Switzerland is a renowned destination for international students seeking world-class education and promising career prospects. With its prestigious universities, such as ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva, and a thriving job market, the country has witnessed a significant influx of foreign students in recent years. However, the high cost of living in Switzerland can pose a considerable challenge, especially for those from different economic backgrounds. According to the Mercer Cost of Living Survey 2022, Zurich and Geneva rank among the top five most expensive cities globally for expatriates. The cost of living in Switzerland is substantially higher compared to other popular study destinations like Germany, France, or the UK. This financial burden can strain the budgets of international students, requiring them to rely heavily on scholarships, part-time employment, or personal savings to meet their expenses. While the educational and professional opportunities in Switzerland are undeniably attractive, it is crucial for prospective international students to carefully understand and prepare for the substantial costs involved.
International students in Switzerland face a very high cost of living, even by European standards. Average monthly costs just for essentials like housing, food, transportation, and health insurance tend to run between 1,500-2,500 EUR in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne. Adding in other unavoidable expenses like utilities, mobile phones, and basic entertainment, monthly budgets of 2,500-3,500 EUR are common for students in Switzerland. Over the course of a year, the total cost of living for one academic year (9 months) is roughly 22,500-36,000 EUR on average. However, costs can fluctuate based on the housing situation, travel frequency, and spending habits. Precise yearly budgets in the range of 25,000-40,000 EUR are usually required for international students to fully cover living expenses in this notoriously expensive country.
This article attempts to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the major expenses international students can expect to encounter, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other associated expenses, as well as provide strategies to reduce the cost of living.
Cost of Living in Switzerland: Highlights
Accommodation | 400-800 EUR |
Food | 350-600 EUR |
Transportation | 100-150 EUR |
Utilities | 200-400 EUR |
Entertainment and Leisure | 200-400 EUR |
Health | 1400-2500 EUR (yearly) |
Cost of Living in Switzerland: Breakdown by Expense
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation is generally quite expensive for international students in Switzerland due to the country’s high cost of living. On-campus housing at Swiss universities typically ranges from 370-740 EUR per month for a single room. These university residences often have shared kitchens and bathrooms. The prices vary based on the room size, amenities, and location – rooms in cities like Geneva and Zurich tend to be at the higher end of that range.
Many students also opt for shared private accommodation off-campus. The average monthly rent for a small studio or one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range area of cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Lausanne falls between 1,110-1,850 EUR. Rent prices increase for larger apartments, newer buildings, and more central locations. For example, a one-bedroom in Geneva’s city center averages around 1,760 EUR. Students often look for flatshares to split costs, with rooms in shared apartments ranging from 500-1,110 EUR.
Food
Food and grocery expenses make up a significant portion of the monthly budget for international students in Switzerland. On average, students should expect to spend around 370-555 EUR per month on food and basic groceries. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants can cost 14-23 EUR for a basic meal. A combo meal at a fast food chain like McDonald’s is around 13 EUR. Cooking meals at home is generally much cheaper. A dozen eggs may cost 3.70-5.55 EUR and a liter of milk is 1.20-1.65 EUR. Fresh produce tends to be quite expensive, with 1 kg of apples costing about 3.70 EUR. For dry goods, pasta averages 0.90-1.85 EUR per 500g and rice is 1.85-3.70 EUR per kg. Students can cut costs by shopping at budget grocery stores like Aldi or Lidl versus higher-end supermarkets. Taking advantage of weekly sales, buying in bulk, and sticking to seasonal produce also helps reduce the food bill. Those with meal plans through their university may pay 460-740 EUR per semester for dining hall access.
Transportation
Transportation is another major expense for international students in Switzerland. The costs can vary significantly depending on the city and whether students opt for public transportation or a personal vehicle. Most students rely on public transit which is efficient but pricey in Swiss cities. A monthly transit pass in Zurich costs around 85 EUR while in Geneva it’s 65 EUR. These passes allow unlimited usage of trams, buses, and trains within the city/canton. For travel between cities, a half-fare card for 170 EUR per year provides 50% discounts on all national train tickets.
Some students purchase or lease cars or motorbikes for more flexibility. However, this comes with higher costs for the vehicle, mandatory insurance of around 92 EUR monthly, an annual road tax of around 92-275 EUR, and parking fees of 28-92 EUR per month. Fuel is also very expensive at around 1.85 EUR per liter of petrol. Bicycles offer a cheap alternative at 46-275 EUR for a basic model plus potential bike locker rental fees. Yet hilly terrain in cities like Geneva poses challenges.
Utilities
Utilities are a significant monthly expense for international students in Switzerland. These costs can add up quickly, especially for those living in private apartments. Electricity costs average around 30-60 EUR per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. However, this can be higher during winter months when heating is needed. Gas heating can add 50-150 EUR monthly through the colder season.
