schools this education is free. Secondaire I lasts three or four years after graduation from elementary school. Already at this stage, depending on the abilities demonstrated by the students, they are divided into four groups:

1. Those who are going to study further in academic universities. They are preparing to pass exams and enter the gymnasium (conditionally group "A").
2. real class students. Children go through the same program, but with a lower intensity of mastering the material (group "B").
3. Special classes for children who have difficulty with school curriculum(group "C").
4. Those who, after graduating from the first stage of secondary school, immediately enter special gymnasiums, where education lasts for six years.

If the students in the class are more low level» begin to show good performance, they can be transferred to another group, but this will take a lot of effort.

Secondaire II - second stage

Secondaire II - the next, senior level of school, which means receiving a complete secondary education. As a rule, the stage takes another two to four additional years, depending on what type of education students choose or what kind of education exists in this canton. But no matter where the schools are located, they are all well-equipped, have a large territory and modern sports grounds.

Gymnasiums

In the gymnasium, they choose a profile (humanitarian, natural science, and so on), according to which they study 15 basic subjects and several additional ones. Pupils are also preparing to take the exam and receive the maturation certificate (Maturité gymnasiale). With it, you can already go to university and continue your academic education. This certificate is given to young people aged 18-19 years.

Professional education

Those who did not enter the gymnasium continue their professional education. This is what most Swiss people do. At the same time, students go to school for 2 days, and train for three days a week at the enterprise in their field. They receive a certificate of secondary vocational education (Maturité professionnelle). With this document, they also come without exams to the university, but of a special type. This is the so-called applied (or professional) university. If, however, students who have received a vocational education still wish to enter the university, then they will have to take exams.

I personally see my pluses and minuses in each of the options: gymnasium or lere (vocational training). You can enter our gymnasium after the second and third grades. Schools have special preparatory courses for admission. But if the goal is a gymnasium, then you need to take tutors unequivocally, there are online sites where teachers, depending on the place of residence, offer their services, even with a home visit for classes. When you enter a gymnasium, you already lose the opportunity to find a lere in case of failure, since the employer wants to have a 100% guarantee. Therefore, many of those who failed the entrance exams go to the tenth grade in a special school. Why do teachers dissuade, according to our teachers, they say, a gymnasium is needed if the child then plans to enter the university, and here it would be necessary to know in advance who the child wants to become by profession. If the university is unnecessary, then there is no point. In general, I know the guys who, after graduating from the gymnasium, went to work, and not to study further, they said that they had no strength, they were tired and tired, they were really loaded there.

Irina Dryada

http://forum.ladoshki.ch/showthread.php?31635-Child-preparing-for-gymnasium-in-Switzerland-(tests-exams-recommendations-how-to-choose-gymnasium)

Boarding houses

Traditionally, many foreigners have always studied and worked in Switzerland. Therefore, many private schools work according to the standard of not only Swiss education, but also major countries world (there are French, Italian, English and international programs). Their graduates receive certificates that are recognized in Switzerland. But when entering a university, students are required to pass exams for a passing score, as well as demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the language in which they will continue to study. In total, there are 260 such schools and boarding schools in Switzerland. Almost all of them are located in resort areas. Not only foreigners study in private schools, but also citizens of Switzerland. Therefore, there are active discussions in the country about whether communities should reimburse parents for at least part of the cost of educating a child in a boarding school.

Features of studying in Switzerland

Since Switzerland has several official languages, schools are taught in one of them: German, French or Italian. In addition, graduates must be proficient in a second official language optional, as well as English. If Swiss preschool education is inferior to the Russian one in terms of the level of knowledge, then the secondary education of this country is highly valued in the world. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) rated the level of Swiss graduates above the European average. State kindergartens and primary schools the countries are financed by the communities (villages and towns), while the secondary schools are financed by the cantons.

When does the school year start

Each canton of the country decides this issue in its own way. In some regions, schoolchildren go to school on August 11, 15, 20. On September 1, the latest schools start working. True, there are discussions in the country about having some one date for the start of the school year throughout the country. But such issues are submitted to a referendum, and it must be approved by at least 10 cantons.

