Switzerland Student Visa Guide

Switzerland is an incredibly beautiful place, with a multicultural society and innovative companies. Many international students choose the country as their study abroad destination.

Switzerland is a central European country with a centuries-long history as a global centre for finance and political organisations, as well as a hub for world-class tourism and living standards.

Most Swiss residents live in the country’s three large cities – Geneva, Zurich and Basel. The country’s excellent public transport and infrastructure, low crime levels, world-class restaurants and entertainment venues attract travellers from all over the world.

There are 4 major regions of Switzerland, each with its own primary language – German, Italian, French and Romansh. But with nearly 45% of the Swiss population speaking English, you can comfortably explore the country and its sights. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union or European Economic Area, it is considered a major member of Europe’s economy and attracts plenty of large-scale employers to set up offices in Swiss cities.

There are 10 Swiss universities in the QS Global Rankings 2023, which is proof of Switzerland’s world-class educational infrastructure. The country hosts nearly 12,500 new international students every year, and top-ranked Swiss universities such as the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology are well-known for their programmes in disciplines such as Business, as well as their world-class research facilities. What’s more, Switzerland is also home to world-leading specialist institutes such as the La Roche Hotel Management Institute.

The Switzerland Student Visa

The current Swiss visa system offers long-stay student visas under the visa programme ‘National D Visa: Student with a stay in Switzerland of more than 90 days’. International students from the following countries need not apply for this visa, although they will need to apply for a residence permit after three months in Switzerland:

• EU Schengen countries
• Future Schengen member countries – Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania
• Andorra
• Brunei
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Japan
• New Zealand
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Vatican City

You must prepare the original as well as three copies of the following documents, as they are the minimum requirements for a Swiss student visa application:

• Signed application forms  – Can be in German, French, Italian, Spanish or English
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your planned leave from Switzerland.  Additionally, three copies of your passport’s relevant pages (pages 1-4, last page, the issue, and expiry page, and copies of all previous visas)
• Four recent passport-sized pictures and biometric data
• Paid visa application fee
• Proof of sufficient funds (copies of bank statements or a letter from the bank)
• Confirmation of course enrolment fee paid for first year
• Certificate of enrolment at your Swiss university
• Your study plan, such as your course schedule
• Previous educational certificates and diplomas
• A written commitment stating that you will leave Switzerland after completion of the programme
• Letter of motivation in one of the Swiss official languages – This letter should include your future plans, such as professional career plans after graduation

In addition to the D Visa for long-term students, Switzerland also offers the C Visa for international students at summer schools, seminars, and language schools which last up to 3 months.

It is recommended that immediately after receiving your enrolment offer from a Swiss university, you should begin your student visa application. The average processing time is 10-15 days for a short-stay ‘C’ Visa and between 8-10 weeks for a long-term ‘D’ visa. You must also remember that in case your application documents are not in French, German or English, you will need a certified translation of the documents in any of the above languages.

After arriving in Switzerland, you have 14 days to register at your local migration office. Even international students on a long-stay category D visa need to apply for a residence permit. You will be required to provide your ID, proof of Swiss address and your visa details.

Switzerland Student Visa Fees for International Students

Your exact student visa application fees depend on your home country as an international student, and the processing fees charged by your local Swiss consulate or embassy. At most Swiss embassies worldwide, the basic application fee is currently 88 CHF. Biometric fees, processing centre fees and other charges are also required to be paid during your application process. This fee can be slightly higher in some countries. You will also need to pay for your Swiss residence permit, which can cost between 90 and 150 CHF.

Switzerland Student Visa Work Rules

Current Swiss visa rules enable you to begin working after six months of your stay in Switzerland. Many international students find part-time employment and internships at firms across industries in Geneva, Basel and Zurich in order to offset tuition & living expenses and gain valuable work experience. You are allowed to work up to 15 hours a week during the academic semester, and full-time during vacations.

Life in Switzerland offers you the chance to study and research at world-class institutes while living in a peaceful and focused urban environment. Nearby sights such as the scenic Swiss Alps and neighbouring tourist-favourite countries like Germany and Italy are always just a short drive away from your Swiss university.

For further information about student visas, see our International Student Visas article.

See all universities in Switzerland.