Student budget in Switzerland

Updated: 2026-09-24 · By Nada and Andrei Argyo. They build SwissBudget+ in Lucerne and use a budget themselves.

Student income is often limited and irregular: a part-time job with changing hours, a grant each semester or help from parents. A budget helps you plan and see early whether your money will cover the semester.

Common expenses

Housing. A shared flat, student residence or home. In a shared flat, Serafe is charged once per household. Agree who pays it and how you split the cost.
Health insurance. Often the largest cost after housing.
Tuition fees. They are charged each semester, twice a year.
Supplies and books. A laptop, course materials and software. Many universities offer software free or at a reduced price.
Transport. A travel pass may pay off if you commute regularly. Compare its price with single tickets.
Food. The campus cafeteria is usually cheaper than buying food while out.

Health insurance: check two things

First, check the premium reduction. Students with a low income may qualify in many cantons. Rules and deadlines vary, and sometimes parents’ income is included. Check before the application deadline.

Second, check the deductible. A high deductible lowers the premium, but you pay medical costs yourself up to that amount. Choose one you could afford if needed and set the money aside over time.

Plan for irregular income

Plan around income you can count on, not an average. A part-time job with changing hours may bring in less during exams. Build your budget around a low-income month and put extra from better months into your set-asides.

Divide a grant paid each semester by the number of months it needs to cover. Otherwise, the payment month may feel comfortable and the months that follow may not.

Set-asides during your studies

Even on a tight budget, set aside a small amount each month for tuition, your deductible and a laptop that might fail just before an assignment is due. The amount matters less than avoiding a surprise bill mid-semester.

If you do not want to manage it by hand

SwissBudget+ is made for this kind of budget: income that changes each month, separate categories for health insurance and Serafe, and set-asides for tuition and your deductible. No account or bank connection, and no sign-up with a university email. No cloud or ads. Your figures stay on your phone, and the app is free.

See SwissBudget+