Video: Russian children in schools in Switzerland

Are schools open to visitors?

Children of foreigners, including Russians, can go to regular Swiss schools for free. But here everything depends on the canton of residence and on at what stage of Swiss education the child “fitted” into it. If he went to primary or secondary school (Secondaire I), then he is entitled to free language classes(depending on the language in which the training is conducted). They are organized directly in schools. If we are talking about Secondaire II, then the child will have to take special courses until he masters the language sufficiently. Without this, he simply will not be allowed to the senior level of the school. This is done because from half to 2/3 of foreign children study in Swiss schools, and teachers prefer to keep high level knowledge of the language of instruction. There are schools with English as the language of instruction, but they are paid.

Dreaming of living and studying in Switzerland? Then you need to understand the intricacies of the process of immigration to the country:

Inclusive education

Switzerland can boast that the inclusive format of education has been functioning in the country for a long time. People with special needs study here along with everyone else. However, they are not subject to any discrimination. All buildings, libraries, classrooms are equipped with special devices and means so that people with limited mobility, hearing or vision problems, and so on, can visit them. This type of training not only develops the social skills of people with disabilities, but teaches other schoolchildren and students how to behave with such people. In addition, depending on their illness or other features, students with disabilities can choose for themselves such an educational institution, where there is a specialized and specially equipped rehabilitation center. The schools employ specialists who help such children and teach them using the most advanced interactive methods. As a result, people with disabilities are included in adult life with little or no problems.

Higher education

Money for the higher education of young people is allocated by the cantons where certain universities are located, and only two universities receive funding from the federal budget. There are two types of higher education institutions in Switzerland: universities and applied universities (including business schools and evening technical colleges where working people study). Applied universities train narrow specialists for some kind of activity, for example, tourism or engineering. In total, there are 23 applied universities in Switzerland (of which 14 are pedagogical) and 120 technical colleges. Education in them is designed for 3-4 years.

Academic education

Academic education in Switzerland is available only at universities. They are mostly state-owned in the country. There are two federal universities, 10 cantonal, several private, and 2 institutes of technology. Education at the university lasts from four to six years. But in connection with the adaptation of Switzerland's education to the Bologna system, most universities have a bachelor's degree (three years) and a master's degree (one and a half to two years). After receiving a master's degree, they study for an additional three years in order to obtain a Ph.D. The academic year consists of two semesters: winter (October to March) and summer (April to July).

Photo gallery: popular Swiss universities for study

First-class economists are trained at the University of Lausanne The Metropolitan University specializes in teaching law, medicine and philology The University of Zurich is the largest in the country. He is known for the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Basel, the oldest in Switzerland

Universities in Switzerland - a brief description

The oldest university in Switzerland is located in Basel. It was founded in 1460. And the largest academic university in the country is the University of Zurich. 25 thousand students study here at the same time. It has several faculties, and the largest and most popular is the philosophical one. More than half of the students at the University of Zurich attend this faculty. They also teach natural sciences, medicine, economics, theology, veterinary medicine, and law. The prestigious Higher Technical School operates at the University of Zurich, where they study architecture, management, mathematics, and social sciences.

Video: student feedback on studying at the University of Geneva

Other popular universities and destinations

The universities of Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel and Friborg are also popular. The University of Geneva is known for teaching law, medicine and Russian literature. Lausanne trains criminologists, lawyers, biologists, theologians, pharmacologists, and psychologists. And the University of Bern is famous for its faculties of political science, physics, astronomy and statistics. Assessing the quality of education in Swiss universities, experts say that economics is best taught in St. Gallen and Lausanne, banking - in Basel and Zurich, law in Fribourg and Neufchâtel, and philology in Geneva.

What are the prospects for Russians to get an education in Switzerland?

