Switzerland has a largely decentralised education system. Most decisions on the education and visa are taken at cantonal level. It is also the cantons which provide the bulk of the financing. Switzerland does not have a federal structure for education. Nevertheless, some organisational aspects of the education system apply across the country. These include the duration of the school year etc. Each canton has its own head of education, all of whom together make up the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). The EDK plays an important role in discussing and coordinating education policy, and in stressing certain key values.

Switzerland prides itself on its high standard education. As a country with few natural resources, its prosperity depends to a large extent on its brain power. Most people continue studying after the years of compulsory education, and many take further courses throughout their lives. At the same time, the education system has to deal with new challenges in the face of changes in society and the world.

Switzerland is famous for its Hopitality Education. Hospitality education in Switzerland blends training in the practice of a proud tradition with the study of contemporary management principles. The number of highly respected English language hotel schools makes Switzerland a global marketplace for hospitality education.

Cost of Living

An average student spends Swiss Francs500 to 700 per month (depending on the canton) on his/her living expenses including off campus accommodation, travel etc. The estimation is based on shared accommodation off campus.

We have a selection of quality institutions from London. These selected institutions are all accredited by various UK agencies and their degrees/diplomas are recognized by the UK Immigration authorities.

Part time work is not generall allowed in Swizerland. The hospitality/Business programs in switzerland usually have internship as integral part of the curriculum. The student on a minimum 6 months course is allowed to work (as part of the program) for 3 months. Similarly a student who is on a one year course is allowed to work for 6 months as part of the program. The college usually arranges for the internship. These rule varies from canoton to canton.

Non-EU-citizens can only get a work permit if their employer proves that they could not fill the respective position with a Swiss or EU citizen. There are some exceptions to this rule for highly qualified/specialised and/or top executive management positions.

If an employer wants to hire you, he must send you an official offer of employment. If you accept the offer, your employer then applies for a residence permit in the local canton’s police section for foreigners. If a residence permit is approved, your employer sends you a ‘pre-authorisation for a residency permit’ ( Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Autorisation de Séjour) in addition to your employment contract. On arrival in Switzerland, you present this document in the formal application for the actual residency permit.

The process of work permit application can take several months and there are no guarantees that a permit will be issued. An employer might say they will be able to get a permit, but the ultimate decision will be made by the Swiss authorities. The decision on whether or not a permit will be granted depends on a variety of changing criteria such as the type of job, your qualifications, nationality etc. Within the limits prescribed legally, individual cantonal authorities have a large degree of freedom, so the ultimate decision could depend on the mood an official is in when your application is examined.

The types of residence permits for non-EU citizens are as follows:

Short-term residence permit (L-Permit)

A short-term residence permit L ( Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung EG) is valid for up to one year and can be renewed. It is linked to a specific job and company and you may not be granted a new permit if you change jobs. After 24 months the residence permit ends definitively. Short term courses are under this category for students.

B residence permit (B-Permit)

A B-Permit is normally valid for one year and can be renewed. To Non-EU-nationals, it is only issued in specific circumstances (i.e. if you’re a highly trained specialist in a profession where there’s currently a shortage of qualified people from Switzerland or the EU). Long term courses fall in this permit category.

Settlement C permit (C-Permit)

A C-Permit is given out for permanent residency in Switzerland and can be renewed indefinitely. To Non-EU-citizens, it is normally only given out after 10 years of residency in Switzerland. There are some exceptions for spouses of Swiss citizens and other groups. The C-Permit allows you to freely change jobs, employers and/or become self-employed.

We have a selection of quality institutions from Switzerland. These selected institutions are all accredited by various Swiss agencies and are their degrees/diplomas are recognized.