Visa Requirements for EU Citizens

If you are a citizen of an EU/EFTA member state, you do not need a visa to study in Switzerland. A valid travel document or a document confirming your identity and citizenship (such as a national ID card) is all that is required to enter Switzerland to study at International Swiss School.

Visa Requirements for Non-EU/EFTA/Swiss Citizens

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EFTA/Swiss country, you will generally need a visa to study in Switzerland. The specific visa requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, so it is best to check with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. In most cases, you will need to apply for a national “D” visa if you plan to study in Switzerland for more than 90 days.

It is highly advisable to start the visa process as soon as you receive the Invitation Letter from the International Swiss School in Switzerland. You will need to submit various documents, including a certificate of acceptance from the institution, proof of payment of school fees, means of support during studies, and a written commitment to leave Switzerland when your studies are completed. Prepare the necessary documents:

• Switzerland Visa Application Form;
• Two passport-sized photos;
• International Passport (valid for at least 6 months);
• Proof of acceptance from the International Swiss School;
• Proof of payment of complete first-year tuition fees;
• Written commitment to leave Switzerland when studies are completed;
• Medical insurance;
• Proof of accommodation (document confirming the availability of appropriate housing for the intended period of stay in Switzerland);
• Documents confirming sufficient financial resources to cover costs of living and return travel to the country of origin or residence;
• Paid visa fee receipt.

The specifics of the required documentation may vary among consulates, so students should confirm it on the consulate’s website or ask their personal admission manager of the ISS for assistance. It may take up to 90 days for the visa to be reviewed, so it’s best to start the process as soon as possible. 

Remember that the visa process might vary from country to country. It is advisable to check with the embassy directly about the visa process in your home state. Stay in touch with our representatives online 24/7! In case we have our local university staff in the country of your citizenship, they will be glad to help you with the visa process.