Switzerland Student Visa for Indians

Switzerland is known for its economy, iconic landscapes of the Alps and charming lakesides. The country is celebrated for its commitment to neutrality, high-quality education, and as a hub for international diplomacy, all while maintaining a strong tradition of craftsmanship in industries like watchmaking and chocolate. Switzerland is a popular destination for international students seeking top-notch education while living in a beautiful setting. Swiss universities are renowned for the quality of their academic programs, often offered in English. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting your Switzerland student visa from India.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

Plans for an individual of 30 years age travelling to USA for 15 days

About Switzerland Student Visa

International students are welcomed in Switzerland's various academic programs across its prestigious institutions. The prospect of living in a beautiful country like Switzerland is also attractive. Here are some key facts about the country you may want to know about.

Category	Details
Country	Switzerland
Currency	Swiss Franc (CHF) (CHF 1 = INR 97.02)
Language	German, French, Italian, Romansh
Time Zone	Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Popular Tourist Destinations	Zermatt, Lucerne, Geneva, Zurich, Interlaken, Jungfrau Region
Visa Processing Time	Schengen visa: 15-45 days National visa: 8-12 weeks

Documents Required for a Switzerland Student Visa

To study in Switzerland, you can apply for a Schengen Student Visa or a National Visa, depending on the duration of your course.

Schengen Student Visa for Switzerland

Here is a list of documents that you need to submit for a Schengen Student Visa.

Salary slips and bank statements for employed applicants
Business registration and financial statements for self-employed or company owners.
Students or unemployed individuals need financial support documentation from parents or guardians.

Document	Description
Valid National Passport	Must be issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended return date, and have two blank pages.
Photograph complying with Switzerland student visa photo requirements	A recent photo (within the last 6 months) White background Sized 35-40 mm in width Stapled or pinned photos not accepted
Application Form	Must be fully completed and signed by the applicant For minors, the form must be signed twice by a legal guardian and include custody documents if needed
Previous Passports	Any previous passports should be bound with a rubber band (not stapled).
Personal Cover Letter	Must be signed by the student and detail the reasons for studying in Switzerland, future professional goals, and how the studies will benefit them. It should also confirm the intention to leave Switzerland after the studies.
1. University Documents	2. Acceptance/confirmation letter regarding your admission. 3. Must include proof of payment of entrance fees to the Swiss institution (if applicable) 4. Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
Proof of Academic Qualifications	Required certificates include English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS) Certificates in German, French, or Italian if required A CV is also required
Travel Insurance	Travel health Insurance must cover a minimum of EUR 30,000/ CHF 50,000 per person, including medical expenses and repatriation. Coverage must include the entire stay in the Schengen area. For multiple entry visas, coverage for the first journey is sufficient.
Flight Reservation	A reservation showing the traveller's name
Proof of Financial Status	Original documents (in A4 format) with bank stamp and signature, including:
Previous Visas	Photocopies of valid UK, USA, or Canadian visas, if any, including the first and last pages of the passport. Provide refusal notices or explanations if a visa was denied in the past 2 years.

National Student Visa for Switzerland

If you wish to stay and study in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you need to obtain a National Visa. Here's a checklist of the documents you need to submit for this visa type.

A letter from the sponsor confirming financial coverage.
A copy of the sponsor's passport, and detailed proof of fund origin (e.g., bank loan, family wealth).
The sponsor's solvency proof must include Personal ITR (only ITR-V) for the last 2 years and recent bank statements in A4 format with a bank stamp and signature.

Document	Description
4 Passport Size Pictures	Three photos must be attached to the application forms. The fourth should be clipped to the last page of the passport.
Three Application Forms	Three completed forms, each signed by the applicant. If the applicant is a minor, the forms must be signed by legal guardians and include any necessary authorisations. Proof of custody (e.g., divorce papers) should be provided if applicable.
Previous Visas	Clear photocopies of any valid UK, USA, or Canadian visas, including the first and last pages of the passport.
Personal Cover Letter	A letter signed and dated by the student detailing the reasons for studying in Switzerland, future professional goals, and how the studies will benefit them. Must confirm the student's intention to leave Switzerland after their studies.
Curriculum Vitae	One original CV and one copy.
Acceptance/Confirmation Letter	A letter from the Swiss institution confirming acceptance or registration Proof of fee payment if applicable
Proof of Academic Degrees	Originals plus two sets of coloured copies of secondary and tertiary education certificates, without any stamps. Includes mandatory English language certificates (TOEFL or IELTS) and, if available, certificates in German, French, or Italian.
Financial Status	One original and two copies of financial documentation, including:

Types of Switzerland Student Visa

There are two Switzerland visa types for students to choose from. You can take up a short-term study course on a Schengen visa. For a long-term course, you need to get a National Visa. Here's a summary of the various Switzerland student visa types.

Switzerland student visa types	Description	Permitted Duration of Stay
Schengen Visa for Students	Allows students to complete a short-term study course in Switzerland.	Up to 90 days
National Visa	Allows students to stay in Switzerland for an educational course longer than 90 days.	More than 90 days, up to the duration of your course.

Visa Guide

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Applying for a Switzerland Student Visa

Here's a step-wise guide explaining how to get a Switzerland student visa.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa Required
Decide on the specific type of visa you need based on your study plans.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents and Photos
Collect all the required documents and passport-sized photos according to the Switzerland student visa requirements.

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form
Fill out the visa application form. For Schengen visas, use the VFS Global website. For national visas, obtain and complete the form from the official Swiss government website.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
For Schengen visas, book an appointment at a nearby VFS centre via their website. For national visa applications, submit your documents at the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi. The embassy website provides contact information, opening hours, and other relevant details.

Step 5: Submit Biometric Data and Documents
During your appointment, provide your biometric information and submit the required documents.

Step 6: Await Visa Processing
After submission, wait for the processing of your Switzerland student visa application.

Switzerland Student Visa Fees

The Switzerland visa fees are based on your visa type. Here's a summary of the Switzerland student Visa Fees that you need to pay.

Visa type	Visa fees
Schengen Visa for Students	Adults: INR 8100 Children aged between 6 to 12 years: INR 4050 Children below the age of 6: Free
National Visa for Students	Adults: INR 8100 Children aged between 6 to 12 years: INR 4050 Children below the age of 6: Free

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of Switzerland Student Visa for Indians?

If you have applied for a Schengen visa, you can track your application status via the website of VFS Global during the Switzerland student visa processing time.

Visit the official website of VFS
Click on the 'Track Your Application' option
Enter your Switzerland student visa application reference number and your last name into the form.
Submit the form to view your Switzerland student visa status.

For national visa applications, the embassy does not provide any information during the processing time.

FAQs

Q: Can I work while studying in Switzerland on a Schengen visa?

Ans: No, you cannot work in Switzerland while studying on a Schengen student Visa.
Q: What is the average Switzerland student visa processing time?

Ans: The average Switzerland student visa processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days. For a National visa, the processing time is 8-12 weeks
Q: Do I need to submit language certificates for my Switzerland student visa?

Ans: Yes, you need to submit mandatory English language certificates (TOEFL or IELTS) and, if available, certificates in German, French, or Italian.
Q: Can I appeal if my Switzerland student visa application is rejected?

Ans: Yes, you can file an appeal if your visa application is rejected within 30 days from the date of rejection of your application.
Q: How to prove my financial status if I am not earning anything in India?

Ans: You can prove your financial ability to support yourself in Switzerland by providing a confirmation letter from your sponsor and the origin of the required funds, such as family money or a bank loan letter.