Switzerland Study Visa

It is one of the wealthiest countries with various top-ranked universities. In Switzerland, you will have an excellent education and a chance to be active in creative research work.  It is a land of highly ranked universities in the world and known for inventions. It is a perfect option for international students who want to study abroad as it is an innovative and competitive state.

It is a prime place to get higher education in Europe. If you want to study in Switzerland, you will need to have a Switzerland Student Visa. The process of getting it is straightforward.

Who needs a Switzerland Student Visa?

As you may already know, Switzerland is a part of the Schengen zone. So, all you need to have a Schengen visa to visit the country. But if you want to stay there as a student, you have to take some more steps, which depends on your nationality. 

For EU/EFTA Residents

If you are an EU/EFTA Resident, you do not need a visa. After you arrive in Switzerland, you will only need to register yourself to the police within 14-days. They will tell you the process of getting a residence permit, and it usually remains for the duration of the program or a year. You have to prove that you come to Switzerland for study purposes, you also need to obtain a certificate from the institution you are enrolled. Besides, you need a document of health insurance and a bank statement that shows sufficient living costs to stay in Switzerland. 

For Non-EU/EFTA Residents

If you are a resident of any non-EU/EFTA state, you need a Switzerland Student Visa to study in Switzerland. 

Note that the administrations of the Swiss may also arrange a language test to check that the student can follow lessons or not.

How to get a Switzerland Student Visa?

Before applying for a Switzerland Student Visa, you will need to obtain an acceptance letter from any Swiss university, which is necessary for your visa application process. There are two types of visas, depending on the period of your studies, which you can apply.

1. Type C Visa 

It is a Short-Stay Visa that allows you to stay in Switzerland for a short period. It is perfect for summer courses, seminars, and language courses that last for up to 90-days. The processing time for the Short-Stay Visa is around 10-15 days.

2. Type D Visa

It is a Long-Stay Visa that allows you to remain in the state for study, work, or residency purposes. It will enable you to stay for one year. The processing time for a Long-Stay Visa is around 8-10 weeks.

What will be the requirements for a Switzerland Student Visa?

You will need to have the following documents to get a Type D visa (Long-Stay Visa): 

1. Completed application form (signed)

2. Passport-size photo(four)

3. Valid Passport 

4. Letter of acceptance from a Swiss university

5. Proof that shows registration and tuition fees payment

6. Proof of enough financial funds  

7. Scholarship letter

8. CV

9. Letter of motivation

10. Dedication to leave Switzerland after completion of studies

The following documents required for a Type C (Short-Stay visa):

1. Valid Passport

2. Proof of enough financial resources 

3. Health Insurance

4. Verification of booked courses and fees payment

5. For under 18:

i. A birth certificate  

ii. Authorization to travel 

iii. Copy of parent's visas

Note that all the required documents must be in French, German, or English. 

What will be the cost of a Switzerland Student Visa?

Typically, it will cost around €60.

Can you work in Switzerland during your studies?

If you want to work during your studies in Switzerland, you are allowed to work for up to 15 hours a week, and on holidays you can work full-time. It is valid after you have lived in Switzerland for 6-months.

After completion of the degree, you are allowed to stay in the country for 6-months to look for jobs. If you find a job, your employer/company will have to apply for a permit for a Switzerland Work Visa for you.

Top 4 Best Universities in Switzerland

The following are the top-rated universities in Switzerland

1. ETH Zurich

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

3. University of Zurich

4. University of Basel