If you are considering studying in Switzerland, one of the first things you will need is a student visa. In this article, we will explain step-by-step how to get a student visa for Switzerland. Find out everything you need to know to meet the requirements and plan your educational trip to this beautiful European country - don't miss this complete guide!
Known for its world-class science, research and business programs, Switzerland is one of the emerging destinations for Indian students looking to study abroad. The presence of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum also attracts law and international relations students to the country. It is one of the safest educational destinations in the world.
International students who want to apply for a student visa should pay special attention to the different types of visas and when to apply for them. The type of visa you need depends on your stay in Switzerland. Visa types and application procedures are very similar in most EU and EFTA countries. For example, applying for a visa to study in Germany will proceed more or less as described in this article.
NATIONAL VISA D TO STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
If you have already been accepted to a university of your choice in Switzerland, you can apply for this study visa. The safest time to apply for a visa would be 3 months before you plan to begin your studies. Visa processing time is often unpredictable. Therefore, if there are delays, it is important to apply as soon as possible. If you stay in Switzerland longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is obtained within 14 days of entry at the cantonal migration office of the canton in which you will be living.
SCHENGEN VISA SWITZERLAND
Schengen C is a short-term visa that international students can obtain for a period of up to three months. For example, if you only want to attend a summer school or language course lasting a few months at most, this is the type of visa you need. Since Switzerland is one of the 26 countries in the Schengen group, anyone holding such a visa can move freely between the 26 countries, except in exceptional cases. Please note that the Schengen visa cannot be extended or renewed. You must return to your home country and reapply for a Swiss visa.
DEPENDENT VISA
This type of visa is allowed for immediate family members, including same-sex partners, of a person already living or working in Switzerland. A dependent visa also allows its holder to travel, study and work in Switzerland.
Visa requirements for a dependent visa include a valid national passport (valid for 3 months after the date of return), the applicant's letter of introduction, the family member's letter requesting a residence permit, a marriage certificate or civil union certificate and birth certificates of children. The visa for Switzerland with the Swiss VFS application costs around INR 5,000 for adults, INR 3,000 for children between 6 and 12 years old and no fee for children under 6 years old.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR A SWISS VISA
Now that we are clear on the different types of visas, let's take a look at the visa requirements and Swiss visa requirements. For an educational visa, students must apply for a visa form at the Swiss embassy in their home country, usually in person.
The documents required for the Schengen C visa and the national D visa are mostly identical, but for the latter there are some additional documents as it has a longer validity period. The required documentation is listed below:
The adult visa application fee is around INR 5000 and is the same regardless of which country you apply from. Regardless of whether it is a visa for Switzerland or Germany, the costs are the same. However, this fee generally does not apply to students applying to study, except in special cases. All applicants must pay VFS Switzerland a service fee of INR 1533 and payments must be made in cash; however, some consulates also allow card payments and bank transfers.
HOW TO OBTAIN A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND
If you are thinking of studying in Switzerland, it is important that you know how to obtain a student visa to be able to enter and stay legally in the country. Here we explain the steps to follow to obtain this document.
WHO NEEDS A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND?
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and some other countries do not need a student visa to study in Switzerland. However, if you are from a country that is not exempt from visa requirements, you will need to apply for one prior to your arrival in the country.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND?
The requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the type of study program you will be undertaking in Switzerland. In general, you will be required to have the following:
Known for its world-class science, research and business programs, Switzerland is one of the emerging destinations for Indian students looking to study abroad. The presence of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum also attracts law and international relations students to the country. It is one of the safest educational destinations in the world.
International students who want to apply for a student visa should pay special attention to the different types of visas and when to apply for them. The type of visa you need depends on your stay in Switzerland. Visa types and application procedures are very similar in most EU and EFTA countries. For example, applying for a visa to study in Germany will proceed more or less as described in this article.
NATIONAL VISA D TO STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
If you have already been accepted to a university of your choice in Switzerland, you can apply for this study visa. The safest time to apply for a visa would be 3 months before you plan to begin your studies. Visa processing time is often unpredictable. Therefore, if there are delays, it is important to apply as soon as possible. If you stay in Switzerland longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is obtained within 14 days of entry at the cantonal migration office of the canton in which you will be living.
SCHENGEN VISA SWITZERLAND
Schengen C is a short-term visa that international students can obtain for a period of up to three months. For example, if you only want to attend a summer school or language course lasting a few months at most, this is the type of visa you need. Since Switzerland is one of the 26 countries in the Schengen group, anyone holding such a visa can move freely between the 26 countries, except in exceptional cases. Please note that the Schengen visa cannot be extended or renewed. You must return to your home country and reapply for a Swiss visa.
DEPENDENT VISA
This type of visa is allowed for immediate family members, including same-sex partners, of a person already living or working in Switzerland. A dependent visa also allows its holder to travel, study and work in Switzerland.
Visa requirements for a dependent visa include a valid national passport (valid for 3 months after the date of return), the applicant's letter of introduction, the family member's letter requesting a residence permit, a marriage certificate or civil union certificate and birth certificates of children. The visa for Switzerland with the Swiss VFS application costs around INR 5,000 for adults, INR 3,000 for children between 6 and 12 years old and no fee for children under 6 years old.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR A SWISS VISA
Now that we are clear on the different types of visas, let's take a look at the visa requirements and Swiss visa requirements. For an educational visa, students must apply for a visa form at the Swiss embassy in their home country, usually in person.
The documents required for the Schengen C visa and the national D visa are mostly identical, but for the latter there are some additional documents as it has a longer validity period. The required documentation is listed below:
- Valid national passport or travel document valid for three months beyond your stay in Switzerland.
- Three completed and signed copies of the national visa application D.
- Four passport photographs.
- Bank statements to prove that you are financially independent to cover living expenses during your program.
- Medical insurance (with additional accident coverage for D National Visa).
- Confirmation of course enrollment and payment of fees to the university.
- For children under 18 years of age, birth certificate and passport copies from their parents; for those traveling alone, travel permission from a legal guardian.
- Curriculum vitae and motivation letter explaining why you have decided to study in Switzerland and what benefits you will gain from your studies (only for national visa D).
- Copies of all degrees and diplomas you hold, including English language certificates (when applying for a visa without IELTS or TOEFL, language certificates in French, Italian or German are mandatory)
- Signed letter as proof that you will leave the country immediately upon completion of your program.
The adult visa application fee is around INR 5000 and is the same regardless of which country you apply from. Regardless of whether it is a visa for Switzerland or Germany, the costs are the same. However, this fee generally does not apply to students applying to study, except in special cases. All applicants must pay VFS Switzerland a service fee of INR 1533 and payments must be made in cash; however, some consulates also allow card payments and bank transfers.
HOW TO OBTAIN A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND
If you are thinking of studying in Switzerland, it is important that you know how to obtain a student visa to be able to enter and stay legally in the country. Here we explain the steps to follow to obtain this document.
WHO NEEDS A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND?
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and some other countries do not need a student visa to study in Switzerland. However, if you are from a country that is not exempt from visa requirements, you will need to apply for one prior to your arrival in the country.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND?
The requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the type of study program you will be undertaking in Switzerland. In general, you will be required to have the following:
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Copy of the letter of acceptance to a Swiss educational institution.
- Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in Switzerland.
- Health insurance valid in Switzerland.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND?
You must go to the Swiss embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence and present the required documents. It is important that you start this procedure well in advance, as the process can take several weeks.
You must go to the Swiss embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence and present the required documents. It is important that you start this procedure well in advance, as the process can take several weeks.