Financing your studies

This summer, the ETH Board expressed its support for the tripling of tuition fees for foreign students. At the beginning of September, both chambers of the Swiss Parliament also voted in favor of this (link in French). The ETH Board adopted a modification of its ordinance on taxes invoiced in the ETH/EPF domain at its meeting on December 5, 2024. At this stage, the information known is on this webpage.

Subsequent budgets do not take the tuition fees into account.

It is important to establish a budget for the entire duration of your studies: plan for approximately 29'000.- CHF per year to cover your living expenses, plus the tuition fees.

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Approximate budget for Swiss nationals resident (in Switzerland, abroad, dual nationality), C permit

Types of fees	Monthly (CHF)	Yearly (CHF) 12 months	More information
Tuition fees	See webpage	See webpage	+ application fee when the application is submitted (1x): 50 CHF for Swiss certificates 150 CHF for foreign certificates
Supplies	100.-	1200.-	For students in Architecture : the budget is higher due to study visits: 1’500.- CHF (1st year) / 800.- CHF (further years)
Housing	900.-	10800.-	A rental deposit is generally required when establishing a lease agreement, and several months’ worth of rent may be blocked in a dedicated account for this purpose
Food	600.-	7200.-	20.- CHF per day. A full meal costs between 8.- an d 10.- CHF at a university restaurant
Health insurance	400.- (low deductible)	4800.-	Swiss nationals and residents : the amount depends on the insurance scheme, insurance premium and canton of residence. In case of a high deductible, it is important to set aside the deductible amount to be able to pay the bills if there are any. Swiss nationals abroad or binational students coming from: EU: can keep their EU insurance and need to ask for their European insurance card. It is strongly recommended to inquire with the insurance company to verify whether medical treatments are covered during the stay in Switzerland and what amounts will be reimbursed. Out of EU: need to join a health insurance scheme costing minimum 113.-/120.- CHF per month
AHV/IV/EO	43.-	514.-	Swiss and foreign students living in Switzerland need to pay a AHV contribution (minimum contribution) from 1 January after reaching the age of 20
Personal liability insurance	10.-	120.-	Compulsary insurance
Transports	60.-	720.-	Monthly subscription
Radio and television fee	30.-	335.-	Compulsary fee
Other expenses	250.-	3000.-	Personal effects, mobile phone, travel outside Lausanne, outings/sports, dental expenses or any other unforeseen expenses…
TOTAL	2’393.-without tuition fees	28’689.-without tuition fees

Approximate budget for foreigner

Types of fees	Monthly (CHF)	Yearly (CHF) 12 months	More information
Tuition fees	See webpage	See webpage	+ application fee when the application is submitted (1x): CHF 150.- for foreign certificates
Supplies	100.-	1200.-	For students in Architecture : the budget is higher due to students’ study visits: 1500.- CHF (1st year) / 800.- CHF (further years)
Housing	900.-	10800.-	A rental deposit is generally required when establishing a lease agreement, and several months’ worth of rent may be blocked in a dedicated account for this purpose
Residence tax	37.-	444.-
Food	600.-	7200.-	20.- CHF per day. A full meal costs between 8.- an d 10.- CHF at a university restaurant
Health insurance	113.-/120.-	1400.-	EU students: can keep their EU insurance and need to ask for their European insurance card. It is advisable to inquire with the insurance company about whether treatments will be covered during the stay in Switzerland and what amounts will be reimbursed. Non-European students: need to join a health insurance scheme costing minimum 113.-/120.- CHF per month After 5 years in Switzerland, there is an obligation to subscribe to Swiss health insurance
Personal liability insurance	10.-	120.-	Compulsary insurance
Transports	60.-	720.-	Monthly subscription
Radio and television fee	30.-	335.-	Compulsary fee
Other expenses	250.-	3000.-	Personal effects, mobile phone, travel outside Lausanne, outings/sports, dental expenses or any other unforeseen expenses…
TOTAL	2’107.-without tuition fees	25’219.-without tuition fees