Source: Dispatch on the Approval of Bilateral III, Chapter 2.3 (pp. 300, 334, 340)
PDF Link | Federal Gazette 2025-0749
Switzerland commits to treating students from EU member states equally with Swiss students regarding tuition fees. Equal treatment applies to predominantly publicly funded higher education institutions. Admission and maintenance grants (scholarships) remain excluded. The Confederation covers the revenue shortfall during a transitional phase.
The principle of non-discrimination in tuition fees means:
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Equal treatment (new) |
| Admission | Excluded -- current system maintained |
| Scholarships / Maintenance grants | Excluded -- no obligation |
| Study places | No minimum quotas, no place obligation |
The existing admission system remains fully preserved:
The current share of EU students at Swiss higher education institutions (as of 2023):
| Type of Institution | EU Student Share |
|---|---|
| Universities | 18% |
| Universities of applied sciences | 10% |
| Type of Institution | Annual Revenue Shortfall |
|---|---|
| Universities | approx. CHF 17.3 million |
| Universities of applied sciences | approx. CHF 4.5 million |
| Total | approx. CHF 21.8 million/year |
The Confederation covers the shortfall according to the following model:
| Phase | Confederation's Contribution |
|---|---|
| Years 1--4 after entry into force | 100% of losses |
| Of which based on actual losses | 80% (effective difference) |
| Of which based on EU student share | 20% (proportionally) |
| From year 5 | Regular higher education funding |
The Federal Act on the Federal Institutes of Technology must be amended:
The HEdA is also amended:
| Topic | Key Message |
|---|---|
| Principle | Treat EU students equally with CH students for fees |
| Scope | Predominantly publicly funded higher education institutions |
| Exceptions | Admission and scholarships remain excluded |
| Admission system | Remains fully preserved (Swiss Matura, autonomy) |
| EU share | 18% universities, 10% UAS -- should not decrease |
| Revenue shortfall | Approx. CHF 21.8 million/year (17.3 uni + 4.5 UAS) |
| Compensatory funding | Confederation covers 100% for 4 years |
| Legislative changes | ETH Act and HEdA must be amended |