I'm new to this forum and Switzerland (haven't moved yet). My husband is working in Basel for the forseeable future and I'm currently trying to get a job which is proving difficult. My other option is to try and enroll in University and do a degree.
Does anyone have any experience of how to find a course/apply/entry requirements? I only speak English although want to learn French or German fluently and plan to do this alongside a degree, trouble is I don't speak it well enough to do a degree IN german.
Any advice is much appreciated. Also if it is possible what is the kind of range on fees?
What kind of a degree are you thinking of? I don't know if this is of any help, but I can still share my experience. I moved here for studying (I am a musician, studying in a Master program at the Hochschule für Musik in Basel). For foreign students, the fee is 1260 CHF per semester and I had to translate some diplomas (high school & university). German wasn't a problem, although it's probably different for music studies - as the focus is on the practical part (playing the instrument). But I'm sure there are some international universities or some international programs?
It does depend on the kind of degree you want to do, but you could try the Open University which is a UK-based distance learning university. It has a great reputation and there are quite a few of us in Switzerland (over 1000 anyway - but many are business students). I am doing a degree just for fun (!) to supplement my original degree and professional qualification. I'll end up with a general humanities degree as I'm doing mainly history courses, but also did a couple of German courses (Beginner and Advanced).
Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them
The rule at Swiss universities is that you must have a certified level of local language (can't remember exactly what level), or have been born in the appropriate area. (Or have a gymnasiusm matura from that area). In practice though, many of my son's tutors at Basel don't speak German.
Wow thanks all for your help. I would be open to the Open University (no pun intended...) looking to do a degree which is Maths/business based.
If I were to enroll with the OU and study from Switzerland, what happens with getting a permit to stay in Switz? Currently my husband is on a commuter permit which means he has to come back every weekend (this is until around August September this year when we hope he will be seconded properly and will get a B permit).
Grateful for any input! I'm currently struggling to find a transfer with my job or a new job (i currently work for a Big 4 firm) so am thinking of moving into doing a degree as another option
Sorry I'm an eu person so don't know much about permits. Had thought if you're married that there is some way you to be where your husband is, but don't really know. Maybe ask at your gemeinde?
There is a relatively new bachelor program at the University of St. Gallen that can be taken almost entirely in English. You would need to take to German while you are at university and then take at least two courses in German. Whether you can get in depends a lot on what type of secondary school qualification you have so find their page on admissions requirements. This is a very challenging program from what I have heard and many students don't pass the first year. There are also a few English language bachelor programs in the UASs. I think I remember one in Bern.
If you are looking for a Master's Degree, there are a lot more options in English.
If you get accepted to one of these courses, you should be able to get a student visa.