InFocus | Switzerland
A commitment to excellence
High standards mean a Swiss education is highly coveted by students around the world.
- By Esha Nag, Senior Feature Writer
- Published: 00:06 May 27, 2008
- The natural beauty of Switzerland, its French, German and Italian influences, rich heritage and a vibrant youth culture that is respected throughout Europe make it an ideal study destination.
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Internationally renowned as a nation of science and innovation, Switzerland can look back upon a history of academic excellence that spans more than 500 years. The oldest university of Switzerland was founded in Basel by Pope Pius II in the 15th century.
The natural beauty of Switzerland, its French, German and Italian influences, rich heritage and a vibrant youth culture that is respected throughout Europe make it an ideal study destination. The country is also well known for its financial institutions, fine cheese and chocolates, and for its hospitality and watch-making industries.
Susan Shawwa Khalil, Educational Consultant at Swisslinx (an Abu-Dhabi based organisation that helps students have access to Swiss institutions) says, "The Swiss have always been known for their impeccable schooling and training standards.
Their system of education has also adapted well to the globalised and extremely competitive contemporary life.
In fact, the well known International Baccalaureate, adopted by more and more high schools worldwide, originates in Switzerland." She says students from the UAE are extremely keen on a Swiss education, particularly in the field of hospitality and research (Swisslinx currently has about
135 alumni from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management and Glion Institute of Higher Education).
"Students feel that there are excellent boarding facilities, the environment is safe and there is the security of professional placements after graduation. Also, most universities have a low student-faculty ratio, which helps students to develop a good relationship with their professors," she says.
Suad Alhalwachi, Director of Education Zone at the Knowledge Village in Dubai, says, "We have been sending students to Switzerland since 2004.
It has some of the richest companies in the world, such as Nestle, and this gives students the extra advantage of being able to place themselves in competitive positions by just being there. Contrary to popular perceptions, Swiss education is not unaffordable.
If compared to the rest of the world, the cost is very competitive and students are allowed to work part time. Of course, those who go there to do their degree in hospitality are the winners as they recoup all the funds that they had paid through working as interns."
The demand, Alhalwachi says, is more for the summer and winter camps, and for hospitality programmes. Located in various towns and cities across Switzerland, the hospitality schools such as the Caesar Ritz Colleges, the Ecole Hôteliére in Lausanne, International Hotel Management Institute in Lucerne, the Hotel Institute in Montreux and many others are known worldwide for their high standards.
Swiss academic institutions range from top universities to primary and high schools offering Swiss, French, English and American diplomas, from colleges of hospitality and tourism to summer and winter holiday camps to classic finishing schools for young women.
There are 12 official higher education institutions in Switzerland (10 cantonal universities and two federal institutes of technology), as well as a number of other colleges of higher education. The academic year is divided into two semesters: the winter semester from
mid-October to the beginning of March and the summer semester from mid-April to mid-July.
Switzerland, also referred to as the Life Science Corridor of Europe, gives a lot of importance to the study of science. Research is carried out principally at the universities, the federal institutes of technology, at special institutions and to a great extent at international enterprises with scientific potential.
The universities and the federal institutes of technology are committed to international exchange. In comparison to the rest of Europe, they have a high percentage of foreign students and lecturers. With its universities of applied sciences, Switzerland has created a new tertiary area
of education.
On the one hand these universities prepare students for scientific and artistic professions in the field of engineering and architecture, economics and administration and agriculture, and on the other they dedicate themselves to applied research.
In order to apply to any of the colleges of higher education, the minimum student age must be 18. Good knowledge of the language of instruction, German, French or Italian, is a pre requisite for admission to any Swiss university.
Tuition fees for universities and colleges in Switzerland vary from institution to institution. However, if you know which college you want to attend, you will be able to get
a prospectus (by writing to the Swiss Embassy in your country) that will list the relevant costs.
On an average, a student's annual budget would need to cover approximately 16,000 Francs (about Dh55,500) to 24,000 Francs (about Dh83,270) depending on where you study and your standard of living. Don't be put off if these costs are out of your price range as most universities offer forms of financial assistance and, in some cases, scholarships.
Candidates should possess a state-recognised Swiss matriculation certificate or a foreign certificate recognised by the university as being equivalent. If you did not matriculate in Switzerland, please ask the university to which you apply
whether your certificate is considered equivalent.
Application procedures differ between universities, but most often you will have to apply online. You will have to provide the original or certified copy of your school-leaving certificate.
For a residence permit in Switzerland you will have to provide the following documents: your photograph; proof that you can support yourself financially during the course of study; confirmation letter from the Swiss University that it has accepted you and a statement concerning your address in Switzerland.
The residence permit will be issued if your financial means are guaranteed. You will have to renew your residence permit annually. Foreign students are allowed to work up to 15 hours a week as long as the duration of studies is not prolonged.
- Esha Nag
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