As an international student, you are sure to feel instant comfort in Switzerland. The country has a long and eminent history of distinction in hospitality education. Students who talk about their experiences studying abroad often praise the people and their warmth. Also, because the country and cities are small, the distances between the universities, campuses, libraries, and so on can be extremely short, making the commute easy.
Another advantage of studying in Switzerland is that its institutions place a greater emphasis on papers and theses, with grades given after taking into account students’ practical knowledge.
The majority of Ph.D. students at Swiss institutions are from other countries. Wherever you study, you’ll be a member of a diverse and inclusive academic community.
The Swiss higher education system places a strong emphasis on extending Ph.D. training and developing innovative new research opportunities.
Switzerland has four official languages, hence education is multilingual. Many Ph.D. programs are also available in English, giving students of varied language backgrounds a variety of possibilities.
Postdoctoral and early-career researchers are supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which gives significant financing to postdoctoral and early-career researchers who opt to undertake research in Switzerland after earning their Ph.D.
Foreign students appreciate Swiss colleges because they are well-funded, well-regarded, and well-liked. It’s no wonder that Switzerland produces the best bankers and lawyers in the world. Ph.D. degrees in the following fields are among the best and most sought-after:
Pricing at individual colleges is completely up to them. They usually cost between €182 (Rs 15,391.45) and €1,995 (Rs 1,68,651.32) for a complete PhD (but they can cost up to €6,145 (Rs 12, 256.76)).
Universities don’t always disclose the entire cost structure. They inform you of the semester expenses. As a result, you should double-check the cost listed on the website. Additional fees, such as registration fees, examination fees, student union fees, and so on, are imposed by universities. They are typically reasonable, but knowing the breakdown of your Ph.D. expenses is always a good idea.
A Ph.D. in STEM courses is highly recognized in Switzerland, which normally wants competent professionals in STEM sectors. Non-EU citizens must apply for government authorization to live in Switzerland, which is granted only if the (possible) employer can show that no eligible Swiss or EU citizens are available for the position.
At a university, Ph.D. candidates are frequently hired as Research Assistants/Ph.D. Candidates. Depending on the university and research area, the monthly compensation ranges from CHF 2000 (INR 1.64 lakh) to more than CHF 6000 (INR 4.91 lakh). The pay is frequently indicated in the job contract.
Ph.D. students can also work as researchers at a firm or at an applied science university.
A master’s degree in a suitable discipline is required before applying for a Swiss Ph.D. program. It will be a major academic prerequisite for entrance to Ph.D. research programs.
Ph.D. programs are available in both the native and English languages. The availability of English-language Ph.D. options in Switzerland may be affected by the popularity of your field. Science, engineering, and business are more likely to be taught in English; yet, arts and humanities disciplines may exclusively be taught in the native language.
In most circumstances, there is no deadline for Ph.D. applications in Switzerland. International students from outside the EU/EEA, on the other hand, should apply as soon as possible to ensure that their visa application is handled in a timely manner.
Students from the European Union and the European Economic Area
Students from the European Union and the European Economic Area do not require a visa to study in Switzerland. You can enter the nation freely for up to 90 days.
You’ll need to register with your local cantonal authorities and apply for a long-term residence permit because this isn’t nearly enough time to do a Ph.D. Within 14 days of your arrival in Switzerland, you must finish it.
To pursue a Ph.D. in Switzerland, students from outside the EU or the three EEA nations (Lichtenstein, Iceland, and Norway) will need a student visa. It will be a category D employment or study visa that will last longer than 90 days.
Switzerland has a universal healthcare system that guarantees access to a wide range of high-quality medical services and treatments. Students from countries that offer international health coverage, such as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by the EU, may be free from the obligation to have health insurance. Other students may be excluded if their native nation has comparable health care.
All international Ph.D. students (from the EU, EEA, and others) in Switzerland must be financially self-sufficient.
You may also be able to produce a sponsorship statement from a Swiss national or another qualified third party willing to cover your expenditures while you study abroad.
A Ph.D. from Switzerland will equip you well for a career in academia or business. Switzerland’s universities are internationally renowned and recognized, and they participate in a wide range of international research initiatives and partnerships.
It implies that your Swiss Ph.D. will not only be acknowledged and appreciated in academic departments throughout the world but you will also be introduced to a range of international research networks.