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 exact criteria for determining which students will be impacted by this tripling are subject to consultations. At the end of this process, the ETH Board will adopt the new rules at its meeting on December 5, 2024. This webpage will be updated in the following days. In any case, this fee increase will not come into effect before the autumn semester of 2025. EPFL is not in a position to provide any further details prior to the ETH Board’s decision in December.
Subsequent budgets do not take this fee increase into account.
Subsequent budgets do not take this fee increase into account.
It is important to establish a budget for the entire duration of your studies: plan for approximately 30'000.- CHF per year to cover your expenses.
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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 | 156.- | 1560.- (780.- per semester) | + application fee when the application is submitted (1x): 50 CHF for Swiss certificates 150 CHF for foreign certificates From autumn semester 2025, subject to change (see box at top of the page) |
| 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 | 2550.- | 30250.- |
Approximate budget for foreigner
| Types of fees | Monthly (CHF) | Yearly (CHF) 12 months | More information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | 156.- | 1560.- (780.- per semester) | + application fee when the application is submitted (1x): CHF 150.- for foreign certificates From autumn semester 2025, subject to change (see box at top of the page) |
| 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 | 2300.- | 27600.- |
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Resources
Working
Information on academic and legal constraints regarding work for Swiss students/permit C holders and those coming from abroad
Scholarships
Information on the specific and restrictive criteria governing scholarships
Discounts
Take advantage of great deals!