How to Apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

Are you a student, who want to study in Switzerland, but do not know How to Apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students? then this write up is for you because we shall be explaining to you What’s Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students is all about, Who Needs Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students, Types of Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students and the necessary Documents Required to Apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students.

How to Apply for Switzerland Student Visa

In Switzerland, just like in many other countries, when a foreign student is being offered admission at a university, he/she will likely need a study visa to enter the country. This article is going to explore the full details of Switzerland student visas for foreign students and how to apply for them.

What’s Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

Switzerland student visa is a document issued to foreign students to live and study in Switzerland. The visa is issued depending on the duration of the study. It has validity that ranges from 90 days to 4 years.

Who Needs Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

Switzerland is one of the 26 Schengen Area countries that allow passport-free travel between countries. Thus, European Union (EU) citizens and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations can freely travel to Switzerland without a visa. In simpler terms, EU and EFTA students won’t need a study visa to study in Switzerland, however, the visa is required for a study period above 90 days.

Other foreign students need study visas to study in Switzerland. The type of visa to apply for depends on the study duration.

Types of Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

Generally, like earlier stated, non-EU students need study visas to study in Switzerland. There are two types of study visas based on study duration. They are:

1. C Visa: This is a short-time visa for those students whose study duration is no more than 90 days. It is also known as a Schengen visa. It is not subjected to renewal.

2. D Visa: This is a long-time visa for students whose study duration is above 90 days. It is also issued to those who want t work, or reside in Switzerland. The visa validity is 1 year and it is subjected to annual renewal. If you’re planning to study full-time in Switzerland, this is the right visa for you. It is important to note that, if you obtain the D-Visa, you must apply for a residence permit when you arrive in Switzerland through the immigration department.

Documents Required to Apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

You will be requested to submit some documents to apply for the visa. These documents are:

  • Duly signed visa application form
  • Passport with at least 3 months validity
  • Four passport-size photographs
  • Letter of acceptance issued by a Swiss university
  • Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees – original and copy
  • Proof of financial statement
  • Letter of the institution in case all expenses for the study will be covered by a scholarship or loan
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of motivation
  • Proof that you will leave Switzerland after completing your studies.

How to Apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

Now that you are certain of the type of Switzerland study visa that is particular to you and has the clue on the documents needed. We will now explain how to apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students below.

Step 1: Get Offer of Admission

You can’t obtain a Switzerland study visa without being admitted into a Swiss university. Thus, you need to secure admission to study a particular course in the country, the school that offered you admission will issue you an acceptance letter as evidence.

Also Read: Apply Visa to Study Abroad Without IELTS – Canada, UK, and Europe

Step 2:  Gather Required Documents

Review the documents required for the particular visa you want to obtain, then prepare the documents needed accordingly.

Step 3: Book Appointment With a Swiss Embassy or Consulate

Now, go to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate closest to you to book an appointment for your visa application. This can be done via mail or website. This will help you to know when the officers in charge will be able to attend to you.

Step 4: Attend Interview

Along with the required documents, visit the Swiss Embassy or Consulate for an interview. You will be quizzed on the purpose of the application. If you have dependents, you must go with them as well.

Step 5: Wait for Decision

You will wait for a decision which might be in weeks. When this is done, you will receive notification on how to get your visa and passport, provided that your application is approved. If it is not approved, you will also receive notification on the reason why it has been denied.

Step 6: Apply for Resident Permit

If you have applied for type D-Visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit once you arrived in Switzerland. This must be done within 14 days of arrival at a cantonal migration office.

Processing Duration for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

The processing time for the Switzerland student visa for foreign students depends on the type of visa.

Short-stay visas: 10–15 days

Long-stay visas: at least 8–10 weeks

Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students Application Fee

The visa cost for the Switzerland visa for foreign students depends on the Swiss Embassy or Consulate you have chosen. However, generally, you will pay nothing less than €50 for the Switzerland study visa fee.

Working with Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students

International students have the right to work 15 hours per week while on the session and full-time when the school is on holiday.

Conclusion

Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students application process is easy just like a Swiss watch. The processing usually takes place at the embassy or consulate. That means you can only process it from your country of residence. There is no online application. We hope this guide has helped you understand how to apply for Switzerland Student Visa for Foreign Students.

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