Swiss student visa for Indian students: All you need to know

Switzerland has a lot to offer Indian students, beyond beautiful holidays. Swiss universities and higher education institutions are world-class and provide a unique European experience. Learn more about studying in Switzerland and the process to receive a Swiss study visa.

This guide is to help shed light on the student visa process for Switzerland, but is not intended to be a substitute for professional or tailored advice for you. If you have questions on the immigration process to Switzerland, do reach out to a visa specialist or professional for assistance. Also, keep on top of news on policies and regulations for students through the Embassy of Switzerland website.

🎓 Swiss student visa application

There are 2 kinds of Swiss student visas:

Depending on the length of your stay in Switzerland, you will have to apply for the appropriate visa. A short stay, or C visa, can not be extended or substituted for a D Visa, or long stay visa.

The first step in generating a Swiss student visa application is applying to a Swiss educational institution. You will need to show proof of acceptance into the Swiss program as part of your application.

Once you have received acceptance into your Swiss program, you can apply for either the C or D visa. Make sure you are clear on which one you need as they have different document requirements and applications. ¹

Your student visa application will be assessed by the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi. They are the ultimate decision makers and are responsible for the approval or refusal of visas. However, the Embassy of Switzerland does work with VFS Global in India to make visa submission and processing easier for residents. ²
VFS Globalwill also be where you have to submit for registering your fingerprints and have your photo taken.

You can book an appointment at a VFS Global centre after you have completed your application. Here is a list of centres across the country³:

• Ahmedabad
• Bangalore
• Chandigarh
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Jalandhar
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Pondicherry
• Pune

If you would like to work during your stay in Switzerland, you are likely to require a work permit or at least a D visa. It is best to check with your educational institution in Switzerland on their policies for allowing for paid work while you study.

✏️ Swiss student visa process

Here is a quick step by step guide on how to navigate the student visa process⁴:

1. Apply and enroll into a Swiss higher educational institution
2. Check whether you need a C or a D visa
3. Download the C visa application form or the D visa application form
4. Gather your documents per the checklist
5. Complete your application package
6. Pay your application fee online
7. Make an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Centre
8. Submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at your appointment at VFS Global
9. Make sure you pay your VFS Global service fee
10. Track your application onlinewith your reference number
11. Await your decision by email
12. Collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre

🚨It is recommended to start the process about 3-4 months before you are required to be in Switzerland, but not more than 6 months before, depending on the visa you are applying for.
There have been changes in visa issuance by the Embassy of Switzerland in India due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Keep updated on which visa applications are currently being accepted and which offices are open on the Embassy of Switzerland website.

📋 Swiss student visa requirements for Indian students

The Swiss immigration authorities want to ensure that your documents are valid, you have received acceptance to a Swiss institution, and have means to support your living expenses in Switzerland. Here are the requirements they will be looking for as part of your application.

You will be required to show that you have purchased travel medical insurance for coverage of at least €30,000/ ₹24,24,300 during your time in Switzerland.

Here is a list of approved travel medical insurance providers in India. And you can apply for travel medical insurance through VFS Global online before submitting your application.

🏫 Swiss student visa financial requirements

You will need to show evidence that you have enough funds to live and study in your program in Switzerland. Your institution in Switzerland will help lay out the funds that you need depending on your location, as well as the documents to submit.

For a long term D visa

if you are applying for a D visa, the University of Zurich, for example, requires that you show proof that you have access to the following amount before you start studying:

All INR prices shown are converted at the mid-market exchange rate of CHF 1 = ₹80.81 as of June 24, 2021
You are required to hold this amount in your name in the local Swiss CHF at a bank with a branch in Switzerland or a bank account of a Swiss bank with a branch in India. The amount can not be held in Indian Rupees, and it can not be held in an international bank that does not have branches in Switzerland itself.
Here is alist of approved banks that can be used to meet this financial requirement.
You need to prove that you have the financial means to cover the costs of studying and living in Switzerland. Suitable documents include your own bank statements and confirmation of your scholarship or a guarantee from a person residing in Switzerland.
To show proof of meeting this financial requirement you will need to show either⁵:

