Visa Types

Switzerland Student Visa Tips

Find out what documents you need to study in Switzerland.

Switzerland-flag
  • What Is Schengen Visa?

    The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
    To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.

  • Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:

    Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.

Key Points for Switzerland Student Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Switzerland?

To visit Switzerland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.

Switzerland visa application is made online or offline?

The visa application must be made offline through VFS Global.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a Switzerland visa?

No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Switzerland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa?

On a student visa, you can stay for up to 4 years (depending on your study program).

What kind of visa will we acquire from Switzerland?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page on your passport

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

In general the application is free of charge; however, there might be some exceptions.

To more information about visa fee, please click here

 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • Before applying for a visa to Switzerland as a Schengen State, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or medical treatment, to choose the appropriate visa type.
  • Refer to the official website of the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country for comprehensive information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas to Switzerland.
  • Ensure you fulfill the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the selected visa category to enhance the likelihood of a successful visa application for Switzerland as a Schengen State.

Get started with your visa application

Once you have determined your visa type and are ready to apply, you can download the Swiss visa application form. Click here to download the VISA Application Form.

You can either complete the application form online and print it or download the form and fill it out by hand. After completing the form, you can submit it in person at the Visa Application Centre or through an authorized representative or travel agent.

It's important to note that the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi will assess your visa application. The Visa Application Centre does not accept applications sent via post.

Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment

After submitting your visa application, you will need to schedule an appointment to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken at a Visa Application Centre.

Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email along with the appointment letter. Please note that if you are part of a family or group, each member will need to book an individual appointment.

To schedule a group appointment, travel agents can call us at 022-67866042 to procure a preferred slot for submitting applications at the Joint Schengen Visa Application Centres across India.

If you face any issues while scheduling your appointment, please email us at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com with your name, passport number, and contact number. You can also call us at 022-67866035 for assistance.

Before scheduling your appointment, please read through the following instructions:

  • You can reschedule your appointment up to two times.
  • If you need to reschedule, please do so at least two days prior to your scheduled appointment date.
  • If you reschedule your appointment more than two times, it will be considered a new appointment.
  • If you wish to cancel your appointment, please note that service charges will not be refunded. Appointments can only be cancelled two working days prior to the scheduled date.

Find out the amount you need to pay

After submitting your visa application, you will need to pay the Visa Application Fee. If you are applying online, the payment will be made as part of the application process. However, if you download the form and bring it to the Visa Application Centre, payment can be made during your appointment.

Please note that if you pay the Visa Fees online using your Credit/Debit Card/Net Banking, it may take up to 15 working days to process your request.

VISA Type: Fees in INR
Adult Visa: 6900
Child Between 6 - 12 Years: 3450
Child Below 6 Years: 0

Fee Type: Fee in INR

Service Fees: 1983
Convenience Fee: 150
Courier: 690
SMS: 345
Courier Assurance: 1035
Form Filling: 2600
Premium Lounge: 3020
Prime Time Appointment: 3450

If you encounter an error while making an online payment, do not make the payment again online. Kindly contact our helpdesk at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com or the nearest Swiss Visa Application Centre.

In case you need to request a refund, please email us at refunds@vfshelpline.com with the following details:

  • Web Reference Number/Transaction ID
  • Name and Passport Number
  • Contact Details of the Applicant
  • Date of Transaction

Attend your scheduled appointment

You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.

Find out What happens at the Visa Application Centre.

Stay informed about the progress of your application

Track the status of your application and stay updated with its progress by using the online tracking service. To access this service, use the reference number on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name.

Once a decision has been made on your application, you will receive an email notification from the Visa Application Centre. However, if you prefer more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to receive updates via SMS directly to your phone. Check if this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you applied to.

Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre

Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you can collect your documents from the Visa Application Centre. You may also have the option to have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee, depending on the centre.

If you choose to collect your documents in person, bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a valid form of government identification. In some cases, you may be allowed to send a representative to collect your documents. They will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre, and their own government identification.

Make sure to check with the Visa Application Centre at the time of your appointment to learn about the available options for collecting your documents.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for a study visa to Switzerland from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form, available from the Swiss embassy or consulate website.
  • Passport: Original passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay. Ensure that your passport is not damaged or expired.
  • Passport-size Photographs: Recent color photographs that meet the specifications of the embassy or consulate.
  • Acceptance Letter: Official acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Switzerland confirming your admission to a course of study.
  • Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and any other related costs during your stay in Switzerland. This may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial sponsorship letters.
  • Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Switzerland for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Academic Transcripts: Copies of your educational transcripts, including diplomas or degrees earned and any relevant academic certificates.
  • Language Proficiency: Proof of your proficiency in the language of instruction, such as language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, DALF) or language certificates.
  • Study Plan: A detailed study plan outlining your academic objectives, course selection, and how your studies in Switzerland align with your future goals.
  • Visa Fee: Payment receipt or proof of payment for the visa application fee.
  • Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are currently employed, a letter from your employer granting you permission to pursue studies in Switzerland.
  • Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations.
  • Travel Health Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros, valid for the entire duration of your stay in Switzerland. The insurance should cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements for the last three to six months to demonstrate your financial ability to support your studies and stay in Switzerland.
  • Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate issued by the Indian authorities.
  • Student Visa Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining your motivation to study in Switzerland, your academic background, and your future plans.
  • Additional Documents: Any additional documents that may support your application, such as reference letters, academic achievements, research proposals (if applicable), and proof of any previous language courses or study abroad programs.

Remember, this checklist is a general guideline, and the actual requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the discretion of the embassy or consulate. It is always advisable to consult the official website of the Swiss embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa application process for studying in Switzerland.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

To apply for a Switzerland study visa (also known as a national visa or D visa) from India, you will typically need the following application forms and documents:

National Visa Application Form: Fill out the national visa application form accurately and completely. This form is specific to Switzerland and is available on the website of the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India.

Please note that the specific requirements and application forms may vary depending on the Swiss Embassy or Consulate where you submit your application and the particular educational institution you will be attending. It is advisable to consult the official website of the respective embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.

Here are the steps to apply for a study visa to Switzerland from India after receiving admission:

  • Receive the acceptance letter or enrollment confirmation from the Swiss educational institution.
  • Download the study visa application form from the official website of the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in India.
  • Fill out the national visa application form accurately and completely.
  • Gather the necessary documents, including:
  • Make copies of all the documents for your records.
  • Schedule an appointment with the Swiss Embassy/Consulate for visa submission.
  • Attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time.
  • Submit your completed application form and all the required documents.
  • Pay the visa processing fee, if applicable.
  • Provide any additional documents or information as requested by the embassy/consulate.
  • Keep the receipt or acknowledgment provided for tracking your application.
  • Wait for a decision on your visa application.
  • Once approved, collect your passport and study visa.
  • Verify that all the information on the visa is correct.
  • Make necessary travel arrangements and prepare for your studies in Switzerland.

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the Swiss Embassy/Consulate and the educational institution. It is important to consult the official website of the embassy/consulate for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your situation.