Studying in China vs. Switzerland
China and Switzerland are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €552 in China and €2,335 in Switzerland.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
Switzerland
Cheaper monthly living
China
Lower visa proof of funds
China
Side-by-side comparison
China
Switzerland
Currency
CNY (¥)
CHF (CHF)
Public tuition (annual)
¥26,000
≈ €3,302 / yr
CHF1,600
≈ €1,664 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
¥45,000
≈ €5,715 / yr
CHF25,000
≈ €26,000 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
¥4,343 / mo
≈ €552 / mo
CHF2,245 / mo
≈ €2,335 / mo
Visa proof of funds
¥100,000
Bank balance proof (annual, X1/X2 visa)
CHF21,000
Proof of funds (annual)
Cities tracked
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing
Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Bern
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.