Studying in Vaud Canton

Switzerland is well known for the high quality of its education system. Vaud Canton alone is home to several world-class universities, including the:

  • University of Lausanne
  • Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, or EPFL in French)
  • IMD business school
  • School of Business and Engineering in Yverdon-les-Bains (known as HEIG-VD in French).

In addition, research and development is encouraged and promoted at both the national and cantonal levels, and Vaud has numerous research centers, some of which are among the most prestigious in their field both in Switzerland and the world.

Most Swiss universities are publicly funded, and university fees range from CHF 1,100 to CHF 1,300 per academic year. This makes Swiss universities relatively inexpensive compared with many other countries. However, the cost of living in Switzerland is high. Accommodation – even student accommodation – is normally very expensive, as are food and travel. Here is the breakdown of a typical monthly budget for a student in Switzerland:

 

Swiss francs (CHF)

University fees (CHF 1,100-1,300 per academic year)

100

Books and other materials

80

Accommodation (including utilities)

650

Food and household expenses

300

Spending money

200

Clothes

100

Mobile phone

60

TV and radio fee

20

Health and accident insurance

200

Half-fare train pass (CHF 250 for 2 years)

10

Bus/tram pass (for Lausanne)

41

TOTAL

CHF 1,750


BCV offers a Campus Account to help students manage their budget as well as any income they may have. With this account, it is possible to withdraw money from any ATM in Switzerland and make payments using a BCV-Maestro Card or credit card. Students will also have access to BCV-net, and will benefit from a preferential interest rate.

The following organizations and websites provide useful information on studying in Switzerland: