Studying in Switzerland

Admission process

You want to fully or partially complete your education in Switzerland.

• Contact the university or universities you are interested in directly. The administration office will provide you with information on the application process. 
• Fill in the application form. Make sure to respect the application deadline and remember that it might take a while for you application to be considered. Please note: the universities may have varying terms of admission for their degree courses.
• Upon being admitted, you will be sent confirmation of your registration. Make sure to hold on to it as you will need it to enter Switzerland and to apply for a residence permit.
• Check the list of EU/EFTA members countries on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) to see if your country of origin is a member.

EU/EFTA nationals

You are an EU/EFTA citizen. 

If your education in Switzerland takes more than three months, you need to apply for a residence permit with the authorities of your place of residence in Switzerland. This request needs to be made within 14 days of entering Switzerland. The permit is valid for the duration of your education, and a maximum of a year. If your education takes more than a year, you need to reapply for a residence permit.

You need to supply the following documents: 

• confirmation of your registration at an officially recognised Swiss school
• proof that you have the means to financially support yourself during your stay in Switzerland
• proof of medical insurance and accident insurance

Schools often have services in place to support international students.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals

You are not an EU/EFTA citizen.

Check if you need a visa to enter Switzerland.

Apply for a residence permit with the Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities of the Canton you plan on living in. The permit is valid for the duration of your education, and a maximum of a year. If your education takes more than a year, you need to reapply for a residence permit.

You need to supply the following documents:

• confirmation of your registration at an officially recognised Swiss school
• CV, personalised study plan and indication of your intentions upon completing your studies, written commitment to leave Switzerland once you have completed your studies
• proof that you have the means to financially support yourself during your stay in Switzerland
• proof of medical insurance and accident insurance

Schools often have services in place to support international students.

Working during your studies

If it won't hinder your studies, you are allowed to do part-time work. It may not exceed 15 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during university breaks. 

If you are an EU/EFTA national, you may take up part-time work right away. If you are not an EU/EFTA national, you can start working at the earliest six mnths after the start of your course.

Staying in Switzerland after finishing your degree

EU/EFTA nationals

You may stay in Switzerland and look for employment. You have to apply for a short-term permit with your local authorities. You need to prove that you have the means to financially support yourself during your stay in Switzerland.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals

After earning your degree, you may apply for a short-term residence permit to seek employment in line with your degree. You need to prove that you have the means to financially support yourself during your stay in Switzerland.