18 November 2025

How to find an internship in Switzerland

You are a French student and want to do an internship in Switzerland, but you don’t know where to find the right opportunities? And you’re also wondering what regulations apply, where to live, or what salary to expect? Then keep reading to find the answers to all your questions!

If you are a French or European student, Switzerland is an ideal destination. It offers a remarkable professional experience. However, the procedures (Swiss internship regulations, visa, salary) can feel intimidating. This guide is made for you. We simplify every step.

In this complete guide, you will find:

  • The sectors that recruit interns
  • Where to find the best internship offers
  • The steps for your visa and residence permit
  • Everything about salary and insurance
  • Tips for successful professional integration
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The advantages of interning in Switzerland and key sectors

The country is a major business hub in Europe. Choosing Switzerland for your internship is a big advantage for your professional future. Interns benefit from attractive salaries.

The advantages of Switzerland

The quality of the professional experience is the main attraction. Swiss companies are highly innovative and quickly assign concrete projects to interns.

Whatever your field of study, you will benefit from strong supervision. The corporate culture is centered on efficiency.

Switzerland also offers a unique linguistic immersion. It is divided into cantons (where French, German, or Italian is spoken). This experience enriches your profile as a foreign candidate. A year spent here opens doors, as Swiss work experience is highly valued.

Key sectors for a French intern

The Swiss market offers many opportunities. Some sectors particularly seek students from French higher education:

  • Finance and banking: Cities like Geneva and Zurich are major financial centers. Many audit opportunities.
  • Pharmaceutical and biotech: Large companies offer strong professional experience for scientific interns.
  • International organizations: Mainly in Geneva. You will find roles in administrative support, protection, or diplomacy.
  • Luxury and hospitality: Switzerland frequently recruits interns in management and services.

💡 Tip: You can connect with alumni from your school in France or abroad. Many French professionals already based in Switzerland are happy to support new interns.

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Websites, platforms, and techniques to find internship offers in Switzerland

To find the best internship offer in Switzerland, the most effective candidates use a combination of channels. Don’t waste time on a general search.

Focus on these resources:

1. Swiss job search engines (general)

These websites list a large number of offers from all companies and cantons:

  • JobUp.ch: Very popular in French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Vaud). Great for French-language positions.
  • Indeed.ch / Option-Carrière: They aggregate internship offers from many sources. Ideal for a broad search.
  • jobs.ch: Particularly effective for internships in large cities like Zurich or Basel (often requiring German).

2. Professional and specialized networks

Networking is often the key to securing a good internship.

  • LinkedIn: Use specific keywords such as “Stage + Vaud”, “Internship + Geneva”. Enable alerts to be the first to apply.
  • Mobility assistance associations (e.g., Club Teli): These groups provide address books and support with administrative procedures (visa, health insurance). They are valuable for securing your internship year.
  • Your school or university’s internship office: The safest option, since offers are validated by your institution. They ensure that the contract meets the requirements of your program.

3. Spontaneous applications

The Swiss market values proactivity. Don’t wait for the perfect offer. Identify companies in leading sectors (research, finance, pharma):

  • Contact HR or the administrative office directly to submit an unsolicited application, even if no opening is advertised.
  • Highlight your language skills (French or German). Specify the desired contract duration and clear objectives for your professional training.

This active search is the best way to secure a successful experience in Switzerland.

A flawless application file

The Swiss job market is demanding. Your application must be impeccable. Switzerland values clarity and proven results.

  • CV: Highlight concrete achievements and figures. Specify your language skills (French, German, English). Clearly indicate the internship duration for your studies.
  • Cover letter: It must be impactful. Explain how your education will help you contribute. Always address it to a specific person in the company.
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Swiss internship regulations

Swiss internship regulations are a key topic for French and international students. Switzerland has its own legislation. It is essential to understand the steps to ensure your professional experience is legal and properly protected.

Visa and residence permit

As French or European citizens, visa procedures are simplified compared to foreign candidates from non-EU countries.

The 3 key steps for your legal status:

  1. Short internship (less than 90 days): No residence permit required. The company files a simple “notification procedure” with the canton (Geneva, for example).
  2. Long internship (more than 90 days): You apply for a short-term Residence Permit L. This visa is for students whose internship is compulsory for their program or studies. Your contract must be submitted before your arrival.
  3. Cantonal registration: Upon arrival in the country, you must register with your local commune (within 14 days). You submit your passport and proof of health insurance.

Complying with this legislation is essential for your safety and professional experience.

Contract, duration, and social protection

Swiss legislation is less strict than French legislation when it comes to internship agreements.

  • Contract: Companies often use a standard employment contract. It must specify the exact duration (year or semester), training objectives, and the amount of salary.
  • Protection and insurance: Your contract must include accident insurance (paid by the company). This is a crucial protection required by Swiss internship regulations.
  • Health insurance: If your internship lasts more than three months (long duration), you must subscribe to Swiss health insurance. You may request an exemption if your French health insurance provides equivalent coverage.

Salary: what to expect and do you need to declare it?

The average salary for an intern ranges from 2,000 CHF to 3,000 CHF (€2,060 to €3,090) per month. In fields like finance in Geneva, it can go up to 4,000 CHF (€4,120). This salary offers solid financial stability.

Regarding taxes: Your salary is subject to withholding tax directly by the company. The rate varies depending on the canton.

Résidence Ecla Genève Archamps - espace de travail coworking

Ecla Archamps residence near Geneva welcomes you during your internship

If your professional experience takes place in Geneva or nearby, the Ecla residence in Archamps is a strategic option. Located in France, right next to the border, it is perfect for students and interns.

Here are the advantages of choosing this accommodation:

  • Controlled budget: Living in France reduces housing costs. You keep more of your Swiss salary.
  • Services and comfort: Over 1,000 beds and large coliving spaces: fitness room, yoga, sauna, sports field, music studios, and a library for your studies.
  • Community: Join a dynamic community of French and international students. Ideal for building your social network during your internship period.

It’s the perfect solution for a successful internship in Switzerland as a French student.

Remember to book your accommodation near Geneva at the Ecla Archamps residence for a simple and secure stay.

Succeeding in your professional and cultural integration

Your success in this new country depends on your adaptation.

Swiss work culture values professionalism. Candidates must be rigorous.

  • Punctuality: This is the golden rule. Respect for schedules is essential.
  • Professionalism: Respect for hierarchy is important.
  • Quality: Switzerland values thorough work. It’s an excellent way to improve your professional training and experience.

FAQ: your frequently asked questions

  • Compulsory internships: Required to validate your studies in France. They facilitate obtaining the L Permit.
  • Voluntary internships: Limited to a maximum duration of 12 months. They must always have a clear training objective.
  • Research internships: Common in universities (EPFL, ETHZ) and innovative sectors (pharma). They offer highly specialized professional experience.
  • Housing costs: This is the biggest challenge. Rent in Geneva is very high. Consider cross-border solutions (like Ecla Archamps) to control your budget.
  • Administrative formalities: Residence permit procedures (L Permit) and health insurance requirements demand anticipation.
  • Work culture: Swiss workplaces are very rigorous and value punctuality and clear deliverables.
  • Mobility grants: Ask your region or your educational institution in France for possible funding.
  • Health insurance exemption: You can request an exemption from Swiss health insurance if your French coverage is deemed equivalent.
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