You finally decided on where to study! Your study destination is Switzerland. Then the next step is knowing what to do to get the student visa.
All international students must meet the conditions and there are requirements to obtain this important document. However, the type of visa issued to you will depend on some instances.
This publication will provide guides and other useful tips needed to obtain a student visa without breaking a sweat.
Types of Student Visa for Studies in Switzerland
Two major visas are usually provided for foreigners including students, they are:
1. Short-term visa (Schengen visa)
The visa is also known as C Visa and is made available to Non-EU/EFTA students or anyone who plans to stay in Switzerland for a short period, usually up to 90 days. This could be a perfect visa type for students going to short-term training, seminars, workshops, or language programs.
2. Long-term visa (National visa)
This is otherwise known as a “D” visa and is often provided to people who are moving to Switzerland for a long-term period. This visa type is available for those relocating for work, live or study for more than 90 days. For most international students looking to run a degree course, a long-term visa will usually be given to them.
Switzerland student visa payment details:
Short-term visa (Schengen visa fee up to 90 days)
- Adults: $88.00
- Children (6-12 years old): $44.00
- Children (younger than 6 years old): Free
- Citizens of Azerbaijan & Armenia: $38.73
Note: It is also free for Teachers and students going for a trip, researchers and scientists traveling for educational or professional reasons, and any representative of an NGO who is not more than 25 years old.
Long-term visa (More than 90 days)
- Adults (12 years old and older): USD88
- Children (6 – 11 years old): USD44
- Children (younger than 6 years old): free
Documents needed for Switzerland (swiss) student visa
The following documents are required for the smooth processing of your student visa application as an international student:
- 3 Passport-size photographs.
- Letter of acceptance from a college or university in Switzerland.
- Proof that shows that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Switzerland and won’t rely on welfare benefits.
- A health insurance policy that covers accidents as well.
- A passport that is valid for at least 3 months.
- You will also need to confirm that you will depart from Switzerland after completing your studies.
- A motivation letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV).
How to get the Switzerland Student Visa
1. Apply for Admission
Like most applications for student visas, the first step to take is to research schools and locations and apply for admission. This is a very important step as you will need the letter of offer or acceptance letter to process your student visa.
Swiss higher education institutions offer over 4000 study programs in different languages, so the chance of getting the program you want to study is very high. Meanwhile, you do not need to stress yourself out, you can make use of https://www.studyinswitzerland.plus.
With the site, you will be able to know how ranked they are, search by faculties, educational system, or whatever filtering option you prefer. Once you have your list, you can go online for more research, especially the locations and cost of living.
2. Decide on the Visa type you need
There are two major types of Student visas, we have short-term and long-term visas. If you are studying for a degree program or any other certificate that is more than 3 months, then you need a long-term visa.
If you are from a European Union country or EFTA country (Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) and planning to study for less than 3 months, you won’t need a visa.
Others, especially non-EU/EFTA countries will need to follow the process set in this publication to obtain the student visa.
3. Apply for the Switzerland student visa
Online submissions are available for short-term visa applications. For the other, once you receive the acceptance letter from the Swiss university, you should arrange an appointment at the nearest Swiss embassy or consulate for a visa interview. This can take a lot of time, so you should ensure you get the appointment at least 6 months before your study.
Scheduling an appointment comes at no cost to the applicant. Depending on your country, you will be able to book the appointment online and if such option is not available to you, you can book at the Swiss embassy or consulate
Short-stay visas typically take about 10-15 days for processing, while long-stay visas may require up to 10 weeks for processing.
The visa application form can be downloaded online. The forms are available in various languages. You are to download and complete it and take them along with other documents to the embassy.
4. Show up for Appointment and Interview
This is another important stage that you want to do well. Once your appointment has been scheduled, endeavor to go to the embassy as early as possible to be in the right frame of mind.
You will want to do everything well, as rushing into the location might make you feel unrest which may affect every move, especially your interview. Again, go with all the required documents to avoid rush hours. The non-refundable visa fee can be paid there, you should go with your debit or credit card. Understand that irrespective of the outcome, you won’t be getting the money back
After fulfilling all obligations, there is nothing else to do but wait for the final decision of the Switzerland Embassy.
Can I work in Switzerland as an International student on a student visa?
The short answer is Yes. International students are allowed to take up part-time employment for up to 15 hours per week while classes are in session. During holidays or breaks, they are allowed to work full-time.
If you are from non-EU/EFTA countries, you will only be able to work 6 months after the start of your studies. Notwithstanding, all international students should notify the appropriate authority for a work permit to avoid sanction.