• Your bank statements to the CHF account
• Evidence of a scholarship or grant covering all your fees in Switzerland
• A guarantee from a resident in Switzerland

If you do have a sponsor, or family member who is supporting you financially, they will need to provide copies of their passport, the origin of their funds, and:

• A personal ITR-V for the past 2 years
• A bank account statement for the past 3 months

The above 2 points will also need to accompany a letter from the bank on an A4 size sheet that is stamped and signed by the bank. ⁶

For a short term C visa

Depending on your financial status, you can submit the following⁷.
If you are employed, you will need to show:

• Last 3 months salary and salary bank account statements
• Last 3 months personal bank account statements
• Personal ITR-V

If you are supported by parents or a family member, they need to provide:

• The last 3 months of personal bank statements
• Personal ITR-V for the past 2 years, and
• A confirmation letter of financial support to you the applicant
• Copies of their passport

🖇️ Documents required for Swiss student visa

Here is a breakdown of the documents that are required to submit with your visa application. The Swiss authorities may ask for additional documents after submission, if required. ⁸⁹

For a long term D visa

• A valid Indian passport, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages and has at least 3 months validity after returning from Switzerland
• 3 copies of your application form
• Personal cover letter detailing why you want to study in Switzerland, your plans after completing your program and how you will benefit from studying in Switzerland in the future and confirmation you will leave Switzerland after your visa expires
• 2 copies of your CV
• Acceptance letter to the Swiss school, university or institution
• Proof of payment of tuition, if applicable
• Original document showing your highest level of academic completion
• 2 copies of the proof of academic degrees
• Certificate of of English language competency from TOEFL or IELTS
• Proof of financial support

For a short term C visa

• A valid Indian passport, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages and has at least 3 months validity after returning from Switzerland
• Copies of your biodata page in your passport
• The visa application form
• Personal cover letter detailing why you want to study in Switzerland, your plans after completing your program and how you will benefit from studying in Switzerland in the future and confirmation you will leave Switzerland after your visa expires
• Acceptance letter to the Swiss school, university or institution
• Proof of payment of tuition, if applicable
• CV
• Certificate of of English language competency from TOEFL or IELTS
• Travel insurance
• Flight reservation
• Proof of financial support
• Photocopies of any valid visas to the UK, USA or Canada, if applicable

You may be required to submit 2 copies of all of your documents alongside your application.

⏱️ Swiss student visa processing time

A short term C visa decision is typically reached within 15 working days from submission, if the application is full and complete.¹⁰
A long term D visa decision can take 8-12 weeks from submission. ¹¹

✔️ Swiss student visa checklist

Let’s make sure you have everything you need for your Swiss visa application:

• Letter of acceptance from the Swiss educational institution
• A valid passport with 2 blank pages
• Application form completed - C visa form or the D visa form
• Cover letter with your motivation to study in Switzerland and confirming departure from Switzerland at the end of your visa validity
• 4 passport size photographs that meet the requirements
• Proof of financial support
• CV
• Proof of payment of tuition
• Proof of English language competency
• Proof of academic history in India
• 3 copies of all documents you are submitting
• A booked appointment at the VFS Global Centre
• Completed biometric data verification
• Payment of visa application fee
• VFS service charge fee

🏷️ Swiss student visa fees

There are 2 fees associated with submitting an application. One is a visa fee and the second is a service fee from VFS Global. Both are paid in Indian Rupees and are non-refundable.
You can pay the visa fee online with a debit or credit card, or you can download and complete the form and make the payment when you submit your physical application. The VFS service charge comes with your appointment at the VFS Global Centre.
Here are the fees you can expect to pay¹²:

💸 Send money from India online with Wise

Wise is the easy, quick and secure way to send money to local bank accounts abroad.

And now with Wise Android/ iOS app or website in India, you can send money overseas for tuition payments, rental deposits, or for your next holiday right from your domestic accounts.

And if you are already abroad, check to see if you can get a Wise account.

It is a multi-currency account and card that lets you hold, receive and send money in multiple currencies. So whether you are making trips around Europe, buying groceries or settling bills, you can do with a single Wise account.

All sources checked as of 24 June, 2021