How To Get Switzerland Student Visa

Study in Switzerland May 25, 2023 0 873 Add to Reading List

Switzerland undoubtedly offers some of the best universities in the world, including the University of Zurich, École Polytechnique, and ETH Zurich. You must have a student visa for Switzerland in addition to a valid passport in order to enrol at one of these prestigious universities. Students from outside of Europe will need to apply for a study visa in order to legally visit the nation and enrol in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programme. You won't be able to travel to Switzerland and enrol in the degree programme you were admitted to without a student visa.

Students from India can visit Switzerland with ease starting on May 2nd, 2022, as India is no longer regarded as a COVID high-risk country. The usual entry requirements apply.

The Swiss Embassy in New Delhi has notified that the processing period after a student has successfully completed the visa application would increase to more than 10-15 working days due to the excessive volume of visa applications received.

It is anticipated that there would be a longer wait for appointments for visa interviews for new applicants.
Students who wish to reapply for a Swiss student visa must now submit biometric data.

Types Of Student Visa in Switzerland

The National Visa (D-Visa) and the Schengen Visa (C-Visa) are the two primary forms of student visas that are available to overseas students in Switzerland. Here is a list of each sort of visa:

1. National Visa (D-Visa)

Students who wish to Study in Switzerland for a period longer than 90 days must apply for a National Visa, also known as a D-Visa. Students may enrol in full-time degree programmes at Swiss universities or educational institutes with this visa. The following are some essentials of the D-Visa:

Duration: Normally, the D-Visa is granted for the length of the study programme.
Numerous entrances: Throughout the D-Visa's validity period, numerous entrances into Switzerland are permitted.
Residence Permit: Within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland, students holding a D-Visa must submit an application for a residence permit at the neighbourhood cantonal immigration office.

2. Schengen Visa (C-Visa)

The C-Visa, also referred to as the Schengen Visa, is appropriate for students who intend to study in Switzerland for a brief period of time, usually less than 90 days. This visa enables students to take part in exchange, language, or short-term study programmes. The following are some essentials of the C-Visa:

Duration: With a C-Visa, you can stay for up to 90 days throughout a 180-day window.
Multiple or Single Entries: Depending on the needs of the student, a single-entry or multiple-entry C-Visa may be awarded.
The C-Visa also allows entrance to additional Schengen Area nations while it is still valid for travel-related purposes.

Switzerland Study Visa Requirements

You must meet all requirements for the visa while applying for a student visa to Switzerland from India. Your application for a student visa to Switzerland may be cancelled if you fail to meet any of the visa conditions. For your reference, we've put together a thorough Switzerland student visa checklist:

1. Documents Required

You must present all the required documents along with your visa application at the Swiss embassy. The documentation must be written in either English or one of Switzerland's three official languages: French, Italian, or German. The following is a list of the conditions for an Indian student's student visa to Switzerland:

Acceptance letter from any Swiss college or university
Valid passport for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay
Documentation of tuition payments
Passport size pictures
Valid health insurance
Evidence of adequate funds (bank statements, scholarship awards, and student loans, if any)
Updated resume or curriculum vitae
Letter of motivation
Written promise to leave Switzerland after studies are finished2. Financial Requirement

2. Funds

You must fulfil the financial conditions for the Switzerland student visa in order to obtain one. Before the start of your course, you must have CHF 21,000 or INR 1702671 OR USD 21,466 in your own bank account. Any education loans or scholarships you obtained to pay for your studies in Switzerland must be disclosed.

3. Language Requirement

You must pass an English language competency test if you are not a native English speaker. IELTS and TOEFL are the required language tests for an Indian student's study visa to Switzerland.

4. Band Score of IELTS

IELTS is the primary language examination accepted by the majority of Swiss universities. IELTS band score requirements for Indian students seeking a student visa to Switzerland are therefore 5.5 for MBA programmes and 6 for postgraduate programmes.

5. Minimum Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a long-stay National Visa (D Type) for students in Switzerland. However, if you are under the age of 18 and wish to apply for a short-stay Schengen Visa (C Type), you must also submit the following additional paperwork: a copy of each parent's passport, a consent form signed by both parents, and your birth certificate.

Switzerland Student Visa Fees

To complete your visa application process, you must pay the Switzerland student visa fees. At the current exchange rates, the Switzerland study visa cost is CHF 88 (roughly INR 7168 or USD 90). In case you want to get a visa urgently, you will have to pay upto CFH 50 ( approx INR 4052 or USD 51).

Switzerland Student Visa Process

There are various processes involved in acquiring a student visa for Switzerland. Here is a general summary of the Switzerland student visa application process, while precise steps may differ based on your place of origin and the Swiss embassy or consulate you are applying through:

Research Swiss universities and educational institutions to locate a programme that fits your academic objectives.
Research and Select a Study Programme.
Verify that the course you select is accepted and qualifies for a student visa.

