Country
Switzerland
For Iranians, Switzerland is mainly a study destination: English-taught master's at relatively low public tuition, and doctorates done as paid employment. But living costs are very high, ETH and EPFL screen Iranian applicants to technical programmes, and work permits for non-EU nationals are quota-limited and reserved for experienced specialists.
Pathways for Switzerland
Switzerland — Study (Bachelor's (with ECUS or ETH/EPFL entrance exam))
An Iranian diploma alone does not get you into a Swiss bachelor's: most universities want a 12/20 average, a Konkur admission and the in-person ECUS exam in German or French, while ETH and EPFL set their own entrance exams. A hard, long route only for those with strong German or French.
- 1Language and documents
- 2Application and exam
- 3Student visa
- 4Arrival
- Cost
- 7,215,000,000 – 10,101,000,000 Toman
- Time
- 12 – 24 months
Switzerland — Study (Master's degree (ETH, EPFL, cantonal universities))
The most common Swiss route for Iranians: English-taught master's with relatively low tuition but very high living costs. ETH and EPFL screen Iranian applicants to technical programmes for sanctions and export control, which lowers the odds; cantonal universities and non-technical fields are alternatives.
- 1Preparation
- 2Application
- 3Admission and funds
- 4Visa
- 5Arrival
- Cost
- 6,926,000,000 – 9,523,000,000 Toman
- Time
- 10 – 15 months
Switzerland — Study (PhD (employed as doctoral assistant))
A Swiss PhD is a well-paid job, so no separate proof of funds is needed and the permit is outside the quota. The hard parts are finding a supervisor and the ETH/EPFL security screening, which is serious for Iranians in technical topics.
- 1Preparation
- 2Finding a position
- 3Permit and visa
- 4Arrival
- Cost
- 866,000,000 – 2,020,000,000 Toman
- Time
- 6 – 14 months
Switzerland — Work (Postdoc and academic researcher)
For PhD holders: a postdoc at a Swiss university is outside the quota if it starts within two years of the doctorate, and the contract replaces proof of funds. ETH/EPFL security screening for Iranians still applies.
- 1Preparation
- 2Finding a position
- 3Visa
- 4Arrival
- Cost
- 721,000,000 – 1,732,000,000 Toman
- Time
- 4 – 10 months
Switzerland — Work (Qualified specialist with a job offer (quota B or L permit))
The only general work route for Iranians: a Swiss employer must prove no Swiss or EU candidate was found and you need a degree plus several years of experience. Permits are quota-bound but quotas are not filled; the real hurdle is finding the employer.
- 1Preparation
- 2Job search
- 3Work permit and visa
- 4Arrival
- Cost
- 866,000,000 – 2,309,000,000 Toman
- Time
- 4 – 14 months
Do not base a decision on any figure without a counselor's confirmation.