Who needs a student visa in Switzerland?
Residents from the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) do not need a visa to take up studies in Switzerland. You will only need to prove that you have been accepted onto a course with a registered institution. If you are staying in Switzerland for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Swiss residence permit from your local canton.
If you are not an EU/EFTA citizen, you will need a Switzerland student visa to study in the country. Residents of certain non-EU/EFTA nations can come to Switzerland for short study courses or training without a visa, as long as they don’t stay in the country for more than 90 days. You can find information on individual countries on the SEM website.
Read our Guide to visas and immigration in Switzerland
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Types of student visas in Switzerland
There are two types of Switzerland student visa:
The Schengen “C” visa – allows you to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days so it is perfect for short courses, seminars, summer schools, or language schools.
The National “D” visa – a long-term study visa that can be used for anything lasting longer than three months, such as degree courses or PhD studies.
Short-term C student visas in Switzerland
If you plan to study in Switzerland for three months or less, you can get a Schengen C visa to cover you for the duration of your stay.
Requirements
You will need to be accepted onto a recognized study course in Switzerland. In addition to this, you will need to purchase health insurance coverage and show that you can support yourself financially during your time in Switzerland.
Two women studying in a Swiss university classroom
How to apply
You should apply for a visa through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. You’ll need to complete an application form and submit supporting documentation, in French, German or English, so you may need to translate your documents.
You will need to provide the following along with your visa application:
Valid passport/travel ID
Proof of adequate financial resources to cover your costs while you’re in Switzerland
Study in Switzerland ConsultantHealthcare insurance
Confirmation of booked courses, including fees paid
If you’re under 18, a birth certificate and authorization to travel if coming to Switzerland alone, or copies of parents’ visas if they will be accompanying
The visa takes around 10-15 days to process.
Visa costs
Switzerland student visa costs are CHF 88. You may have to pay extra (up to 50% above the standard price) if you need the visa fast-tracked or outside of normal working hours. You’ll have to pay along with the application.
Visa length
Visa length
The C visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. As it’s a Schengen visa, it normally allows the holder to travel around the Schengen Area for as long as it is valid.
You cannot come to Switzerland on a C visa and change it to a long-stay visa after you’ve arrived. Even if you are from a non-EU country exempt from needing an entry visa, you will still need to apply for a residence permit before you arrive if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. If your circumstances change once you are in Switzerland, you should contact your cantonal immigration office.
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Long-term D student visas in Switzerland
This Swiss study visa entitles you to come and study any course that lasts for longer than three months.
Requirements
You will need to have an offer to study at a recognized University or educational institution. You can find links to Swiss universities through CRUS (German website for the Rectors Conference of the Swiss Universities). In addition to this, you will need to show that you have the necessary qualifications and attributes to undertake the course you are applying for, sufficient means to support yourself financially, and health insurance coverage for your stay.
University of Geneva library
For some courses, you may also be asked to sit a language test to make sure that you will be able to follow lessons.