Skip the Prépa: What makes Switzerland stand out as a great option for French students?
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure French students! When it comes to studying abroad, Switzerland stands out as great option.
No Prepa System
One of the most significant advantages for French students considering Switzerland is the absence of the intense “Prépa” (CPGE) system. While preparatory classes in France provide a rigorous academic foundation, they can also be highly competitive and stressful. In Switzerland, students can directly enroll in university programs after obtaining their high school diploma.
However, for most universities (as well as for most Prépas), a minimum grade of 12/20 is required for the diploma to be eligible. Certain prestigious universities, such as EPFL (Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne), require 16/20.
The complete conditions can be consulted here: Accredited Swiss Higher Education Institutions - swissuniversities
Lower Language Barrier
Switzerland offers a welcoming environment for French students due to its linguistic diversity.
Two are in bilingual cantons (the universities of Bern and Fribourg);
Four are in French-speaking Switzerland (the universities of Geneva, Lausanne and Neuchâtel, as well as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne); and
Five universities are located in German-speaking Switzerland (the universities of Basel, Lucerne, St.Gallen, Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich) but some offer degrees fully in English.
Lower Tuition Costs
Compared to many other European countries and the United States, Switzerland offers more affordable tuition fees. Public universities in Switzerland maintain reasonable tuition rates, especially when compared to those in France.
Here is a comparison of Swiss universities fees vs French universities:
| Swiss Universities | Total Fees in Switzerland (EUR) = Bachelor 3 years+Master 2 years | Topics | Languages for Bachelor (B) and Master (M) | Total Fees in France (EUR)= Prepa 2 years+Grande Ecole 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) | 7,811 | Engineering,... | B: French M: French & English |
Prepa: 0 Grande Ecole de Commerce: 40'000 - 55'00* Grande Ecole d'Ingenieur: 5'000 - 15'000* *https://diplomeo.com/actualite-prix_ecole_de_commerce |
| Université de Lausanne (UNIL)/ HEC Lausanne | 5,350 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | B: French M: French & English |
|
| Universität Freiburg | 9,309 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | French, German, English | |
| Université de Neuchâtel | 7,490 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | B: French M: French & English |
|
| Université de Genève | 4,655 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | French | |
| Universität Luzern | 10,968 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | B: German M: German & English |
|
| Universität Basel | 9,095 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | B: German M: German & English |
|
| Universität Bern | 10,165 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | B: German M: German & English |
|
| Universität St. Gallen (HSG) | 31,886 | Business & Law,.. | B: German & English M: German & English |
|
| Università della Svizzera Italiana | 33,170 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | Italian | |
| Universität Zürich | 11,342 | Business & Law & Medicine, … | B: German M: German & English |
|
| ETHZ | 7,811 | Engineering,... | B: German M: German & English |
Unique Internships & Job Opportunities
Studying in Switzerland not only provides access to unique internship and career opportunities. The country is home to numerous multinational companies, including 15 Fortune 500 firms, especially in sectors such as hospitality, finance, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, with high income opportunities. Being fluent in two or more languages can further enhance your chances of receiving attractive job offers after graduation.
The median gross monthly salary for a full-time position is 6,788 CHF. Salaries in high-value-added sectors are significantly above the median, with fields such as the pharmaceutical industry and banking (9,500–10,500 CHF).
See this article for more information: In 2022, the median wage was CHF 6788 - Swiss Earnings Structure Survey (ESS) 2022 - | Press release
So you can skip the demanding prépa phase, enjoy a globally recognized education, save money on tuition and seize unique job opportunities—all while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and indulging in chocolate.
