The 10 best Swiss universities for international students that are also cheap

Switzerland is known for its safe living conditions, high-quality schools, and strong research. A lot of people think that going to school in Switzerland is always very expensive. In fact, even for international students, the tuition at public universities in Switzerland is very low. Most students only have to pay a small fee each semester, and they get an education that is respected around the world.

1. Zurich University

The University of Zurich is the biggest school in Switzerland. It has a lot of programs in the humanities, science, medicine, law, and economics.

International students pay low tuition fees, which are usually the same as those of Swiss students, with only a small extra fee for the semester. There are a lot of master's and doctoral programs that are offered in English. Zurich is a major business and academic centre with many job opportunities.

2. The University of Geneva

The University of Geneva is in an international city and draws students from all over the world. It is especially good at law, science, social science, and international relations.

Tuition is still very reasonable, and the university has a strong international environment with a lot of graduate-level programs taught in English. Geneva is home to many international organisations, which is good for both academics and professionals.

3. Basel University

The University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland and is well-known for its work in the humanities, medicine, and life sciences.

Even though it is a very good school, its tuition is lower than that of many other European and world universities. International students pay a little more than local students, which makes it a popular choice for getting a good education without breaking the bank.

4. The University of Bern

The University of Bern has a well-rounded academic environment with programs in the humanities, social sciences, law, science, and economics.

Costs of living in Bern are usually a little lower than in bigger cities, and tuition costs are still low and easy to plan for. This makes Bern a good choice for students who want a place that is cheap and stable.

5. The University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne is close to Lake Geneva and is known for its business, sports science, life sciences, and social sciences programs.

The university keeps tuition costs low for international students, and many Master's programs are taught in English. Lausanne is a great place for students because it has a strong academic and cultural life.

6. Fribourg University

The University of Fribourg is different because it teaches in both French and German, with some classes in English.

It is one of the least expensive colleges in Switzerland. Fribourg is a smaller city, which makes it easier for students to pay for living expenses while still getting a good education.

7. Neuchâtel University

The University of Neuchâtel is a smaller public university known for having a lot of interaction between students and professors and strong programs in the humanities, law, and sciences.

The calm setting is perfect for focused study, and the tuition is very low. Many international students choose Neuchâtel because it has a good education and a peaceful way of life.

8. The University of St. Gallen

People all over the world respect the University of St. Gallen for its business, economics, and management programs.

Even though it is highly ranked in its fields, the cost of tuition is still reasonable by international standards, especially compared to private business schools. There are a lot of programs in English that draw students from all over the world.

9. Lucerne University

The University of Lucerne is one of Switzerland's newer public universities, but it has quickly gained a good reputation, especially in law, social sciences, and theology.

The city of Lucerne has a high quality of life and good public transport, and the school still has reasonable tuition rates. Many students like that the class sizes are often smaller.

10. Swiss Italian University

The Italian-speaking part of Switzerland is home to the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). It is known for its architecture, computer science, communication, and economics.

The cost of tuition is low and clear, and many classes are taught in English. USI gives you a one-of-a-kind cultural experience along with Swiss academic standards.

Why Swiss public universities are cheap

Cantonal and federal money helps Swiss public universities stay open. This lets them keep tuition costs down while still providing a high level of education. International students usually only have to pay a small extra fee, not the full international tuition like in many other countries.

This system makes Switzerland one of the best places for international students to get a good education without having to pay a lot of money for it.

Last Thoughts

It doesn't have to cost a lot to study in Switzerland. The universities mentioned above show that international students can get a top-notch education at a fair and clear price. Students who choose a public Swiss university are investing in quality, recognition, and long-term academic value.

Switzerland will still be a smart and safe choice for international students who want to study in Europe in 2026 and beyond.