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Before we can proceed further, let’s first understand why pursuing PhD in Switzerland is a great choice:

1. QS-Ranked PhD Universities: Switzerland is home to multiple QS-ranked universities, especially PhD studies. A few are University of Zurich (Rank 70), University of Basel (Rank 138), etc.

2. Preferred choice by international students: Academics revealed 50% of PhD students in Switzerland are international students. As you also learnt above, the number of PhD students in Switzerland has increased since 2017. 

3. Different types of PhD: The Swiss PhD is of two types, general and structural. The general PhD refers to focusing n a doctoral thesis and may include training and development. The structural PhD includes more coursework, formal training and even collaboration with different institutions.

4. Multiple Scholarship opportunities: Studying PhD in Switzerland is easy due to the range of scholarship opportunities provided. These scholarships help fund PhD studies and provide payment convenience in recurrent student expenses.

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To help you get a better understanding of what to expect from a Swiss PhD study, we have curated brief information on the same:

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There are multiple universities to choose from when pursuing PhD in Switzerland for international students. These are popular choices amongst international students, and the universities offer multiple PhD programs to choose from. Here are the top 5 choices:

1. University of Lausanne
2. University of Bern
3. University of Zurich
4. University of Geneva
5. University of Basel

Details of each of these universities to study in Switzerland is mentioned below: 

1. University of Lausanne

University of Lausanne is a research institution that offers seven different facilities. It provides a range of PhD programs for international students to choose from. University of Lausanne is also home to multiple Nobel prize winners in PhD. 

2. University of Bern

The University of Bern offers a diverse range of PhD programs for international students to choose from. The university is well known for its teaching methods and campus environment.

3. University of Zurich

The University of Zurich is on the top list of the best PhD universities in Switzerland. Zurich is a popular student destination and the university offers a range of PhD programs based on different faculties. 

4. University of Geneva

Another widely popular PhD choice is the University of Geneva. Geneva is well known for its academic excellence and the teaching methods they offer. With every PhD program, students are encouraged to do more self work. 

5. University of Basel

The University of Basel is a great choice to pursue PhD studies as the list of PhD programs available here are multiple. The university has a great staff student ratio and offers better research based learnings. 

To pursue PhD in Switzerland, there are certain eligibility criterias that have to be met. These differ based on the university choice, but there are two standard processes for this field of study:

• A Bachelor and Masters Degree
• Language requirements

1. A Bachelor and Masters Degree

International students need to have a three year Bachelor's degree as well as a Master's degree or equivalent in the relevant field of study.

2. Language requirements

Based on the language of instruction of the PhD program, international students will write the language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL. For instance, for English, you require a C1 level to pass, etc.

To apply to the top PhD universities in Switzerland, here is an overview of the admission process:

• Identify which PhD program you wish to study. Choose the PhD university that offers the same.
• Search for a supervisor and confirm the supervision based on your PhD program choice
• Visit the selected PhD universities' official website to learn about the entry requirements
• Clear any tests required and attach them and other relevant documents to send before the application deadline. 
• Pay the application fee ( 100 CHF-400 CHF)
• Wait for confirmation, once accepted apply for the student visa and start arranging for funds

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When submitting your PhD application, there are certain documents that need to be attached. Ensure the below is checked:

• All educational transcripts
• Valid identity proof
• Scorecard of exams required(ELP Scores, GRE, GMAT, etc)
• Proof of payment
• Proof of application fee payment
• CV
• Signed declaration of consent
• Information of residence with regards to last educational background

Note: Ensure all documents are translated as per the language enquired on the universities official website.

To study PhD in Switzerland, there are two cost factors you need to consider. These factors are important as they will contribute to your fund planning when you arrive in the country. 

Let’s learn about them one by one:

• Tuition Fees

The tuition fees of doing a PhD in Switzerland ranges from 80 CHF- 500 CHF/semester.  

• Cost of Living

The cost of living in Switzerland ranges from 1,400 CHF- 2,250 CHF/month. Most of your recurring monthly expenses will be accommodation, transport, health insurance, food, and miscellaneous expenses.  

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You can now study for a PhD in Switzerland with scholarship conveniently. There is a list of popular Switzerland PhD scholarships for international students. They help cover multiple expenses such as travel, etc and also offer grants. 

Here are the top 5 Switzerland PhD scholarships for international students:

After completing PhD in Switzerland for Indian students, there are a range of job profiles to choose from. Based on your expertise and experience, the salary figure will fluctuate. On average a PhD graduate in Switzerland will earn 116,000 CHF/year. 

Here is an overview of the popular PhD job profiles and expected salary for each:

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Switzerland offers research-based PhD programs that are tutored well with the help of academic experts. Pursuing a PhD program should always be from an institute that offers a blend of theory and practical approaches whilst also offering additional knowledge about the real world. Luckily this is exactly what a PhD in Switzerland will offer you. With all the information listed above, it's time to apply to top universities in Switzerland for PhD.