Internet/cable TV bundles usually run around 50-100 EUR per month depending on the provider and package selected. A basic internet-only plan may cost 30-60 EUR. Mobile phone plans with a Swiss provider typically start around 20 EUR per month for minimal data and go up to 60 EUR or more for unlimited data and calling. Water/sewage/trash removal fees apply even in university housing and average 30-50 EUR per month. Student housing also often requires paying a semestrial fee for utilities that can range from 100-300 EUR twice a year. Those renting private apartments will likely pay 150-350 EUR per month for the combined utility costs of electricity, gas, internet, mobile, and municipal fees. Careful usage and conservation can help minimize these recurring expenses.
Entertainment and Leisure
Going out to movies is expensive, with tickets typically ranging from 15-22 EUR. A night out at bars or clubs can easily cost 30-60 EUR or more after paying entry fees and purchasing drinks at 8-15 EUR each. For sports and fitness, student memberships at university gyms may cost around 100-300 EUR per semester. Joining a private gym runs about 80-150 EUR monthly. Lift tickets for a day of skiing/snowboarding average 50-80 EUR.
Travel and sightseeing are popular pastimes. Day trips using trains/buses can cost 30-60 EUR. Overnight accommodation runs 80-200 EUR per night for budget hotels/hostels. International airfare for visiting home gets very expensive, often 500 EUR or higher. Students can cut costs through free/low-cost options like hiking, visiting museums on free days (around 10 EUR), renting sporting equipment, or attending university club/society events. Cooking group meals can substitute eating out.
Health
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, including international students. The costs can be quite high compared to other countries. All students must enroll in a basic compulsory health insurance plan from a Swiss provider. The monthly premiums for basic plans typically range from 100-330 EUR per month depending on the insurance company, deductible level selected, and the canton of residence. Students may also want supplemental insurance policies to cover things like dental, alternative medicine, or private hospital rooms which can add 30-100 EUR per month. Some universities provide supplemental health insurance to students for an annual fee of around 90-150 EUR.
Suggested Reading: Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students
Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in Switzerland
Accommodation: Look for affordable housing options such as student residences, shared apartments, or renting a room in a private house. Websites like studenthousing.ch and platforms like Airbnb can offer budget-friendly accommodation options.
Meal Planning: Cooking at home can be more cost-effective than eating out. Plan your meals in advance, buy groceries in bulk, and take advantage of local markets for fresh produce. Additionally, consider preparing meals in batches to save time and money.
Public Transportation: Switzerland has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Invest in a monthly or annual travel pass, which often provides discounts compared to purchasing individual tickets. Opting for a bike can also be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts offered by restaurants, shops, museums, and recreational activities. Keep your student ID with you at all times to avail of these discounts.
Part-Time Work: Explore opportunities for part-time work to supplement your income. Many universities have student job portals or career centers that can assist you in finding employment opportunities that fit your academic schedule.
Budgeting: Create a realistic budget that outlines your monthly expenses and income. Track your spending to identify areas where you can cut back and save money. There are several budgeting apps available that can help you manage your finances effectively.
Health Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage, as healthcare costs in Switzerland can be high. Compare different insurance plans to find one that offers adequate coverage at a reasonable price.
Free Activities: Switzerland offers plenty of free or low-cost activities for students to enjoy. Take advantage of hiking trails, public parks, museums with free entry days, and cultural events happening in your city.
Utilities: Be mindful of your energy consumption to avoid high utility bills. Turn off lights, unplug electronics when not in use, and limit water usage to keep utility costs down.
Scholarships and Grants: Explore scholarship and grant opportunities specifically available for international students studying in Switzerland. These financial aids can help offset tuition and living expenses.
Suggested Reading: Living Expenses in the UK for International Students
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average cost of living for international students in Switzerland can be extremely high without heavy financial support or aid in terms of scholarships or grants. Pursuing higher education abroad is a significant financial commitment, and it is crucial to carefully research and consider the decision by reviewing your own financial situation. Before making any final decisions, it is imperative to explore all available options to fund your education. Applying for scholarships and grants should be a top priority, as these can significantly alleviate the financial burden. Another option worth considering is exploring more affordable study destinations. While Switzerland is renowned for its educational excellence, there are other countries that offer quality education at a lower cost of living. Furthermore, it is essential to seek guidance from professionals who can provide a comprehensive assessment of your financial situation. Consulting with financial advisors or counselors at your desired institution can help you create a proper blueprint for managing your finances during your studies. By carefully exploring all available options, and seeking professional guidance, you can make an informed decision about pursuing your education abroad while ensuring that the financial aspect does not become an overwhelming burden. For more information and guidance regarding the same, feel free to reach out to our experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!