Studying at a Swiss university is available not only for citizens, but also for foreign students. And for the latter, it is one of the cheapest in Europe. Of the 245 thousand students, more than 47 thousand are foreigners, and their number is constantly growing. Switzerland is one of the first European countries, which introduced exchange programs for students. It is easier for foreigners to enter an applied university than a university. Therefore, Russians who wish to study at Swiss academic universities often choose to study at a vocational college, business school, or applied university first.

Video: feedback on studies and practice at the university of hotel management in Switzerland

What do the Russians choose

For Russians, the most popular universities are professional, technical, and business schools, where they teach tourism, hotel and restaurant management, banking, and finance. Such an education is not only prestigious, but also capable of further providing good career. After all, Switzerland is a benchmark in the field of tourism and hotel business, especially in mountain resorts. And banking in this country is so well developed that any employer will not refuse a graduate of a specialized Swiss college or business school, because they train the best specialists in the world. Students from Russia also go to Switzerland to study art, design, economics and sociology.

The main thing is the language

Teaching in different cantons is conducted in the official language this region so this should be taken into account when applying. But if a student lacks knowledge of the language, he can attend additional courses that will help him "catch up" with his classmates. It is easiest for people from Russia or the CIS countries to enter French-speaking universities in Geneva, Lausanne or Neufchâtel. They go there immediately after graduating from high school. To do this, you need to provide a high school diploma with a high grade and a certificate of knowledge of French (DALF). There are no exams for these universities, as well as a competition. All applicants who meet the requirements are accepted.

What do universities want?

German-speaking universities require foreign students to have already studied for two years in their own country. For foreign applicants you will also have to pass a single exam of five subjects (three mandatory, and two at the choice of the university). This exam is also required by Italian-speaking and some French-speaking universities. It is rented once a year - in autumn, in September-October in the city of Friborg. There are special courses for foreigners. They help applicants prepare for this exam. Courses last 33 weeks. Language tests for those who do not have certificates are also taken there. And in some applied universities - for example, tourism, business, management - they teach in English. Therefore, to enter there, you need to pass an English proficiency test (mainly TOEFL) along with a certificate. By the way, the number of study programs in English is increasing in Switzerland every year. In addition, universities may introduce competitive examinations for particularly popular programs.

If you have completed less than 2 courses (in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine - in general, not at a European university), for admission to the Swiss. The university will have to take the Friborg exam. It consists of 5 subjects, three of them are compulsory (foreign language, mathematics, history), two are offered to choose from. Everything is in a foreign language (German, French - depends on the university, canton). Therein lies the difficulty. My friend specially went to Friborg for preparatory courses in order to enter the University of Zurich.

http://forum.ruswiss.ch/topic/20110-education-in-switzerland/page-3

Stages of admission

Despite regional or typical features, the admission of a Russian student to any Swiss university consists of the following stages:

1. Registration for a selected course or program through an electronic application.
2. Payment of the registration fee (the amount is returned if the applicant is accepted).
3. Submission of the following documents to the selected university:
   • original or certified copy of the certificate and / or diploma with grades;
   • if the applicant has already studied at a Russian university, then he sends a curriculum and a list of subjects that he studied (in the language in which the education takes place at the university). The number of academic hours for each subject is also indicated;
   • a short autobiography and two photographs 30 x 40 mm;
   • two letters of recommendation with signatures of officials;
   • motivation letter;
   • confirmation of solvency (in most cases, this is a certificate of having a bank account for at least 20 thousand dollars or a guarantee to pay the required amount for tuition and living expenses).

There is always detailed information about other documents, as well as in what form and in what time frame they are submitted on the website of the chosen university. Then it remains to pass a language test and / or an exam for foreigners in Friborg, take out insurance and get a study visa.

Cost of education

Since Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries Europe, it is believed that studying there is very expensive. But this is only true if the student chooses a private university, hospitality college or business school. There, training can cost from 20 to 75 thousand dollars a year. In public educational institutions - universities and colleges - Swiss citizens study for free. Legally foreign students, including those from Russia, also study for free. They just give from 500 to a thousand francs (320-640 dollars) per semester for minimal contributions. This is not very much, considering the expensive country to study in. The rest - up to 95% - is paid by the state.

