At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
ETH Zürich and EPFL are global top-tens in engineering and science. Public tuition is remarkably low.
The true cost
Tuition is cheap, but Switzerland is among the world's most expensive places to live — plan carefully.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. A 6-month post-study stay is allowed to seek qualified work.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
If you are a non-EU graduate of a Swiss higher-education institution, you can stay for up to six months to look for a job related to your qualification. Once you are employed, you can move to a work permit, subject to quotas.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Up to 6 months to find work related to your qualification
- Move to a work permit once employed
- Work permits are subject to quotas
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Work while studying
Non-EU students can work up to 15 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. This generally starts six months after your course begins and needs cantonal authorisation.
Family & dependants
Family reunification for students is restricted. Cantonal authorities assess each case against your means and accommodation. A study permit does not guarantee that your family can join you.
Proof of funds
The cantonal authorities set the proof-of-funds amount. You must show enough money to cover tuition and living costs for the study period, commonly checked against an indicative living-cost benchmark of roughly CHF 21,000–24,000 per year. Confirm the amount with the relevant cantonal migration office.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹3L tuition and ₹20L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹55L starting salary), total investment is ₹45L and the indicative payback period is 1.3 years.
Switzerland — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Bern before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Budget realistically — living costs are the highest in Europe.
Emergency contacts
Dial 112. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries in Zürich, Geneva and Lausanne. German, French or Italian helps depending on region.
The Maharashtra community
Smaller but active Indian student community around ETH and EPFL.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Switzerland with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.