Welcome to Frauenfeld – The Gateway to Swiss Excellence
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Oct 9
- 7 min read
Frauenfeld, the capital of the canton of Thurgau in northeastern Switzerland, is a city that perfectly combines the charm of a small town with the energy of an academic and cultural hub. Nestled between Zurich and Lake Constance, Frauenfeld offers a peaceful and secure environment that makes it an ideal study destination for international students.
When most people think of studying in Switzerland, cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Lausanne come to mind. Yet, Frauenfeld presents something unique: an authentic Swiss lifestyle, affordable living, and proximity to some of the country’s top universities and educational centers. For students who dream of gaining a world-class Swiss education while enjoying the tranquility of a smaller community, Frauenfeld is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Why Choose Frauenfeld for Your Studies?
1. A Safe and Welcoming Environment
Switzerland is well known for its safety, and Frauenfeld is no exception. The city consistently ranks among the safest places to live in the country. International students can walk through its streets at any hour with peace of mind. The locals are friendly, and while German is the main language, English is widely spoken—especially among young people and within the education sector.
2. Strategic Location and Easy Access
Frauenfeld’s location makes it a perfect base for students. It is just 40 minutes away from Zurich by train and well connected to other major Swiss cities such as St. Gallen, Winterthur, and Lucerne. This allows students to live in a calm and affordable city while studying or attending seminars in neighboring urban centers. The excellent Swiss public transportation network ensures punctuality and convenience—ideal for students who prefer to commute.
3. Quality of Life and Affordability
Compared to Zurich or Geneva, Frauenfeld offers more affordable housing, dining, and recreational activities. Many students appreciate being able to live in modern apartments or shared student accommodations without paying big-city prices. The city is also surrounded by nature—rolling hills, vineyards, and the Thur River—offering the perfect balance between study and relaxation.
4. A Center for Innovation and Practical Learning
Frauenfeld is not just picturesque—it’s also a growing center for technology, business, and applied sciences. The region of Thurgau has several technical institutes, research centers, and training colleges that focus on bridging education with real-world practice. This hands-on learning approach makes the area especially attractive for students pursuing engineering, business, and vocational studies.
The Academic Landscape Around Frauenfeld
Although Frauenfeld itself is relatively small, it is surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most respected universities and technical institutions. Thanks to short travel times and excellent transport, students in Frauenfeld can easily access a variety of programs—ranging from business and management to science, technology, and applied arts.
Below are some of the top educational institutions that make studying in or around Frauenfeld a rewarding choice.
1. Bildungszentrum für Technik Frauenfeld (BZT Frauenfeld)
Location: Frauenfeld, Thurgau
Type: Higher Technical School (Höhere Fachschule, HF)
Fields: Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Information Technology, Industrial Design
The Bildungszentrum für Technik Frauenfeld—often known simply as BZT—is one of the city’s educational highlights. It specializes in advanced technical and engineering programs, offering diploma-level education that prepares students directly for the workforce or for further studies at universities of applied sciences.
BZT’s programs emphasize practical skills and real-world projects. Students learn in small groups with close mentorship from experienced instructors. The school’s strong connection with local industries ensures that graduates are well-prepared for employment opportunities in Switzerland’s industrial and technological sectors.
Why it’s great for international students:
Classes combine theory with practice.
Strong industry connections for internships.
Affordable tuition compared to large universities.
Friendly learning environment within the city itself.
Many international students choose BZT as an entry point into the Swiss education system, especially those seeking an applied approach to technology and engineering.
2. University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Location: St. Gallen (about 40 minutes by train from Frauenfeld)
Type: Public University
Fields: Business Administration, Economics, Law, International Affairs, Computer Science
The University of St. Gallen, known internationally as HSG, is one of Europe’s top business schools and a leader in management education. Founded in 1898, it combines rigorous academic study with real-world relevance, producing graduates who work in leading companies, financial institutions, and international organizations.
The university’s English-taught programs, such as the Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM) and the Master in Banking and Finance, attract students from over 80 countries. HSG also offers a vibrant campus culture, numerous student associations, and a wide network of partner universities across the world.
Why it’s great for international students:
Recognized globally for business and management education.
Excellent international career prospects.
English programs available at master’s and doctoral levels.
Strong alumni network and corporate partnerships.
Many students living in Frauenfeld commute to St. Gallen because of the short distance and frequent train connections. It allows them to enjoy the quiet lifestyle of Frauenfeld while studying at a globally respected institution.
3. Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
Location: Multiple campuses – St. Gallen, Rapperswil, Buchs
Type: University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)
Fields: Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, Business, Social Work, Health Sciences
OST is one of the largest applied sciences universities in Switzerland. It was formed by merging several technical and business schools, creating a powerful network of innovation and applied research.
