Switzerland has for years been a top performer on the Global Innovation Index and is renowned for its high standard of living. Mountains, lakes and a thriving cultural scene make an extensive range of leisure activities possible. Numerous European capital cities and sightseeing attractions can be reached in a short time.

• Seat of government: Bern
• Population: 8,417,700 (31 December 2016)
• Surface area: 41,285 km2
• Languages spoken: German, French, Italian, Rhaeto-Romanic
• Currency: Swiss francs

The Zurich region is home to Switzerland's biggest population. It is regarded as Switzerland's economic centre due to the many globally active companies in the industry and business service sectors. The main campus of the ZHAW School of Engineering is located in Winterthur. Switzerland's sixth largest city is 30 km from the metropolis of Zurich, where the ZHAW School of Engineering also has a campus. The journey from Zurich Main Railway Station to Winterthur takes around 20 minutes by public transport and Winterthur is only a 15-minute journey from the airport. The campus is directly adjacent to the town centre.

The cost of living in Switzerland is on a par with other European cities.

Depending on lifestyle, the cost of living is in the region of CHF 1200–2100 per month. Incoming students completing a SEMP/Erasmus+ exchange semester are supported with a contribution of up to CHF 420 per month.

• No semester fees are incurred for SEMP/Erasmus+ students or students from universities with a bilateral contract. Fee payers and free movers pay CHF 1220.
• One-off rental deposit for accommodation, to be refunded: CHF 500–1000.