Admission to a Swiss Educational Institution:

Apply to and be accepted by the desired college or educational facility.
Obtain a formal letter of acceptance from the institution attesting to your enrolment in a full-time programme of study.

Financial Planning

Compute and show that you have the necessary resources to pay for your living expenses in Switzerland.
Create financial records such bank statements, letters of support, or scholarship acceptance.

Health Insurance

Obtain valid health insurance that complies with Swiss regulations.
Verify that the coverage is still in effect after you leave Switzerland.

Accommodations

Make arrangements for lodging in Switzerland.
Obtain the necessary paperwork, such as a rental agreement, a confirmation of your room in a dorm, or a letter from your host family.

Gather the necessary documents

Check the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country for the precise paperwork requirements.
Typically, the necessary paperwork includes a current passport, a filled-out visa application form, an admission letter from the school, evidence of funds, proof of health insurance, proof of housing, and academic transcripts.

Visa Application

Ensure that the information on the visa application form is complete and accurate.
Gather all the necessary paperwork in accordance with the checklist the embassy or consulate has provided.
Send in your visa application and the required visa money.
Attend the visa interview, if necessary:
Some consulates or embassies may demand an interview as a part of the visa application procedure.
Review your application, comprehend your study goals, and be ready to explain why Switzerland is the best choice for you in order to prepare for the interview.

Visa Processing

The embassy or consulate will handle the processing of your visa after receiving your application.
Because the processing time can change, it's best to apply well in advance.
Your visa will be available for pickup when it is notified by the embassy or consulate.
After receiving approval of your visa, make travel plans to Switzerland.
Register with the local authorities upon arrival and, if your canton so mandates, acquire a residency permit.

Switzerland Student Visa Processing Time

According to a number of variables, including the embassy or consulate where you apply, the season, and the complexity of your application, the processing time for a student visa for Switzerland can change. Although it can be difficult to give an exact timeframe, the following are some general suggestions for the Switzerland student visa processing time:

Submitting an application

The embassy or consulate will start processing your application after receiving your completed visa application and the necessary supporting documentation. The initial processing often takes a few weeks to complete.

Decision and Verification

The embassy or consulate will examine your application, check the supporting documentation, and determine whether you qualify for a student visa throughout the processing period. During this phase, background checks and contacting the

Verification and Decision
Throughout the processing phase, the embassy or consulate will examine your application, confirm the submitted paperwork, and determine whether you qualify for a student visa. Background checks and asking the school for confirmation at this phase may be necessary.

Interview (if necessary)
The scheduling and completion of the interview may add extra time to the overall processing time if the embassy or consulate requests one as part of the visa application procedure.

Extra Administrative Processes
In some circumstances, extra administrative processes, such as requests for more documents or clarifications on specific areas of your application, may be necessary. This might make processing take longer.

Notification & Visa Issuance
The embassy or consulate will let you know the outcome of your application once a decision has been made. You will be given instructions on how to pick up your visa if your visa is approved. The time required for this notification and the issue of the visa can differ, although it often takes a few days to a few weeks.

Where Can I Apply For A Student Visa For Switzerland?

You must schedule an appointment at the closest Swiss embassy or consulate after getting the enrolment letter from your chosen Swiss college or university. The procedure of applying for a visa cannot be done online. Everything must be done offline, including submitting your application materials and paying the visa fees.

When do I apply for a student visa to Switzerland?

It takes between 15 to 30 days to acquire your student visa for a short-stay visa. Your long-term student visa, however, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to arrive. Therefore, you must start your visa application as soon as you receive your letter of enrollment and plan to have at least 3 to 6 months available before your desired date of arrival in Switzerland to complete the process.

Student Visa Interview in Switzerland

Your application for a student visa to Switzerland is now complete. You must show up for your student visa interview following the submission of all required paperwork and payment of the required visa fees. After you successfully complete the interview stage, it will take between 60 and 90 days to get your visa.

FAQs

1. How can I apply for a student visa to Switzerland?
You must schedule an appointment at the Swiss consulate or embassy in order to obtain a student visa. Complete all prerequisites for a Switzerland student visa and wait for your application to be granted.

2. Can I use my student visa to work in Switzerland?
To work in Switzerland, you will also need a work permit issued by the immigration authorities in addition to a student visa. After completing six months of study, you are eligible to start a part-time employment and can put in up to 15 hours per week throughout the semesters.

3. Does a student visa to Switzerland require IELTS?
You must take the TOEFL iBT or IELTS as part of your college or university application. You can choose whether or not to include your IELTS exam results with your immigration application.

4. Is obtaining a visa for Switzerland simple?
Indian students can easily obtain a study visa for Switzerland. You must fill out the application form and schedule an appointment with the Swiss embassy. Send in all the required paperwork, then wait for your student visa to arrive.

5. What is the price of a student visa to Switzerland?
Switzerland charges CHF 88 (about INR 7168 or USD 90) for a study visa. Up to CFH 50 (about INR 4052) is what you must spend to get an expedited visa.