Moving to a new city involves many administrative and logistical procedures. You will find practical guides and useful information on living in Lausanne, Sion and Fribourg on the websites of the cities concerned : 

• Lausanne : Brochure Vivre à Lausanne 
• Sion : Site + brochure « Vivre et travailler à Sion »
• Fribourg : S’installer à Fribourg

You will also find additional information on administrative procedures, transport and everyday life.

Cost of living

In Switzerland, students need approximately CHF 1’800 to CHF 2’500 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transport and insurance. You should also include money to cover the costs of setting in and studying.

Scholarships and financial aid

There are several types of financial aid available depending on the student’s situation.

Students should first contact the scholarships services in their canton or country of origin.

Cantonal scholarships
Available to Swiss students and holders of a C permit. More information on edua.ch

Swiss Federal Government Excellence Scholarships
Intended for foreign researchers and artists under certain conditions. More information on the website of the Swiss Federal Government

Private scholarships
Various foundations offer financial support according to specific criteria.

Health Insurance

Students are required to take out health and accident insurance within three months of their arrival in Switzerland. If they have a European Health Insurance Card that covers Switzerland, they do not need to take out insurance in Switzerland. There are attractive offers for foreign students to get affordable insurance. 

For example, with Scorestudies.

Personal liability insurance 

Personal liability insurance is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended. It covers damage you may cause to third parties, for example to pianos used for private work, to instruments entrusted to you or to the owner of a rented apartment.

Fire and natural hazards insurance

In French-speaking Switzerland, you must be insure against fire and natural disasters. Ask your landlord or rental agency for more information.

More information on: 

• Canton de Vaud
• In Valais, this insurance is not compulsory but may be required. Please check with your landlord.
• Canton de Fribourg

Finding accommodation when studying in another city can be a challenge. HEMU monitors this closely and works with the relevant authorities to facilitate access to student accommodation, but cannot guarantee a place.

Where to look ?

• Student residences: there are several student residences and halls of residence in Lausanne, Sion, and Fribourg.
• Shared flats and rooms in private homes: several platforms and associations, such as Elderli, help to bring students and landlords together.
• Classifieds and real estate agencies: various websites allow you to consult offers in real time.

Upon registration, you will receive detailed information about the accommodation and useful contacts.

Security deposit 

A deposit is usually required when renting accomodation. Solutions such as SwissCaution or FirstCaution are available.

Foreign students from third countries must obtain a visa for Switzerland and actively look for accommodation on arrival in Switzerland before registering with the Residents' Registration Office.

Further information can be found below by canton : 

• Canton de Vaud
• Canton du Valais
• Canton de Fribourg

Resident’s Registration Office and biometric centre

After moving to Switzerland, new residents must register with the Residents Registration Office in their commune of residence. There are administrative fees associated with this process. Below you will find links with more information on the procedure and fees.

Ville de Lausanne 

• Annonces d’arrivée et formalités de séjour 
• Taxe de séjour

Ville de Sion 

• Annonce d’arrivée à Sion
• Démarches à faire dès votre arrivée

Ville de Fribourg 

• Contrôle des habitants de la ville de Fribourg 
• Informations

Students do not pay taxes in Switzerland unless they are working. If you are a foreigner and have paid tax in Switzerland, you can apply for a refund. You must submit your application between January 1 and 31 March of the tax year. This must be done at the cantonal tax office in your commune of residence. 

The website comparis.ch provides detailed information on withholding tax refunds, as well as downloaded documents. The websites of the various cantons also provide information on this subject: 

• Vaud – formulaire de demande de remboursement 
• Valais
• Fribourg

Foreign students may work up to 15 hours per week during their studies and up to 100 % during semester breaks. All paid work must be declared to the Cantonal Migration Office.

Under the HEMU: 

• European students who are citizens of an EU/EFTA country receive a B residence permit (renewable annually) and may enter into an employment contract within the permitted limits.
• Students from non-EU/EFTA countries may only work after the sixth month of their studies in Switzerland.

International students may fin dit useful idea to open a Swiss bank account. The requirements for opening an account vary depending on the bank and your individual circumstances. 

The website moneyland.ch provides detailed information and a comparison of the services offered by different banks. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found at swissbanking.org

To benefit from a preferential rate on transport, it is highly recommended that you purchase a pass. There are several types of pass: 

• The Half Fare Travelcard: offers half-price travel throughout Switzerland 
• The GA Travelcard 
• The Night GA Travelcard: unlimited travel after 7pm for CHF 99 per year

To ensure that you can be reached easily and to avoid high roaming charges, students are strongly advised to have a Swiss phone number. Operators offer special students rates. 

Compare rates to find the best deal for you.