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Student Visa for Switzerland

Beyond lovely vacations, Switzerland has a lot to offer Indian students. World-class Swiss universities and other higher education establishments provide a distinctive European experience. Find out more about studying in Switzerland and how to apply for a study visa. 

Switzerland offers two types of student visas: 

Short Stay    < 90 days     The Schengen C Visa 
Long Stay    > 90 days      The National D Visa 

Applying for the right visa will depend on how long you plan to remain in Switzerland. It is not possible to prolong or replace a D visa, or long stay visa, with a short stay, or C visa. Applying to a Swiss educational institution is the initial step towards creating a Swiss student visa application. A copy of your admission letter from the Swiss programme must be included with your application.

After being accepted into your chosen Swiss programme, you can apply for a C or D visa. Because they have various document requirements for applications, be sure you know which one you need. Your application for a student visa will be evaluated by the Swiss Embassy located in New Delhi. They make the final decisions and are in charge of granting or denying visas. Nonetheless, in order to facilitate citizens’ visa filing and processing, the Swiss Embassy collaborates with VFS Global in India. Additionally, you must register your fingerprints and get your photo taken at VFS Global.

About long-term D Visa

The University of Zurich, for instance, demands documentation proving you have access to the following funds prior to beginning studies if you are seeking a D visa: CHF 21,000; Rs 16,97,005. This sum must be kept in your name in a local Swiss bank account in Swiss currency at a bank branch located in Switzerland or in a Swiss bank account located in India. The money cannot be kept in an international bank that does not have branches in Switzerland, nor can it be kept in Indian Rupees. 

You must demonstrate that you have the resources necessary to pay for your studies and living expenses in Switzerland. Acceptable supporting documentation includes your personal bank statements, your scholarship confirmation, and a guarantee from a Swiss resident. 

To demonstrate that you have the necessary funds, you must submit either: 

  1. Your bank account statements for the CHF. 
  2. Proof of a grant or scholarship that will pay for all of your expenses in Switzerland. 
  3. A resident of Switzerland’s guarantee. 

Should you have a sponsor or family member providing financial support, they must furnish copies of their passport, proof of the source of their finances, and: 

  1. A private ITR-V over the last two years 
  2. A statement of bank accounts over the last three months 

A letter from the bank on an A4 page that is stamped and signed by the bank must also be attached, along with the above-mentioned two items.

About short-term C Visa

You may submit the following, depending on your financial situation. 

If you work, you will have to demonstrate: 

  1. Salary bank account statements for the last three months 
  2. Statements from the last three months’ personal banks 
  3. Individual Tax Return 

If your parents or other family members are providing for you, they must submit: 

  1. Personal bank statements over the last three months 
  2. Individual ITR-V for the previous two years 
  3. A letter confirming the applicant’s financial assistance 
  4. Passport copies 

Eligibility

  1. The candidate has to provide documentation proving they travelled to Switzerland to pursue their education. A certificate from an educational institution will be necessary.  
  2. They also need to demonstrate that they can cover their living expenses while visiting and that they have health insurance.  
  3. Depending on the circumstances of the student, residence permits may be granted once a year in addition to the standard term of enrolment. 
  4. Students are needed to apply for a work permit if they work more than 15 hours a week.  
  5. The student may be reunited with his family in Switzerland, including his spouse and kids, but only if the student can demonstrate that his family can accommodate him. 
  6. The student will be required to show that they have purchased travel medical insurance for coverage of at least €30,000/ ₹24,24,300 during their time in Switzerland. 

Documents Required for Switzerland Student Visa 

  1. Application Form for requesting a long-term visa (visa D) 
  2. Passport-sized photos 
  3. Validity of passport: 3 months 
  4. Letter of Admission from a University in Switzerland 
  5. Evidence that the registration and tuition payments have been paid 
  6. Proof of adequate funding to pay living expenses in Switzerland; At the start of each academic year, provide evidence that you have enough money to pay your living expenses in Switzerland for the length of your studies (21,100 CHF or 19,200 EUR). 
  7. Proof of scholarship or loan – A letter from the school confirming that the scholarship or loan will pay for all study-related costs 
  8. Resume 
  9. Motivational letter 
  10. Commitment to depart Switzerland after completing one’s education

Younger than 18

A few more papers, such as the following, are required if you are applying for a Switzerland visa and are under the age of 18. 

