Special case: students
The procedure described in Longer stays also applies to students. The following conditions also apply:
Students who are citizens of EU or EFTA states, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand must generally provide credible proof that they will not become a welfare case during stays of more than three months (at the relevant Swiss consulate or municipality upon registration). Students must also prove that they are enrolled at a recognized school in Switzerland and will be attending general instruction classes or a programme preparing them for a profession. If these requirements are met, the student will receive a residence permit for the duration of their studies or for the period of one year if their studies last longer than one year. The permit will be extended until the student has received a regular degree, if the requirements for the permit continue to be met.
Students who are not citizens of EU or EFTA member states, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand must also include the following documents together with their personal entry application, which they submit to the relevant Swiss consulate:
- Letter of acceptance from the school
- Proof of payment of tuition fees
- Proof of sufficient financial funding for living expenses for the duration of the course of study
- Diplomas/school certificates
- Written agreement to leave Switzerland after completion of studies
- Additional sheet documenting language proficiency. Language proficiency is judged based on a short interview at the consulate.
The Swiss consulate sends the entry application, including documentation and assessment of language proficiency, to the relevant cantonal migration authorities for their approval.