Opportunity to work

Switzerland enables young people from other countries studying at its universities to officially work from the second year of study. Therefore, students are given special kind residence permit (Permis B). In addition, it is necessary to issue a permit for part-time employment in the rector's office. The issuance of such a permit does not depend on the student's academic performance. The main condition is that part-time work does not interfere with learning. The number of working hours varies from canton to canton. In general, it should not exceed 15 hours per week during the semester. You can work full time during holidays. Many students earn extra money in the universities themselves - in departments, help professors write books or conduct research, and so on. If students do not study at universities, but at professional universities or business schools, then there are many paid internship programs. In this case, the university itself selects the job.

What grants and scholarships are available

The country provides grants for studying in Switzerland only to students from EU countries. For others there are government scholarships, but their number is negligible. Thus, 30-40 scholarships are allocated for studying at Swiss universities for citizens of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Basically, they go to excellent students. There are also scholarships for foreigners who already have a higher education, but want to study at a postgraduate course at a state university in the country. The size of such a scholarship is about $ 1,700, it is paid for 9 months ( academic year). 8 special scholarships per year are for undergraduate or graduate students in economics. They are paid by the International Student Association project to support those who study economics.

Additional Scholarships

Some scholarships, such as those for Masters in Art and Music, are provided by the Swiss government for students from countries with which mutual agreements have been concluded (Russia is one of them). They cover all tuition and living expenses. With this scholarship, you do not need to provide a bank account certificate. In addition, each year, Swiss universities allocate an average of 5-10 scholarships of 1,600 francs for international students to study in various fields. master's programs. Scholarships for Russian students are often provided by the Swiss embassy in Russia.

I was at the Swiss Language Club in Leysin. The school is located in a small, very pretty town in the mountains. The views are simply breathtaking. The air and nature are amazing. Every night before going to bed, I opened the window and enjoyed the birds singing and starry sky. I lived in a single room with a private bathroom. It was very comfortable and clean. We were fed very well. The freshest dairy products, lots of fruits and vegetables. Food for every taste and very varied.

Igor

http://www.edutravel.ru/otzyvy_o_poluchenii_obrazovanija_v_shvejcarii.php

How students live in Switzerland

The system of higher education in Switzerland differs from the rest of Europe also in that some universities not only accommodate students on campuses, but also provide food, books, and, if possible, even inexpensive clothing. It is believed that in this way students will be focused on their studies, and not on looking for a part-time job. It depends on the university itself, as well as on its agreement with the applicant. It may include renting an apartment or a room in a student house. To live in Switzerland, taking into account the cost of food, transport and personal needs, students will need an average of one and a half to 2.5 thousand Swiss francs per month. There is no time for foreign students to have fun and live life in Switzerland. The study is very difficult, the requirements are high. Therefore, almost all of their time is spent sitting in libraries and working part-time during the holidays. In addition, after the first and second courses, students pass very difficult exams, after which up to half of the students are eliminated.

After each course, a mandatory practice of 4-6 months in hotels. In Switzerland, BHMS finds a job for internship and the salary during the internship is 2150 francs - in rubles it turns out about 70 thousand per month. Minus taxes, insurance and housing - I got 1,500 francs a month. Practice is found for all students and these practices are quite complicated - this is Europe. They want YOU to work during practice! After all, after all, and you are paid money for this, so sometimes after a hard day's work, when you come home, you only had the strength to crawl to bed and go to bed. But I liked it and enjoyed it.

Kartuzov Anton

http://www.ubo.ru/articles/?cat=101&pub=3413

Table: pros and cons of studying in Switzerland

Stability, as well as the features of its democracy and political structure reflected in Swiss education. Universities have broad autonomy and develop their own study programs. At the same time, the government of the country and local authorities, despite economic crises, generously finance universities, gymnasiums, schools and kindergartens. In any canton, no matter what features in education it differs, excellent teachers and teachers await a schoolchild or student. Graduates of Swiss universities, technical colleges and business schools speak several European languages, receive prestigious diplomas and become professionals who will be gladly hired in any country. Yes, for this you will have to study by the sweat of your brow, pore over books and not get out of libraries. Means should be found to live and eat, or a stipend should be obtained. But the prospect of leaving the walls of the university as a sought-after specialist with the opportunity to live and work safely in Europe is worth it.

