Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. Its tallest peak is the Dufourspitze at 15,203 ft (4,634 m) on the Swiss side of the Italian border, one of 10 summits of the Monte Rosa massif. The tallest peak in all of the Alps, Mont Blanc (15,771 ft; 4,807 m), is actually in France. Most of Switzerland is composed of a mountainous plateau bordered by the great bulk of the Alps on the south and by the Jura Mountains on the northwest. The country’s largest lakes—Geneva, Constance (Bodensee), and Maggiore—straddle the French, German-Austrian, and Italian borders, respectively. The Rhine, navigable from Basel to the North Sea, is the principal inland waterway.
SWITZERLAND
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. Its tallest peak is the Dufourspitze at 15,203 ft (4,634 m) on the Swiss side of the Italian border, one of 10 summits of the Monte Rosa massif. The tallest peak in all of the Alps, Mont Blanc (15,771 ft; 4,807 m), is actually in France. Most of Switzerland is composed of a mountainous plateau bordered by the great bulk of the Alps on the south and by the Jura Mountains on the northwest. The country’s largest lakes—Geneva, Constance (Bodensee), and Maggiore—straddle the French, German-Austrian, and Italian borders, respectively. The Rhine, navigable from Basel to the North Sea, is the principal inland waterway.
This country is vibrantly known for disparate reasons. The visitors are awed by the Swiss landscape. A glimpse of the mountain peaks and stares into the deep lakes engross the visitor right from the first look. Switzerland is best known for its educational and financial institutions. This country offers easily accessible and high quality education. There is a high percentage of overseas students in Switzerland. The students get to meet and associate with people from all around the globe. Thus studying in Switzerland aids you to get a global outlook and a politically neutral understanding of life.
Majority of the institutes and the universities in Switzerland offer recreational activities for the students. Several inter-university sports tournaments are organized by the universities. Also as a number of colleges are situated close to the Alps, the students get good opportunities to learn ski or snowboard.
What documents will be required?
For student visas, the following documents are required:
1. 3 copies of completed application form.
2. 4 passport-size photographs (undamaged and of recent date).
3. Passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after intended visit.
4. 3 copies of the passport including the signature page.
5. Return/onward ticket and visa for next country of destination if required.
6. Proof of sufficient funds in the form of a recent bank statement.
Note:
1. The visa application must be submitted to the Swiss Embassy/Consulate covering your place of residence.
2. You must be in possession of sufficient financial means to cover your cost of living in Switzerland.
3. The Swiss Embassy/Consulate may demand a declaration of guarantee.
4. You may not take up employment during your stay in Switzerland without the required permit nor take up studies exceeding a period of three months.
5. A student permit is valid for the length of the study period.
Residence permits are awarded to students who wish to study in Switzerland under the following conditions:
a. The applicant is coming to Switzerland alone
b. The applicant wants to attend a university or some other institution of higher learning
c. The program of studies is fixed
d. The institution attests in writing that the applicant has been accepted for studies
e. The applicant proves necessary financial means
f. The applicant guarantees departure from Switzerland at the end of studies.
Students who wish to attend Switzerland have to submit the following documents:
* 3 visa application forms, duly filled in, dated and signed
* 4 recent passport photos in colour, with white background, size 3.5cmx4.5cm
* 2 photocopies of the first 6 pages and all visas and stamps in the passport
* Letter of acceptance of the chosen school, 1 original, 3 copy
* Proof of sufficient funds, 1 original, 1 copy (e.g. bank guarantee, bank certificate)
* Certificates/diplomas (certified by a notary and translated into French), 1original and 3 copy
* 2 CV (curriculum vitae), signed by the student
* 2 study plans, signed by the student
* 2 future plans, including professional development intended by the student after having finished his/her studies in Switzerland, explanation on how the student is going to benefit from his/her studies in future, signed by the student
* Any other documentation you consider relevant to your application
To ascertain linguistic proficiency of the student, the Embassy of Switzerland may require a verbal test.
The applicant’s application will be forwarded for decision to the responsible immigration authority in Switzerland, therefore the Embassy will charge additional CHF 5.00 for postage. The Embassy of Switzerland can only issue a student visa upon receipt of the authorisation. Please note that the procedure takes approx. 6 – 12 weeks.
Travellers who wish to apply for a student visa must submit their application in person.