At OST, students focus on solving real-world challenges. The university collaborates closely with companies, start-ups, and public institutions. This approach gives students not only academic knowledge but also valuable hands-on experience. Many courses are taught in English, especially at the postgraduate level.
Why it’s great for international students:
Emphasis on practical skills and employability.
Programs aligned with the needs of the Swiss and European job markets.
Opportunities for applied research and innovation projects.
Strong cooperation with local and international companies.
The OST campuses are accessible from Frauenfeld, allowing students to study engineering, business, or design in a dynamic, application-driven environment.
4. University of Zurich (UZH)
Location: Zurich (less than one hour from Frauenfeld)
Type: Public Research University
Fields: Humanities, Medicine, Law, Natural Sciences, Economics, Arts
The University of Zurich is Switzerland’s largest university and one of its most prestigious. It offers more than 150 programs across seven faculties, many of which are open to international students.
Studying at UZH means joining a community that values research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students have access to world-class laboratories, libraries, and research centers. For students living in Frauenfeld, Zurich is an easy and comfortable commute.
Why it’s great for international students:
Wide range of English-taught master’s programs.
Cutting-edge research facilities.
Diverse international student body.
Located in Switzerland’s financial and cultural capital.
Students can enjoy Zurich’s vibrant lifestyle while maintaining the calm of Frauenfeld as their home base—a balance that many international students appreciate.
5. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Location: Zurich
Type: Federal University
Fields: Engineering, Architecture, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Technology
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It is famous for its rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and contributions to science and technology. Many Nobel Prize winners and influential scientists have studied or taught at ETH.
For students interested in high-level research or advanced technical studies, ETH is one of the best choices not only in Switzerland but globally. The university’s atmosphere is international, competitive, and intellectually stimulating.
Why it’s great for international students:
Global reputation for excellence in STEM fields.
Extensive research and laboratory facilities.
Opportunities for international collaborations and internships.
Beautiful, well-equipped campus with modern infrastructure.
Many international students choose to live in smaller nearby cities like Frauenfeld for a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle while studying at ETH Zurich.
Student Life in Frauenfeld
Living in the City
Frauenfeld offers modern amenities without losing its small-town charm. Students will find cozy cafés, local shops, restaurants, and beautiful parks. The city’s efficient infrastructure makes daily life easy—everything is within walking or biking distance.
Housing options include private apartments, shared student flats, and homestays. The rental costs are significantly lower than those in Zurich, making Frauenfeld an attractive place for budget-conscious students.
Cultural and Recreational Life
Despite its size, Frauenfeld has an active cultural life. The city hosts the famous “Open Air Frauenfeld,” one of Europe’s biggest hip-hop music festivals, drawing visitors from all over the world. There are also museums, art galleries, and sports clubs, offering plenty of options for relaxation and socializing.
Students can enjoy hiking, cycling, or weekend trips to nearby Lake Constance or the Swiss Alps. During winter, ski resorts are only a few hours away, making Frauenfeld a year-round destination for nature lovers.
Work and Internships
Switzerland allows international students to work part-time during their studies. Many companies in Thurgau and Zurich regions offer internships and student jobs in fields like business, IT, and engineering. Having practical experience in a Swiss company is a great advantage when looking for future employment in Europe.
Transportation
With the Swiss Rail network, traveling from Frauenfeld is incredibly convenient. Trains run frequently and on time, connecting you to Zurich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, and even Germany within short journeys. Students can buy discounted rail passes that make commuting affordable.
Frauenfeld – A Place to Grow, Learn, and Belong
Choosing Frauenfeld means choosing balance—between study and lifestyle, city and nature, tradition and innovation. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in engineering, management, or social sciences, the surrounding universities offer excellent options within easy reach.
You will find yourself in a community that values learning, respects diversity, and welcomes students from all over the world. Life in Frauenfeld gives you more than just a diploma—it gives you a true Swiss experience filled with learning, exploration, and growth.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Frauenfeld is not just about attending classes—it’s about becoming part of a Swiss culture that values precision, quality, and balance. It’s about walking along the Thur River after lectures, enjoying coffee at a local bakery, and planning your next weekend adventure to the mountains.
For international students who seek a peaceful study environment with access to world-class universities, Frauenfeld offers the perfect combination of opportunity, lifestyle, and Swiss excellence.
In summary:
Frauenfeld is peaceful, safe, and student-friendly.
Excellent access to top Swiss universities.
Affordable housing and high quality of life.
Opportunities for hands-on education and career growth.
A true gateway to the Swiss academic world.
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