Switzerland is recognized as the best state in the world and occupies a leading position in the rankings of living conditions. This also applies to education. The opportunity to comprehensively develop and reveal individuality is the main principle of the local education system. Another advantage in not having official language: taught in English, German, French and Italian. A Swiss diploma opens the way to life in the country, in the European Union and America.

Admission to Switzerland is a difficult process. There are 35 higher educational institutions (12 classical) and 120 professional colleges in the country, which increases the competition.

There are three educational programs:

• Undergraduate - 3.5–4 years;
• Master - 1–2 years;
• Doctorate - 3 years.

The study lasts 4-6 years. Consists of two semesters: summer (October-March) and winter (April-July). Specific dates are specified on the website. Admissions committees open in the spring, and lectures begin in the fall.

The Bologna system operates in the state. The study is divided into three cycles. In each of them, you need to collect a certain number of credits that are awarded for achievements:

• The first cycle is a bachelor's degree, 180 ECTS;
• Second cycle - master's degree, 90–120 ECTS;
• The third cycle is doctoral studies, the number of credits is individual.

Students must be at least 18 years of age to enter. Most Russian graduates will have to study at home for a year or enroll in preparatory courses.

Upon admission, a foreigner takes five exams in Friborg. In the first and second year, difficult exams are taken, which eliminate up to 50% of students. At the university level, regulated required amount credits ( ECTS) for further translation.

A common way to enter from Russia, the CIS is to unlearn in specialized school. They are cheaper and are accepted right after elementary school.

Learning programs

Higher education is divided into:

• Traditional (classical) - scientifically oriented. These are federal research and technical institutes;
• Pedagogical - preparation for teaching in educational institutions (preschool, schools and higher);
• Applied sciences and arts - practice-oriented, prepare for work in the profession. These are mainly institutes of arts, musical institutions, etc.

Every year the number of faculties grows, including those where they teach at foreign languages. A lot of time is devoted to the practical part, after graduating from the bachelor's degree, the path to the labor market is open, and the master's degree provides in-depth knowledge and opens up access to work in large companies. Distinguished students receive doctoral degrees.

Each stage has specific features.

• Undergraduate - takes 3-4 years (depending on the specialty). Most of the lectures are required to attend. At the beginning, the applicant chooses a direction and receives a list of subjects;
• Master's degree - lasts 1–2 years. You need a bachelor's degree in the same specialty. The choice of the majority of students, opening the way to large companies;
• Doctorate (postgraduate studies) - the term is set individually. A master's degree in the same specialty is required. At the end, a scientific dissertation is written and defended.

High school students (a child from 15 years old) and graduates enter professional colleges. This is the choice of most applicants, since it is cheaper than preparatory courses and makes it easier to enroll in the institute. The average term is 3-4 years (or less if you pass the exams).

Conditions for admission

Requirements for applicants vary depending on the region and university. Sometimes entrance exams are also required.

First of all, knowledge of the language in which lectures will be conducted is required. The level of proficiency is indicated by the institute. Twice a year - in June and September - language exams are held in Friborg. Deadlines are not limited, you can prepare and study at the preparatory courses. The price is about 4600€.

Some institutions also accept other international certificates:

• English - IELTS and TOEFL;
• French - DALF and DELF;
• German - Goethe Certificate;
• Italian - CELI.

Proof of academic grade required. For an undergraduate degree, this is a high school diploma (11 grades or 9 grades plus vocational college), for a master's degree - a bachelor's degree (Swiss or domestic). In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, a certificate is not enough, a couple of years of study in your home country are required.

Sometimes you need a minimum for enrollment average rating in the certificate (diploma) and passing the profile exam. The exam takes place in Friborg in early autumn. It's three compulsory subject- mathematics, history and language (in which lectures are conducted), one specialized and, if desired, another foreign. You can prepare for it in courses that last 8 months (October-June). Conducted in German and French.

