A master in Switzerland looks affordable at first, because semester fees seem low. Two other points decide the real cost: the health insurance duty, which depends on where you live and whether you work, and your living costs. This guide sets out the figures with dates and sources and explains when you must insure yourself in Switzerland.
Short answer: At the University of Zurich, master students with foreign prior education pay 820 Swiss francs per semester, plus a compulsory semester contribution of 59 francs (undated page, checked October 2026). If you live in Switzerland, you must insure yourself there within three months. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) says EU students who do not work in Switzerland remain in the system of their country of residence. Stand: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- At the University of Zurich, a master semester costs 820 francs for students with foreign prior education (checked October 2026).
- The compulsory semester contribution is 59 francs per semester and applies to everyone.
- If you live in Switzerland, you must insure yourself within three months of moving (Federal Office of Public Health).
- EU students who do not work in Switzerland remain in the system of their country of residence, according to the BAG.
- Fees differ between universities, so always check the page of the university you choose.
What does a master at the University of Zurich cost?
The University of Zurich gives its fees per semester. Swiss citizens pay 720 francs for a master. If you completed your prior education abroad, for example with a bachelor’s degree from Germany, you pay 820 francs, which is 720 francs plus a surcharge of 100 francs for master students. The semester contribution of 59 francs applies on top, for all students. The page shows no publication date and only a 2023 copyright notice, so confirm the current amounts before you apply.
| Item | Amount | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Master, students with foreign prior education | 820 francs per semester | University of Zurich, undated page, checked October 2026 |
| Compulsory semester contribution | 59 francs per semester | University of Zurich, checked October 2026 |
| Master, Swiss citizens (for comparison) | 720 francs per semester | University of Zurich, checked October 2026 |
Assumption: you study four semesters, so two years, with foreign prior education. Then 4 times (820 plus 59) francs apply, which is 3,516 francs in fees and contributions. Living costs are not included, and other universities may charge differently.
How does health insurance work in Switzerland?
Every person with a residence in Switzerland must be insured there. The deadline is three months after you take up residence. If you join in time, cover starts retroactively from that date. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) names the Health Insurance Act (KVG) as the legal basis. Family members need their own insurance, because Switzerland has no family insurance.
Students from the EU, EFTA and the United Kingdom have an exception: if they do not work in Switzerland, they remain in the social insurance system of their country of residence, according to the BAG. Those who work there must insure themselves in Switzerland. Whether the exception applies to you depends on where your residence is. Clarify this with your health fund and the Swiss authority before you move.
For German health insurance, note the following: statutory student insurance (KVdS) under section 5 paragraph 1 number 9 of Book V of the Social Code (SGB V) depends on enrolment at a state or state-recognised university. At a Swiss university you are usually not covered by it. Voluntary insurance in Germany has a minimum contribution of 222.80 euros per month for 2026 (calculated from the GKV-SV fact sheet, status 1 January 2026).
| Situation | Health insurance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Residence in Switzerland | Compulsory, registration within three months of taking up residence | BAG, checked October 2026 |
| EU students, not working in Switzerland | Remain in the system of their country of residence | BAG, checked October 2026 |
| Employment in Switzerland | Insurance in Switzerland | BAG, checked October 2026 |
How do you fund the master in Switzerland?
Whether BAföG is paid for a master abroad depends on the rules of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG). The responsible office for training assistance decides. Scholarships can help too, and student loans may be an option. Check whether offers consider students who live in Switzerland, because conditions vary widely. Our German overview of the student loan in Switzerland lists the main providers.
Does a master in Switzerland suit your situation?
A master in Switzerland suits some plans and not others. The comparison helps you sort the points but does not replace a personal check.
| Often a good fit when | Often not a good fit when |
|---|---|
| You want to study at a specific Swiss university or in a research group | You have not planned the living costs in Switzerland and have no funding |
| The semester fees fit your budget | You want to clarify health insurance only after moving |
| You keep the three-month insurance deadline in mind | You cannot meet deadlines for registrations and insurance enrolment |
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to insure myself in Switzerland if I only study?
That depends on your residence. If your residence is in Switzerland, you must insure yourself there within three months. According to the BAG, EU students who do not work there remain in the system of their country of residence. If you keep your residence in Germany, clarify the details with your health fund.
Are the semester fees the same at every university?
No. The figures apply to the University of Zurich. Other universities set their own fees, including for students from abroad. Check the page of the university you want to attend.
Is the semester contribution included in the fee?
No. The University of Zurich lists the compulsory semester contribution of 59 francs separately. It applies to all students on top of the tuition.
Where can I find current fees?
On your university’s page, which should show a date. The page of the University of Zurich carries only a 2023 copyright notice, so confirm the amounts before you register. The figures in this guide were checked in October 2026.
Next steps
- Check the semester fee on your university’s page and get the amount for your study year confirmed.
- Before you move, clarify whether your residence changes to Switzerland, because that decides the insurance duty.
- If you plan to work in Switzerland, register with a Swiss health insurer before you start the job.
- Plan your funding early: BAföG application, scholarship or loan.
Related guides
- Health insurance for students in the EU: EHIC and more
- Private Health Insurance Abroad During Your Studies: 5 Tips You Should Know
- Studying in Germany from the US: visa, blocked account, insurance
- BAföG Rates 2026/27: Figures, Allowances and Limits
Sources: University of Zurich, fees, undated page, checked October 2026; Federal Office of Public Health, compulsory insurance for residents, checked October 2026; section 5 SGB V.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
