Switzerland 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

All students (short-cycle, first and second cycle) pay fees. Higher education institutions define their own fees. Fees usually comprise fees for administration (admission, registration, certification) and tuition. Additional contributions for examinations, libraries, sport facilities, social and cultural institutions are possible.

Students on leave of absence, medical students during their placement year, doctoral students pay reduced fees.

Students in difficult economic circumstances or part-time students can apply for a waiver or reduction of tuition fees at most higher education institutions.

There are no short cycle programmes in public or publicly subsidised higher education institutions in Switzerland.

Some higher education institutions charge higher fees for students from EU and beyond.

Student grants

Each canton has its own regulations for the provision of grants and loans to students resident in Switzerland (decentralised system). In all cantons, the amount granted depends on the financial situation of the applicant and his/her family.

Support in the form of grants or loans or a combination of both is provided. The majority of beneficiaries only receive grants (2014: about 95 % grants only, about 2 % loans only, about 3 % grants and loans). In 2014, the most common loan was CHF 6 200.

Some higher education institutions have their own funds for supplementary support of students. Students can only apply if they already have applied for cantonal grants/loans.

Loans

Each canton has its own regulations for the provision of grants and loans to students resident in Switzerland (decentralised system). In all cantons, the amount granted depends on the financial situation of the applicant and his/her family.

Support in the form of grants or loans or a combination of both is provided. The majority of beneficiaries only receive grants (2014: about 95 % grants only, about 2 % loans only, about 3 % grants and loans). In 2014, the most common loan was CHF 6 200.

Some higher education institutions have their own funds for supplementary support of students. Students can only apply if they already have applied for cantonal grants/loans.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Parents who financially support their student-child can deduct CHF 6 500 from their income tax at federal level. At the cantonal level, eligibility and amounts of tax benefits for student’s parents vary.

Family allowances

A family allowance of at least CHF 250 per month for 16-25 year-olds in education is disbursed. The cantons may grant family allowances that are higher than this legal minimum.