Ultimate Guide to Switzerland Student Visa: Student Visa Requirements, Process, Fees & Processing Time

Switzerland - a name that sparks boundless imagination. From the majestic Alps to the delectable chocolates, it's a land of luxury. Wouldn't it be fantastic to pursue your studies there?

Switzerland has some of the top-ranking universities in the world, namely ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique, the University of Zurich, and others. To study here,  you will need a Switzerland student visa along with your passport. Non-European students need a study visa that will authorize them to enter the country legally and pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a PhD course.

Wondering how to obtain a student visa for Switzerland? Sign up for a free consultation call with Yocket experts. In October 2023 itself, 4200 students connected with Yocket’s excellent counselors to kickstart their study abroad journey. Don’t wait any longer, there’s still time for the 2024 intake. Connect with Yocket now! 

Read this blog to find out how you can get a student visa for Switzerland from India and the Switzerland student visa requirements for Indian students.

• Since India is no longer considered a high-risk country for COVID-19, students from India can easily enter Switzerland effective from May 2024. Normal entry requirements are applicable.
• Due to the exceeding number of visa applications received, the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi has announced to increase its processing time to more than 10-15 working days, after a student has successfully submitted the visa application.
• The waiting time for visa interview appointments for new applicants is expected to be longer.
• Providing biometrics is now mandatory for students who want to reapply for a Swiss student visa.

Suggested: F-1 Visa Interview Documents

Students who are not permanent residents of Europe but want to study in Swiss universities need a Switzerland study visa. Depending on your course duration, you can apply for either one of the two types of student visas:

While applying for a student visa to Switzerland from India, you will need to fulfill all the visa requirements. If you miss out on any of the visa requirements, then it may result in the cancellation of your Swiss student visa application. We have compiled a detailed Switzerland student visa checklist for your reference:

1.  Documents Required

At the Swiss embassy, you must submit all the documents along with your visa application. The documents must be either in English or any of the national languages in Switzerland - French, Italian, or German. Here is a list of Switzerland student visa requirements for Indian students:

• Letter of acceptance from any Swiss college/university
• Passport valid beyond 3 months the duration of stay
• Proof of payment for tuition fees
• Recent passport photographs
• Valid health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, scholarships & education loans if any)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae or resume
• Letter of motivation
• Written commitment to leave Switzerland upon the completion of studies

2.  Financial Requirement

To get the student visa, you must meet the Switzerland student visa financial requirements. You need to have sufficient funds in your personal bank account before the commencement of your course - CHF 21,000 or INR 17,02,670 OR USD 21,460. You must provide details of any education loans or scholarships received to fund your study in Switzerland.

3.  Language Requirement

If you are a non-native English speaker, then you must take an English language proficiency test. The language tests for Switzerland study visas for Indian students are IELTS and TOEFL.

4.  Band Score of IELTS

The majority of the universities in Switzerland accept the IELTS exam as the primary language test. Thus, the band score for IELTS considered for  Switzerland student visa requirements for Indian students is 5.5 for MBA and 6 for PG courses.

5.  Minimum Age Requirement

If you want to apply for a long-stay National Visa (D Type) student visa in Switzerland, then you must be 18 years old or above. However, if your age is below 18 years and you want to apply for the short-stay Student Schengen Visa (C Type), then you would be required to submit a few additional documents: a birth certificate, a consent form signed by both parents and copies of their passports.

Applying for a visa can be a confusing and hectic process. An integral part of your study abroad journey, a visa is the most crucial aspect and determines whether you will be able to move to Switzerland to pursue your education. At Yocket, we have a visa success rate of 97% and have helped thousands of students reach their dream university - in their dream country. If Switzerland is yours, dial down your stress, and let Yocket help you achieve your goals.

Suggested: Reasons for rejection of Switzerland student visa

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 90 (roughly INR 7,170 or USD 90). In case you want to get a visa urgently, you will have to pay up to CFH 50 (approx INR 4,050 or USD 50).

Note - After you pay the Switzerland study visa cost, you are required to pay for your Swiss residence permit. The cost is CHF 160 (INR 12,960 or USD 160 approx).

If you are applying for a student visa for the first time, the process may seem a bit confusing. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the Switzerland student visa process thoroughly:

• Step 1: Accept the university admission letter
• Step 2: Make an appointment at the Swiss embassy or consulate
• Step 3: Fill up the Switzerland student visa application form
• Step 4: Submit all the documents required
• Step 5: Pay the visa application fees
• Step 6: Attend the visa interview
• Step 7: Apply for a residence permit

Suggested: Student Visa Application Process for Switzerland 

After you submit all the documents and take the interview, you will have to wait for some time before you receive your student visa confirmation. Switzerland student visa processing time is as follows:

• Schengen Visa (C Type) - It takes about 15 to 30 days to process your short-term type C Thus if you want to apply for the Type C student visa, start nearly 1.5 months before your scheduled date of arrival in Switzerland.

• National Visa (D Type) - It takes about 60 to 180 days to process your long-term type D visa. If you want to get a Type D student visa, then you must start nearly 6 months before you intend to arrive in Switzerland.

Suggested Read: 6 Reasons For Switzerland Student Visa Rejections

After receiving the enrolment letter from your desired Swiss college/university, you must visit your nearest Swiss embassy or consulate and book an appointment. There is no online method available for the visa application process. You need to complete the whole process, from submitting documents to paying the visa fees, in the offline method only.

For the short-stay visa, it takes about 15-30 days to receive your student visa. On the other hand, it takes anywhere between 3 months to 6 months to receive your long-term student visa. Thus, you must begin your visa application as soon as you get your letter of enrolment and keep at least 3-6 months in hand for the whole visa application process before your intended date of arrival in Switzerland.

This is the last step of your Switzerland student visa application. After submitting all the documents and paying the visa fees, you need to appear for your student visa interview. Once you successfully pass the interview round, you will receive your visa within 60 to 90 days. 

The Swiss student visa is essential for international students planning to study in Switzerland. While Switzerland offers world-class education and stunning landscapes, obtaining a student visa can be challenging due to strict requirements. Applicants often need to prove financial stability, secure a university acceptance letter, and meet specific language proficiency criteria. Navigating these hurdles can be complex, but with thorough preparation and expert guidance, it's possible to arrange a Swiss student visa successfully.

Yocket Premium is your indispensable resource for a seamless Swiss visa application. With our premium service, you'll receive expert guidance and personalized support to navigate the complex visa process, ensuring you meet all requirements. Trust Yocket Premium to simplify your journey to Switzerland and secure your study visa with confidence.