Switzerland

Switzerland offers a high-quality study environment in cities like Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich, with excellent public transport and compact, walkable centers. Its central Alpine location and dense rail network make domestic travel easy and provide fast overland links to France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. Nature is exceptional and close: mountains, lakes, and well-marked trails support hiking, skiing, and cycling—ideal for weekend trips year-round. Everyday life is orderly and safe, with multilingual culture (German, French, Italian, Romansh) and strong international communities. Costs are higher than in many European countries—especially housing and eating out—but student discounts, half-fare travel cards, and careful budgeting help manage expenses. English is common in academic contexts, while basic German or French is useful for daily life depending on the region.

Switzerland does not take part in in the Erasmus student exchange programme. Consequently, the Swiss government pays a mobility grant also for inbound exchange students and the grant is paid via the host university.

Heyning-Roelli Foundation offers additional scholarships for students with limited resources. These grants do not affect the regular exchange grant. NOTE: The University of Helsinki is not linked with the Foundation and is not responsible for information regarding the foundation. All questions regarding the foundation should be directed to the Heyning-Roelli Foundation. 

Return to Exchange destinations in Europe instruction.  

You can find comprehensive instructions for going on exchange under the Study Abroad theme. 

NOTE: To see destinations you can apply to, sign in or choose your own degree programme from above. This way you will see your own Faculty's / degree programme's exchange destinations as well as the uni-wide destinations you can apply to. If you don't see any destinations below, it means there are no suitable destinations in this country for your degree programme.  If you wish to study subjects in another study field, choose the relevant degree programme from above.