Student Jobs and Internships in Switzerland: Salaries, Permits, and Rules Guide 2026

7 min read | February 13, 2026

With one of the highest costs of living in the world (Geneva and Zurich leading the pack), working alongside studies is often a necessity for international students in Switzerland. The good news? Student wages are excellent.

However, the Swiss labor market is highly regulated. Residence permits, limited hours, different treatment for European vs. non-European students... The administrative traps are numerous.

As a foreign student, are you allowed to work? What salary can you expect in 2026? This complete guide answers all your questions.

1. The Right to Work: The 15-Hour Rule

In Switzerland, your main status remains "student". Work must remain secondary so as not to interfere with your studies. The federal rule is strict:

During the semester: Maximum 15 hours per week.
During university holidays: Possibility to work 100% (40h-42h/week).

🇪🇺 EU/EFTA vs 🌍 THIRD COUNTRIES: THE CRUCIAL DIFFERENCE

This is the most important point to remember upon your arrival:

EU/EFTA Students (France, Germany, Italy...): You can start working from day one of your studies (upon receiving your Student B Permit). A simple notification from the employer is sufficient.
Third-Country Students (USA, Asia, Africa, UK...): You must wait 6 months after the start of your studies to have the right to work.

Exception: If the internship is mandatory in the curriculum (ECTS credited), the 6-month waiting rule does not apply for third countries.

2. Student and Intern Salaries: How much can you earn?

Switzerland does not have a national minimum wage, but wages are high. Some cantons (Geneva, Neuchâtel) have introduced a cantonal minimum wage that also applies to student jobs.

Job Type	Estimated Salary (Gross)	Notes
Student Job (Service, Sales) Canton of Geneva	~24.50 CHF / hour	Legal minimum wage (indexed 2026). Applies to all sectors.
Campus Job EPFL / UNIL Assistant	24.00 - 28.00 CHF / hour	Varies by study level (Bachelor/Master).
Corporate Internship Bachelor / Master	2,000 - 3,500 CHF / month	For full time. Highly variable by industry (Banking/Pharma pay better).
Hospitality Internship EHL, Glion, Les Roches	2,300 CHF / month	L-GAV minimum wage (Collective Agreement). Often with room/board deductions.

3. Payslip: Deductions from your salary

Be careful, the announced amount is always the GROSS salary. As a foreign student, you will see three main deductions:

AVS/AI/APG (approx. 5.3%): Pension and disability contributions. Mandatory even for a summer job.
Unemployment Insurance (1.1%): Mandatory.
Source Tax: As a foreigner without a C Permit, your taxes are deducted directly from the salary. The rate varies (often between 2% and 10% for small student salaries).

ibani's advice: You will receive your salary in Swiss Francs (CHF) on a Swiss account. If you need to use this money in Europe or send it to your main Euro account:

👉 Use ibani to exchange your salary. Traditional banks take about 1.5% to 2% exchange margin. ibani minimizes this cost.

4. Where to find a student job in Switzerland?

Competition is tough. Here are the best platforms for 2026:

School Portals: EPFL and UNIL have "MyJob" portals reserved for their students. This is the easiest way.
Temp Agencies (Adecco, Manpower): Very active for inventory, events, or service jobs. Register with local agencies.
Coople: The #1 app in Switzerland for flexible jobs (hospitality, promo, events). Essential.
Junior Enterprises: Ideal for earning money while boosting your CV.

Student Jobs and Internships in Switzerland: Salaries, Permits, and Rules Guide 2026

1. The Right to Work: The 15-Hour Rule

2. Student and Intern Salaries: How much can you earn?

3. Payslip: Deductions from your salary

4. Where to find a student job in Switzerland?

Official Sources and Useful Links

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