List of required documents

For Russians and CIS citizens, the following documents are required:

• Application (a form to be filled out on the website of the university);
• Confirmation of payment of the registration fee;
• Identity card (passport);
• Two color photographs 30×40 mm;
• Notarized copies of academic certificates (diploma, school certificate, other degrees);
• Certificate of passing the language exam (if any);
• List of educational institutions attended by the applicant.

After receiving an invitation, papers for a student visa are submitted. The average processing time takes 2-6 months, so it is better to apply as early as possible. For the winter semester - in February, and for the summer - in July-August.

Cost of education

The state is loyal in prices. The cost ranges from 1000-2500 € per year (for foreigners and citizens of the state).

Varies depending on the level (price per year):

• Undergraduate - ~1200€;
• Master - ~1200€;
• PhD - ~240€.

In private universities, the price is high - up to 30 000€. School fees are about 48 000€ in year.

Is it possible to study for free

You can't get an education in Switzerland for free. Public and private institutions are paid both for the Swiss themselves and for foreign citizens. You can partially cover the costs with scholarships or grants.

Scholarships and grants for foreigners

The government provides three types of scholarships, the amount of which depends on the specific specialty:

• Research - for students under 35 with a master's degree;
• For doctoral studies - awarded monthly for three years;
• For postdoctoral research - awarded for a year with the possibility of extension up to six months.

Educational institutions themselves issue basic and honorary scholarships. The former receive everything, while the latter are given out for success and achievement. On average, scholarships are around 1500€ per month. The exact figure is better to check on the website of the university.

Grants for master's programs are annually issued by the University of Lausanne. Applicants must have excellent academic performance, a bachelor's degree in the same specialty, be fluent (C1-C2) in German or French. Grant applicants receive a scholarship of 1280 €. Applications are submitted to SASME.

Features of internship and exchange studies

A student from Russia or the CIS who has completed his first year at home can go to Switzerland on an exchange. To do this, you must apply for participation in the program international exchange or coordinate this issue with the university if it cooperates with the state.

Main requirements:

• Excellent scores in subjects for the last semester;
• Good knowledge of French or German, the presence of certificates confirming this.

On a student visa, a foreigner can work a maximum of 15 hours a week, during holidays without restrictions. The main expenses (accommodation, institute) are paid by the exchange program.

Internships are held in the following areas:

• Economics and Finance;
• Tourism;
• Pharmacology;
• Technological specialties and IT (large companies provide internships for them: Microsoft, Google, IBM).

Proficiency in English is desirable.

living expenses

Despite the cost public institutions, life itself in the country is expensive.

Most students look for their own housing. A popular option is to rent an apartment, a room in a student house or a hostel. The more populated the city, the more expensive housing. On average, it costs 400–800 € per month.

On average, students spend €1500-€2000 per month on housing, food, insurance, transport and educational materials. It is allowed to work up to 15 hours a week, earning up to 1600 € per month.

However, if a foreigner travels on an exchange, all expenses are covered for him.

Top Universities

The best universities in Switzerland are also leading in international rankings. The most popular of them:

• Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich. Offers unique faculties, ranked in the top ten of the QS world rankings in the fields of engineering and natural sciences;
• École polytechnique federale de Lausanne. Most foreign students and lecturers, ahead of ETH Zurich in materials science. Website: ;
• Universität Zurich. The largest university in the state, programs of various profiles; technical, medical and humanitarian sciences. Website: ;
• Université de Geneve. An institution with many profiles, 10 faculties, the most popular direction is philosophy. Website: ;
• University of Basel. Medicine and Humanities, cooperates with research centers. Website: .

Based on the opinion of experts, it is possible to single out cities in which it is better to study one or another direction:

• Economy - St. Gallen;
• Philology - Geneva;
• Jurisprudence - Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Lausanne;
• Banking - Zurich, Basil;
• Engineering - Zurich;
• Medicine - Zurich, Basil, Geneva.