Study in Liestal: A Hidden Swiss Destination for International Students
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
When people think of studying in Switzerland, they often picture Zurich, Geneva, or Basel. But just beyond these well-known cities lies Liestal, the capital of Basel-Landschaft, a beautiful and welcoming town that has quietly become a strong educational hub. Liestal may not be as internationally famous as Zurich or Geneva, yet it offers something that many international students are searching for: high-quality education, a safe environment, and a balanced lifestyle between nature and modernity.
This article explores why Liestal is an excellent place for international students, highlighting the city’s charm, quality of life, and educational institutions. If you are considering studying in Switzerland but want a destination that combines personal attention with global opportunities, Liestal should be on your list.
Liestal: A Gateway to Swiss Culture and Opportunity
A City with Swiss Charm
Liestal is located just 17 kilometers from Basel, one of Switzerland’s most dynamic urban centers. Despite its closeness to a major city, Liestal maintains a peaceful, small-town character. Students who live here enjoy the best of both worlds: the calm and security of a smaller city, with the opportunities of Basel’s cultural, financial, and research scene just a short train ride away.
The old town of Liestal is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and historical architecture. For international students, this makes daily life feel like living in a storybook. Beyond its beauty, the city is practical: supermarkets, libraries, and cultural centers are all within walking distance.
Safe, Welcoming, and International
Switzerland is known for safety and quality of life, and Liestal reflects that perfectly. For international students, safety is an important factor when choosing a study destination. Liestal offers a calm, respectful environment where newcomers can integrate smoothly. The population is diverse, with German being the main spoken language, but English is widely understood in academic and business settings. This makes the transition for international students much easier.
Easy Access to Switzerland and Europe
Another advantage of Liestal is its location. It is connected by direct train lines to Basel, Zurich, and Bern, meaning students can easily explore Switzerland during weekends. Basel Airport is just 30 minutes away, providing low-cost flights to many European capitals. This accessibility makes Liestal not just a study city but also a base for international exploration.
Education in Liestal: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Education has always been a priority in Switzerland, and Liestal is no exception. The city is home to several important higher education institutions and training centers that attract both Swiss and international students.
1. FHNW – University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (Liestal Campus)
The FHNW is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in the country, and its Liestal campus is a highlight for students pursuing studies in health, education, and social work. The programs are practice-oriented, ensuring that graduates are ready to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
International students benefit from:
Modern laboratories and research centers
Close collaboration with hospitals, schools, and social institutions
Opportunities to participate in applied research projects
Career services that connect graduates with local and international employers
The Liestal campus offers a multicultural environment, where teamwork and collaboration are emphasized. Many international students choose FHNW for its strong reputation and practical learning approach.
2. Teacher Education University of Basel-Landschaft (Pädagogische Hochschule)
This institution specializes in teacher training and educational sciences. For international students interested in becoming educators or researchers in education, it provides a unique opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Highlights include:
Strong integration with local schools for teaching practice
Courses that emphasize inclusive and multicultural education
Access to educational research projects
Community-focused programs that connect students with Swiss families and institutions
Students here gain not only a degree but also the skills to succeed in classrooms anywhere in the world.
3. Training Centers for Health and Social Professions
Liestal also hosts specialized training centers that focus on nursing, therapy, and social sciences. These are highly respected in Switzerland because of their close ties with regional hospitals and social service providers.
Students studying here often highlight the personalized attention they receive, with small class sizes and direct mentorship from experienced professionals. For those aiming to work in healthcare or social support, Liestal offers a pathway into both Swiss and international careers.
Why International Students Choose Liestal
Studying abroad is not only about academic learning; it is also about lifestyle, opportunities, and personal growth. Liestal is attractive because it combines all these elements in a unique way.
1. A Safe and Calm Environment for Learning
Unlike big cities that can sometimes feel overwhelming, Liestal provides a calm atmosphere. Students can focus on their studies without distractions, yet still enjoy a lively cultural scene. Safety is top-notch, making parents feel secure when sending their children abroad.
2. Affordable Living Compared to Larger Cities
While Switzerland is not known as a cheap country, living costs in Liestal are often lower than in Zurich or Geneva. Housing is more affordable, and students often live in shared apartments or dormitories with easy access to campus.
3. Rich Cultural Experiences
Liestal is famous for its Chienbäse Fire Parade, a traditional festival where locals carry huge flaming bundles of wood through the streets to celebrate the end of winter. Events like this give international students a chance to experience authentic Swiss traditions.
The city also has theaters, museums, and a variety of clubs and sports associations that welcome international members. Joining such activities helps students build friendships and integrate into local life.
4. Excellent Career Opportunities
Basel, just a short train ride away, is one of Europe’s pharmaceutical and research capitals, home to global companies and innovation centers. Students in Liestal can easily benefit from internships, part-time jobs, and professional networking in Basel while enjoying Liestal’s calmer lifestyle.
5. Nature at Your Doorstep
For those who love the outdoors, Liestal is surrounded by forests, vineyards, and hiking trails. Students can go hiking, cycling, or skiing during weekends, making their study abroad experience not just about academics but also about health and well-being.
Student Life in Liestal
Accommodation
Most students in Liestal either live in shared apartments (WGs) or student housing connected to their institutions. Compared to Zurich or Basel, housing here is easier to find and more affordable. The student communities are supportive, with many international friendships formed in shared living spaces.
Food and Daily Living
Switzerland is known for its excellent food quality, and Liestal offers both local Swiss cuisine and international options. Students can enjoy affordable meals at campus cafeterias or cook together in shared housing. Weekly markets bring fresh produce from local farmers, which is both healthy and budget-friendly.
Language
German is the main language spoken in Liestal, but many academic programs, especially at FHNW, offer courses in English. International students are also encouraged to take German language classes, which makes integration smoother and opens more job opportunities after graduation.
Community and Integration
One of the best parts of studying in Liestal is the welcoming community. The city is small enough that students quickly feel part of it. International offices at the universities also organize events, language exchanges, and mentoring programs to help newcomers adapt.
A City with a Future-Oriented Vision
Liestal is not only proud of its history but also forward-looking in education and sustainability. The local government invests in green mobility, digital infrastructure, and cultural projects that benefit both residents and students. This future-oriented vision makes it an inspiring place for young people to study and grow.
Conclusion: Why Study in Liestal?
Liestal may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about studying in Switzerland, but it should be. With its respected universities, safe and welcoming environment, lower living costs compared to major cities, and its balance between tradition and innovation, Liestal is a city that provides international students with everything they need to succeed academically and personally.
For those who want to study in Switzerland but also want the warmth of a close-knit community, the advantages of proximity to Basel and Zurich, and the chance to experience authentic Swiss culture, Liestal is the perfect choice.
Choosing Liestal means choosing more than a degree—it means choosing a lifestyle of balance, opportunity, and global connection.
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