  1. The minor’s birth certificate and the application form, both signed by the parents
  2. Certified copies of each parent’s ID and passport

If you are travelling without your parents, you will additionally require: 

  1. Passport page (original and duplicate) in addition
  2. A notarized parental permission document (signed by both parents) permitting your visit to Switzerland

The Online Application 

  1. Fill out an application and be accepted into a university in Switzerland. 
  2. Verify if you require a D or C visa. 
  3. Download the D or C visa application forms. 
  4. Arrange your paperwork in accordance with the checklist. 
  5. Finish the application package. 
  6. Make an online application fee payment. 

The cost of a Swiss student visa is CHF 88, or around INR 7000. A fee may apply if you require an expedited visa or if you apply outside of regular business hours (the fee may be up to 50 euros more than the ordinary amount). Along with the application, payment is required. You must stay in Switzerland for more than ninety days and pay for your residency permit. It will set you back about 160 CHF (INR 12,800). 

  1. Schedule a time to visit the closest VFS Global Centre. 
  2. At your scheduled appointment at VFS Global, turn in your fingerprints and get your picture taken. 
  3. Ensure that the VFS Global service cost is paid. 
  4. Utilise your reference number to follow your application online. 
  5. Wait for your email decision. 
  6. Get your passport at the Visa Application Centre. 

Note: Depending on the type of visa you are asking for, it is advised to begin the procedure no later than three to four months before you must be in Switzerland, but no later than six months. 

Visa Interview

It is possible that Indian students would need to provide biometric data when applying for a visa. Your biometrics are essentially additional forms of identification (like fingerprints and photos) that are used by nations for security reasons. Throughout the application procedure, you won’t be required to attend a visa interview.

Proficiency in the English Language

No language verification will be needed to get a Swiss visa. For international students studying in Switzerland, the universities you will be applying to will need documentation proving your language ability, which is often sufficient for the Swiss embassy. 

The most well-known English language proficiency exams accepted by Swiss colleges are: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and IELTS Academic. 

The embassy may occasionally wish to assess your language proficiency; in such circumstances, they may do so through a brief interview or written and oral examinations. Subsequently, your paperwork, language competence tests, and admission application are transmitted to the Canton Migration Authorities via the Swiss delegation for approval. 

Validity of your Visa 

To study in Switzerland, Indian students must get the Visa D-Studies. This particular visa is designed for students just like you who are eager to start their study abroad journey in Switzerland. The validity period of the Swiss Visa D-Studies is more than ninety days. You might need to renew your visa annually to remain for the duration of your degree study. After your degree programme is finished, you will need to apply to the immigration office for a new visa or a renewal if you wish to remain in Switzerland. 

Find Your Dream University 

If you are thinking about studying abroad and want to make sure the university best fits your profile, the experts at Manya – The Princeton Review have compiled vital data on the greatest international universities. This information will undoubtedly assist you in focusing your university search. 

From more than a thousand institutions, you may get precise and reliable information about rankings, application costs, typical tuition, living expenses, scholarships, the most recent news, and much more. Additionally, you may look for universities by name, nation, or courses in popular specialisations including computer and IT, media and communication marketing, agriculture, physics, finance, business, language and culture, and environmental science. Manya – The Princeton Review provides comprehensive study abroad services, including career assessment, test preparation, English language instruction, and admissions coaching. 

FAQ's

What is the student visa fee for Switzerland?

The filing of an application is subject to two fees. The first is a visa fee, while the second is a VFS Global service charge. Both have no refund policy and are paid in Indian Rupees. Visa application fee is Rs 7, 200 and VFS service see is Rs 2,070.

Can I work while on a student visa for Switzerland?

You are only permitted to work 15 hours a week in part-time employment as a student. It is possible to work full-time throughout the holidays. But you can’t begin working until after you’ve been in Switzerland for six months, and your employer has to get a work visa for youFor the six months following your graduation, when you are searching for full-time, permanent employment, the same work regulations are applicable.

What proportion of international students attend Swiss universities?

In 2020–2021 over 26% of Swiss university students were international.

Is it simple to obtain permanent residence in Switzerland after completing education?

Applicants seeking permanent residency must be foreign nationals who have resided in Switzerland for a minimum of five years. The student has to provide the necessary paperwork in order to receive the PR.

In Switzerland, which job is in the most demand?

In Switzerland, healthcare experts are in high demand. Skilled labour is required for a high-quality healthcare system. Nurses, physicians, and healthcare administrators are a few examples.

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