Key facts for international students in Switzerland

Do you need a visa or permit?

If you want to study in Switzerland, you need a student visa/residence permit. The process is quite similar to how permits are issued for expats who wish to work in Switzerland, but the formalities differ depending on whether you're coming from an EU/EFTA nation or not.

If you're an EU/EFTA national

As soon as you arrive in the country (within 14 days at the latest), you need to register with the authorities in the area/canton of your residence and apply for a residence permit. The permit will usually be issued with a duration equal to that of your studies, but in some cases, you may need to renew it each year. The documentation may differ from canton to canton but a general checklist includes:

• Residence permit application completed and signed
• Travel documents
• Confirmation of enrollment at a Swiss university or recognised college
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover cost of studies (bank statements or any certified document)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of residence in Switzerland
• 2 passport-sized photos

If you want to work while studying, be aware that you're not allowed to do so for more than 15 hours per week. A family member (spouse or dependent child) can also join you if you're a student in Switzerland, but you'll need to offer proof of sufficient funds to support them if they're not working, as well as proof of adequate living space.

Good to know:

Despite Switzerland being the eternal home of Desiderius Erasmus (the scholar died in Basel), the country won't be participating on the Erasmus programme for EU/EFTA students until 2021. Switzerland was suspended from the programme in 2014, after the anti-immigration quotas were re-initiated, contravening Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU.

If you're a third-country national

While you're still in your home country, you should apply for a visa at your Swiss embassy or consulate. Once in Switzerland, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit at the authorities in the area/canton of your residence. The documentation may differ from canton to canton but a general checklist includes:

• Residence permit application completed and signed
• Travel documents
• Confirmation of enrollment at a Swiss university or recognised college
• Proof of payment of school fees and sufficient funds to cover cost of studies (bank statements or any certified document)
• A written commitment that you will leave Switzerland upon completion of the programme
• A CV
• 2 passport-sized photos

Good to know:

Depending on which canton you're applying to, you may also be asked to participate in a language test to make sure you will be able to follow the lessons.

Once the permit and (or) the visa in your possession, it is imperative to confirm your registration with the registration and enrollment service ("Service des Immatriculations et des Inscriptions") of your university.

Educational System, Institutions, & Fees

Switzerland's public education system comprises 12 universities (among which two globally renowned Federal Institutes of Technology), seven universities of applied sciences and 17 universities of teacher education.

Good to know:

Depending on which canton you're in, the language of instruction can be German (for the universities of Basel or Zurich), French (for the universities of Geneva or Lausanne), Italian (for the University of Ticino) or Romansh. There are of course many courses that you could be accepted in with simply a great command of English, especially in Master programmes, but to get the full scope of studying in Switzerland it would be very advantageous to learn one of its official languages.

As per fees, those vary depending on the university and programme of your choice. You should be aware though that certain universities, such as Fribourg, Lausanne, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, St Gallen, Zurich, and Lugano (USI), will charge more if you're a foreign student.

How to apply/enroll

To enroll in an undergraduate curriculum (Bachelor degree), depending on your canton you will need a French Baccalaureate, a German Abitur, or any other secondary school diploma recognized as equivalent to the Certificat Fédéral de Maturité. If your secondary school diploma is only partially recognized in Switzerland, an entry test to the Swiss university system must be performed. Note that fees apply for the entry test. If you're accepted, you will receive a registration confirmation ' and you are then responsible to apply for a visa or residence permit.

Useful links:

Swiss Universities Official Website
University of Lausanne
University of Geneva
University of Friburg
University of Bern