Swiss Students Protest Nationwide Against University Fee Increases

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Swiss students have taken to the streets across the nation to protest against proposed university fee increases. More than 37,000 students have signed a petition, which was formally presented to the Federal Chancellery in Bern, marking one of the largest student movements in recent Swiss history. The demonstrations saw significant turnouts across major academic centers, with over 2,000 protesters gathering on Federal Square in Bern alone. Similar protests unfolded in Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Lausanne, Geneva, and Neuchâtel, demonstrating the widespread opposition to the proposed changes.

The controversial proposal, part of the Federal Council's 2027 budget-consolidation package, aims to double university registration fees. The HES-SO network has already implemented increases, raising fees by CHF 400 for Swiss students and CHF 1,100 for international students. While Swiss university tuition remains relatively low compared to other European countries, the proposed increases have sparked concerns about accessibility and equal opportunity in higher education. The cuts extend beyond just tuition fees, with significant budget reductions planned for research institutions, including the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The impact of these proposed changes reaches far beyond student wallets. The University of Geneva faces potential budget cuts of CHF 22.5 million, affecting approximately 20% of research projects and 40 professorships. The public-sector union warns that between 2026 and 2028, an estimated 500-700 research projects could go unfunded, potentially resulting in 1,500-2,000 job losses. In Lausanne, the canton's draft 2026 budget anticipates CHF 20 million in cuts, raising concerns about the university's ability to maintain its teaching and research standards.

The Swiss Students' Union (UNES) warns that these measures could have far-reaching consequences for Switzerland's educational excellence and social mobility. Their stark message, "Cut education today and you get skills shortages, lower social mobility and less innovation," highlights the long-term implications for Swiss society and economy. The situation has created a challenging dilemma for government decision-makers, caught between addressing budget constraints and maintaining Switzerland's renowned educational standards. The protest movement has emphasized that these changes could particularly affect access to higher education for less privileged students, potentially altering the democratic nature of Swiss education.