Student Visa

What supporting documents will I need to study in Switzerland?

There can be quite a few documents needed for supporting your application. Below is a handy list to help make things a little easier to follow:

• 3 National (type D) visa application forms, which you’ve filled in and signed.
• If you’re under 18 years old, both of your parents need to sign the application forms and add photocopies of their passports. You’ll also need your birth certificate.
• 2 photocopies of your passport (just the pages with your photo, personal data, and signature). Make sure your passport has been issued within the last 10 years, has 2 blank pages, and has at least 3 months validity after your scheduled arrival.
• 3 identical recent passport photos that meet the requirements.
• 2 photocopies of the residence permit that’s been issued by a Nordic or a Baltic country. It should be expired at the planned date of entry. 
• Letter of admission to the university or school you’ll be studying at in Switzerland. You should have the original and 1 photocopy. 
• 2 photocopies of diplomas or university degrees. Don’t forget to include a translation into English, German, French, or Italian. 
• A motivation letter explaining your study goals. You’ll need the original and a photocopy, and don’t forget to sign and date it. 
• Proof you’ve either paid the Swiss university/school fees or that you’re exempt from paying them. You’ll need the original and a photocopy, so don’t forget to have these ready to send with your application.
• Proof of ‘financial means’ (this could be bank statements covering the last 3 months or bank certificates etc. – you’ll need originals and 1 photocopy). You can contact the relevant cantonal migration office to find out how much money you’ll need. If your studies are being sponsored by someone else, you’ll need:
  • a signed and dated sponsorship letter
  • a copy of your sponsor’s passport (pages with photo, personal data, and signature only) 
  • your sponsor’s bank statements covering the last 3 months
• 2 curriculum vitae (CV) in English, German, French or Italian. 
• 2 photocopies showing proof of your language skills such as TOEFL or IELTS certificates. German, French, or Italian language skills certificates can be shown. 

You might be asked to show additional documentation in some cases. It’s important to note that The Regional Consular Centre won’t make copies of documents for you. And if your visa application is incomplete, it won’t be accepted and it’ll be returned to you. 

Find useful FAQs here.