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Costs, intakes and work rights side by side. Pick up to three countries.

SwitzerlandUKFrance
Universities on Gradwalk512354
Programs4134,366739
Main intakesSeptember (some February)September, January (May at selected universities)September, January
Tuition per yearAsk your guide£11,400–£38,000€7,000–€47,000 a year, mostly €10,500–€21,000 at private schools
Living costs per yearAbout CHF 21,000 a year (funds to show)£10,800–£14,100€7,380 a year (funds to show)
Working while you studyNo work in the first 6 months. After that, up to 15 hours a week in term and full-time in holidays.Up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during official holidays for degree-level students (10 hours a week below degree level). The limit covers all jobs combined and is counted Monday to Sunday.Work up to 964 hours a year (about 20 hours a week). No separate work permit is needed.
After you graduateUp to 6 months to find a job You can extend your permit by up to 6 months after graduation to look for a job related to your degree. It can't be extended further.Graduate Route: 2 years after a Bachelor's or Master's (18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027), 3 years after a PhD. No job offer or sponsor needed: work in any job, change jobs or start a business. Apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. Fee £880 plus the health surcharge (£1,035 a year). To stay longer, switch to a Skilled Worker visa with a sponsored job offer.12 months; up to 24 for Indian Master's graduates The APS / RÉCE residence permit gives Master's graduates 12 months to look for work or start a business, with full-time work rights. Indian Master's graduates can get up to 24 months under the France–India agreement. Indian alumni of French Master's degrees can also get a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa.
Settling long termWork permit (B): your employer applies. Non-EU quotas apply, and employers must show they couldn't find a Swiss or EU candidate. Graduates in shortage fields have an advantage. Permanent residence (C permit): usually after 10 years of residence.The usual path is Student visa → Graduate visa → Skilled Worker visa → Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) → British citizenship. The UK is moving to an "earned settlement" system, which raises the standard wait for ILR from 5 years to a 10-year baseline for most migrants, including Skilled Workers. High earners and Global Talent visa holders may qualify sooner. Since January 2026, Skilled Worker applicants need English at B2 level. The settlement rules are still being finalised, so check GOV.UK before planning.Employee work permit (salarié): when you find a job related to your studies. Talent Passport: a renewable residence permit of up to 4 years, for skilled jobs above the salary threshold. Long-term residence: possible after 5 years of legal residence.
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