Swiss universities still popular among international students despite pandemic
Federal statistics show that the number of international students heading to Swiss universities continues to rise despite the health crisis and associated travel restrictions. However, fewer are coming from outside Europe.
This content was published on
2 minutes
FSO/swissinfo.ch/jdp
Português
pt
Universidades suíças continuam atraindo estrangeiros apesar da pandemia
At the start of the 2020 academic year, nearly 12,300 new international students enrolled in a higher education institution in Switzerland, according to annual data published by the Federal Statistical OfficeExternal link (FSO) on Tuesday.
This is a 4% increase compared to 2019, which is a less significant rise than in the few years prior. The average increase from 2017 to 2020 was around 13%. For 2021, initial estimates show similar trends.
More
How easy is it for foreign students to study in Swiss universities?
Swiss universities are increasingly popular with foreign students, even in coronavirus pandemic times.
While the numbers of foreign students continue to increase, their share of all new students remains relatively stable, writes the FSO. At the bachelor’s level they represent about 15% of new students compared to around 20% at the master’s level and nearly 50% at the doctoral level.
Although the pandemic doesn’t seem to have affected total numbers, there are some changes in the share of nationals from countries outside Europe. “Their number has slightly decreased in certain universities, but this decrease has often been offset by an increase in the number of students from a neighbouring country,” writes the FSO.
The large majority (two-thirds) came to Switzerland for the purpose of studying. Some 16% didn’t plan to study in Switzerland when they arrived here. This was more often the case among women who joined family members in the country (10% for women, compared to 3% for men).
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern on Wednesday.
Heavy snowfall in Switzerland causes traffic chaos and accidents
This content was published on
The heavy snowfall late on Thursday and during the night into Friday led to traffic chaos and many accidents in many regions of Switzerland.
Chimpanzee behaviours passed down through generations
This content was published on
Some of the complex behaviours of chimpanzees have been passed down and refined over generations. These include the combination of several tools for foraging.
More than 600,000 rounds of Swiss sniper ammunition reach Ukraine
This content was published on
Sniper ammunition from Swiss P Defence reached Ukraine via a Polish company in July 2023, reported SRF Investigativ on Thursday, citing official information.
Switzerland launches national digital inclusion alliance
This content was published on
The Swiss government launched the Swiss Digital Inclusion Alliance on Thursday with the goal of giving as many people as possible access to digital services.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland still popular with overseas students despite Covid
This content was published on
International students are still coming to Switzerland – a popular destination for overseas students - despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Pandemic reveals Switzerland’s weak spot in securing foreign talent
This content was published on
Switzerland is increasingly being challenged as a business location because of immigration restrictions. Could the pandemic be a turning point?
Most students find their studies a struggle in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office says 57% of students are experiencing difficulties in their studies and one in ten would like to quit.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.