Study In Switzerland

How to Apply for a Switzerland Student VISA

If you’re an international student that is looking to enter Switzerland for academic purposes, a student VISA is required. Students should apply for a student VISA at least 6 months in advance from their semester month. Here is how you apply for a Switzerland student VISA:

Get the university’s acceptance letter and pay the fees/deposit to confirm your seat.
Book an appointment with the Swiss embassy or consulate at least 6 months before.
Attend the interview scheduled by the embassy/consulate. Remember to take all necessary documents, such as the VISA application form and other enquired documents
It will take 12 weeks to hear about your VISA decision.
Once your VISA is accepted and you arrive in Switzerland within 14 days, file for a residence permit. This can be done at the cantonal immigration office. The permit will take time; thus, you’ll receive a preliminary document.

Important Documents to be Carried During the Student VISA Interview

Check the embassy/consulate official website to learn about additional documents required

Types of Student VISA to Study in Switzerland

There are two types of student visas which international students can apply to Switzerland. They are:

C VISA (Schengen VISA)

This is a short-term VISA for students whose course completes within three months.

This VISA is for students who stay in Switzerland for a shorter duration.

The VISA is applicable for students who complete their academic within three months.

This VISA suits students who enter Switzerland to attend seminars, summer schools and language schools.

D VISA (National VISA)

This is a long-term VISA for students who opted for courses that require more than 90 days of academic learning.

The VISA is for students who applied to study in a full-time program.

The VISA is applicable for students who complete their academics within 90 days or longer.

This VISA can be obtained by applying in person with the local Swiss embassy or consulates in a student’s home country.

Name of Scholarship	Description	Amount in CHF
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship	Applicable to foreign scholars and artists to pursue research and art studies.	Yet to announce
University of Lausanne Scholarship	Pursue Masters grant at University of Lausanne	1.600 CHF/per month
Franklin Honours Program Award	Pursue bachelors program at Franklin University	2,776 CHF- 9,222 CHF
Responsible Leadership Scholarship program	Pursue Masters of Science/Arts at Franklin University	6,2550 CHF (offer 25% of tuition fees)
Ann Gardiner Award in Sustainability	Pursue degree in environmental science, heritage and other environmental studies	2,305 CHF- 4,611 CHF
Heyning-Roelli Foundation from University of Bern	Be a part of an exchange program at partner universities	Covers travel, and subsistence expenses

Post Study Work VISA

After graduation, international students can stay up to 6 months to find a job in Switzerland. To stay after graduation, students are required to apply for a residence permit at the Cantonal immigration office. If students receive a job offer, the company employer should submit an application to the Cantonal Authority informing the same.

If a student wishes to retain their stay in Switzerland, they can apply for three other permits based on their need such as:

L Permit: Students can avail of a temporary residence permit to stay in Switzerland for up to a year. This is with reference to studies or job that last during this period.
B Permit: Students can apply for this residence permit for up to a year, however, its period can be renewed further.
C Permit: Students looking to retrieve Swiss citizenship can apply for a C Permit. This is required when applying for PR in Switzerland.

PR in Switzerland

Students who have stayed in Switzerland for 10 years are eligible to apply for PR here. A C Permit is required for the process to kickstart. Students with good records stand a higher chance of obtaining a PR. However, there are a few exceptions, such as students from the USA or Canada can apply for PR in Switzerland after 5 years.

It is suggested that students visit the local cantonal immigration process to conduct or learn about the PR process in Switzerland.