Switzerland is famous worldwide for its breathtaking beauty, cleanliness, and revitalizing properties. Its beautiful mountains and lakes provide fresh air to the country, attracting tourists and international students.
Because of Switzerland’s wide range of study programs, several universities are ranked among the world’s best. These institutions offer students the chance to pursue their academic and professional aspirations to new heights.
Furthermore, Switzerland’s open culture makes it an ideal destination for international students looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and multicultural learning environment.
The country’s commitment to global participation ensures that students from around the world are welcomed with open arms and provided with ample opportunities to grow both academically and personally.
What You Need to Know about the Swiss Student Visa
As a Nigerian international student looking to study in Switzerland, you’ll need to apply for a student visa from the Swiss embassy before traveling to Switzerland at least.
The Swiss student visa is issued to visa applicants who intend to undertake studies, language courses, or vocational training from an accredited university or institute in Switzerland.
For short courses of less than 90 days, you’ll need a short-term Schengen C visa, while for courses of more than 90 days, a national D visa and a residence permit will be required for travel.
Residence permits are issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. A distinction is made between short-term residence permits (less than one year), annual residence permits (limited), and permanent residence permits (unlimited).
Swiss visa application for a long-term D visa, documents will include:
- Three Visa Type D application form, duly completed and signed.
- Four identical passport photographs in dimensions of 35 – 40 mm, in colour, full-face capture, white background, no wigs, glasses, etc.
- An international passport with 12 months validity and two blank leaflets at the back.
- Two copies of passport pages listing past travel history i.e. valid visas to Schengen, UK, and US, or any visa refusal letter.
- Two copies of international passport bio-data pages.
- Original and two copies of proof of adequate financial resources to cover your costs while you’re in Switzerland, whether you, your parents, or a sponsor, such as copies of bank statements (6 months duration) or a letter from the bank.
- Proof of healthcare insurance which includes covering medical costs of up to €30,000.
- Original and two copies of birth certificate.
- Original confirmation of enrollment at a recognized Swiss educational institution, inclusive of two copies.
- Original confirmation, of course, tuition fees paid, inclusive of two copies.
- Original certificate of English language proficiency test and two copies, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL.
- Two copies of Curriculum Vitae.
- Motivation letter outlining why you want to come to Switzerland to study and how this will be beneficial to your career.
- Original and two copies of previous educational certificates and diplomas.
- A signed statement letter confirming that you will leave Switzerland at the end of the course.
- Receipt of the visa application fee of N36,000 is paid at the teller counter of the embassy, application processing fees may be charged. Note that this fee is non-refundable.
- Biometric data such as fingerprints scan and facial images will be taken at the Switzerland embassy, this will be stored in the Visa Information System for five years.
Visa Application Processing
Visa applicants to Switzerland need an appointment at least one week ahead to submit their visa application.
Appointments should be booked immediately after receiving your conditional offer of admission into a Swiss university.
Applications should be submitted as early as 10 weeks – 6 months before the travel date. You can get an appointment from the embassy by sending an e-mail to this address: abu.visa@eda.admin.ch. While setting up the appointment, you must provide the following information:
- Nature of travel i.e. studies
- Your complete name
- Telephone number
- Passport number
- E-Mail Address
- Planned arrival date and travel itinerary in Switzerland.
Your appointment will be fixed with the embassy from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
On your appointment day make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes in advance, and show your passport to the doorman for him to verify your name is on the list.
Endeavor to have your form ready, fully completed, and duly signed, with all the necessary documents, photocopies, and photos, following the Switzerland visa rules.
An incomplete application usually requires a new appointment. The visa procedure takes 8 – 12 weeks from the date of your application acceptance to process; a receipt ticket will be given to you which will be required for passport collection.
Switzerland Passport collection
The collection of passports is possible Monday to Thursday between 14:00/14:30 and on Friday between 10:30 AM/11:00 AM, no appointment is needed.
On Arrival
You must register your arrival and arrange to get your residence permit from the cantonal migration offices 14 days after your arrival in Switzerland.
While you are waiting for your B permit (which may take some weeks), you’ll be given an attestation that will allow you to open a bank account but won’t allow you to leave the country.
You’ll be issued a permit B in the form of a biometric card. It’s valid for a year and renewable.
Switzerland’s COVID-19 Border and Travel Measures
There are currently no entry restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is required for entry into Switzerland.
Do not travel if you’re feeling sick or have symptoms that point to a coronavirus infection.
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