The Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and in Lausanne (picture) are among the best continental Europe
Keystone
About one in four students at Swiss higher education institutions, including universities, applied sciences courses and professional training, are foreigners according to latest figures.
Foreign nationals accounted for almost a third of all university places in the 2015/2016 academic year the Federal Statistics Office said in statement released earlier this month. They outnumbered locals at the highest level comprising 54% of all PhD students.
As for professional education programmes, 24% of them were foreigners.
More than 59,000 foreign students were registered with a Swiss institute of tertiary level education and three out of four came specifically to Switzerland to pursue their studies, the Swiss News Agency said.
Overall, slightly more than 195,000 qualifications were awarded in Switzerland in 2015.
However, the Federal Statistics Office warns that the figure is “purely indicative since it is no statistically relevant to add up the different types of diplomas awarded.”
The vocational education and training sector generated 36% qualifications, followed by higher education institutions (29%) and general education (21%).
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Documentary portrays Swiss teenagers forced to return to parents’ homeland
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
Temporary student exchange programme to continue
This content was published on
The government has extended an interim solution for Swiss participation in the European mobility and cooperation programmes for students, Erasmus+, by one year. This means Switzerland will continue to bear the cost and organisational burden of participating on the scheme.
ETH Zurich remains top university in continental Europe
This content was published on
ETHZ is the highest-ranked university in continental Europe – four British universities came in the top ten – in the annual rankingsExternal link, published by London-based education company Quacquarelli Symonds on Tuesday. Other Swiss institutions among the 916 universities from 81 countries are the universities of Zurich (ranked 80), Geneva (95), Lausanne (138), Basel (141),…
This content was published on
A record high number of students enrolled last year in Switzerland’s two technology universities and four research institutes.
This content was published on
The Mexican government has been showing great interest in the Swiss vocational training system, where apprentices learn a trade. It’s hoped an alliance between Swiss companies in Mexico and the government there can now help to firmly establish apprenticeships in the country. Although Mexico has been seeing strong economic growth for years and many international…
Are university costs in Switzerland going the way of the US?
This content was published on
University study fees in Switzerland currently vary between CHF1,000 and CHF2,500 ($1,010-$2,525). However, with living costs like rent, transport, food and books, the average cost is CHF27,600 a year for a student living outside the family home, according to a 2013 study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office.External link It can cost about the…
This content was published on
For scientist and educator Thomas Zurbuchen, the ability to be heard in the United States - especially in an election year - is vitally important.
This content was published on
A movement has started in Zurich to bring together women who work in the tech field that could break male dominance in the sector.
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.