Switzerland

Overview

Other than being one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Switzerland is also a well known study abroad destination. This is because of its highly ranked universities, excellent research facilities, optimum student/faculty ratio and low tuition fees.

Studying in Switzerland for international students has always been an affirmative choice which is why the immigrant population in this country is 25.1%.

International students wanting to study abroad in Switzerland can be assured of high standards of education. Other than these, a growing economy, with the presence of well-established companies increases the job prospects for students.

Living in Switzerland

Almost 60% of the country’s land is mountainous, therefore one can expect to find picture perfect rolling hills, open pastures, forests and lakes. For those who find joy in nature and outdoor activities, student life in Switzerland will be like a dream, with pleasant a summer season and manageable winters.

Home to two global cities, and sharing borders with Italy, France and Austria, Switzerland’s cities are dynamic and overflowing with opportunities to interact with different cultures and languages. Since Switzerland is located centrally, traveling to any of the countries surrounding it is easy, with minimal expenses.

Economy of Switzerland

Despite its small size, Switzerland’s economy is one of the most competitive economies in the world and a force to be reckoned with. Openness to foreign investment and low rates of corruption have made it one of the most stable economies, with the country regularly ranking highest on the lists of average individual wealth and quality of living.

Education System in Switzerland

Its booming economy and trade makes Switzerland an attractive destination for students wanting to pursue business and finance, from studying to working after graduation. Universities in Switzerland are renowned throughout the world for their commitment to high standards of education and research. Foreign students who opt to study in Switzerland have benefited from small size of classes, hands-on approach to syllabus and opportunities to pursue research.

Higher Studies in Switzerland is done mostly in Vocational and Technical institutes and Universities. Switzerland has four official languages. Mostly the Bachelor’s degree is taught in German, French or Italian and not English. Some Universities mix that with Local official languages and English. Such as in some Bachelor’s degrees in ETH Zurich, first year is taught in German and second and third is taught in English.

There are two semesters: The Autumn Semester and Spring Semester. Each semester runs for 14 weeks.

Student Life In Switzerland

There will never be a dull moment in the life of a student in Switzerland. Universities are proactive in organizing workshops and conferences so that students can engage with their courses even outside the classroom, and develop a professional network that will help them after graduation. Universities are well equipped with facilities like libraries, canteens and gyms, while also routinely organizing hiking trips for foreign students, to help them explore the country.

Work and Study in Switzerland

Most universities have job placement units that offer part time jobs within the campus. Those on student resident permits are allowed to work, with the only requirement being that they produce a statement from university authorities stating that working while studying will not stretch the duration of their programs.

As courses are strenuous, foreign students are only allowed to work for a maximum of 15 hours per week. Wages can be anywhere between CHF 20 to 35, depending on skills and type of job.

Work permit in Switzerland

Graduated students have the option to apply for a six month long residency permit to explore job opportunities in the fields of their degree programs. Once employed, a work permit can be applied for. For those who wish to study further, residency permit is renewed after admission is secured.

Students of International Relations and related majors will find no dearth of opportunities to advance their careers after finishing studies, seeing as Switzerland is home to many international organizations like the United Nations and World Economic Forum. Foreign language students will also find jobs quickly as translators and interpreters in international organizations as well as MNCs.

Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a mountainous country located in western europe. Mostly famous around the world for its idyllic ski towns and chocolate, it is also known for how high its standards of living, education and work are. Switzerland is fast becoming a lucrative destination for Indian Students planning to study abroad.

Flanked by countries like Italy, France, Germany and Austria, Switzerland is a hub of cultures and languages with as many as four national languages. It is an ideal educational destination for those interested in degree programs related to language and culture. Known for having a rich topography, the country also provides a plethora of travel options for those living there.

Stay Back in Switzerland

Who would want to leave Switzerland? There are some rules and regulations set by Swiss immigration for both EFTA/EU student and non-EU students. For any kind of extension in your stay, an employment in necessary. Find out the details about stay back option and work permit after study in Switzerland.

Visa

You require a student visa to study in Switzerland. Here’s a step by step process for student visa application in Switzerland:

• On receiving a letter of acceptance from the Swiss University, reach out to the Swiss Consulate in your country.

• Fill a Visa Application Form and schedule an appointment at the Swiss Visa Application Center.

• Visit the embassy or consulate at the scheduled date and time. Carry the completed application form along with all relevant documents.

• Submit the documents and pay the Swiss student visa fees. For Indian students it is 160 CHF.

• Collect the acknowledgement receipt and wait for approval. If you’re applying for a short visa which is less than three months, it takes up to 10-15 days. However, for a long term visa which is for more than three months, the time process for student visa can go up to 10 weeks.

Documents Required For Swiss Visa Application

Now that we’re clear on the different types of visas, let’s look at visa requirements and Switzerland visa requirements. For an education visa, students are required to apply for a visa form through the Swiss Embassy in their home country, usually by going in person.

Documents needed for both Schengen C and National Visa D are mostly same, with some additional documents for the latter, since it is for a longer duration. Required documentations are listed below:

• Valid national passport or travel ID that is valid for three months beyond your stay in Switzerland.

• Three copies of Application for National Visa D filled and signed.

• Four Passport size photographs.

• Bank statements for proof that you’re financially self-sufficient to cover living costs during your program

• Healthcare insurance (with additional cover for accidents for National Visa D)

• Confirmation of course enrolment and payment of fees to the university

• If under 18, birth certificate and copies of parents’ passports and if f traveling alone, authorization to travel from guardians

• CV and motivation letter detailing why you’ve chosen to study in Switzerland and the benefits you will derive from your course (only for National Visa D)

• Copies of all degrees and diplomas you hold, including English language certifications (if applying for visa without IELTS or TOEFL, then language certificates in either French, Italian or German are compulsory)

• Signed letter for proof that once your program ends, you will leave the country immediately.

International students applying for National Visa D might be required to undertake a language test in any of the languages used as mode of instruction in Swiss Universities, namely English, French or German.

Visa application fee for adults falls roughly around 5,000INR, and it is the same no matter what country you’re applying to. Be it Switzerland or Germany visa cost the same. Although for students applying to study, this fees is usually waived off unless in special cases. All applicants are required to pay VFS Switzerland a service charge of 1533 INR, and payments are to be made in cash, though some consulates allow cards and bank transfers as well.