Switzerland is renowned for its academic excellence, attracting individuals from around the world seeking to acquire or continue their education. But what are the conditions for pursuing education in Switzerland?
For Nationals of EU and EFTA Countries
The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU (ALCP) and the Ordinance on the Introduction of the Free Movement of Persons (OLCP) govern the admission and stay of nationals from EU/EFTA countries.
Nationals of these countries are entitled to reside in Switzerland if they meet the conditions specified in Article 24, Paragraph 1 of Annex I of the ALCP. Specifically, the foreign national must:
Have Sufficient Financial Means
Financial means are considered sufficient if they exceed the social assistance benefits that would be allocated to a Swiss national. To assess this, refer to the guidelines of the Swiss Conference of Social Welfare Institutions (CSIAS) (Article 16, Paragraph 1 OLCP).
Have Health Insurance
The insurance must cover all risks, including accidents and maternity.
Be Enrolled in an Approved Educational Institution
A short-term residence permit (Permit L) is granted for courses lasting less than one year. For courses exceeding one year, a residence permit (Permit B) is granted. The residence permit is renewed annually for the duration corresponding to the remaining length of the course (Article 24, Paragraph 5 of Annex I ALCP).
For Nationals of Third Countries
Nationals from third countries are subject to stricter provisions. Their admission and stay are regulated by the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (LEI) and the Ordinance on Admission, Stay, and Employment (OASA).
Foreign nationals intending to pursue education in Switzerland for more than three months must obtain a permit (Article 10, Paragraph 2 LEI), such as a short-term residence permit (Permit L) for studies under one year, or a residence permit (Permit B) for studies longer than one year.
They must apply for the residence permit before entering Switzerland by submitting their application to the Swiss representation in their country of origin or residence abroad.
Note that nationals from certain countries are subject to visa requirements, which must be obtained before entering Switzerland (see Annex 1, List 1 for nationalities and visa document requirements).
Admission for a foreign national wishing to study in Switzerland is subject to the following rigorous conditions (Article 27, Paragraph 1 LEI):
Confirmation from the Educational Institution
The institution must confirm that the individual meets the required level of education and language proficiency. It must also guarantee a suitable course offering, providing full-time education with at least 20 hours of classes per week.
Appropriate Housing
Sufficient Financial Means
To prove this, one of the following documents must be provided (Article 23, Paragraph 1 OASA):
A declaration of commitment and proof of income or assets from a solvent person in Switzerland or a foreigner with a residence or settlement permit.
If there is no guarantor in Switzerland, a bank confirmation from a recognized Swiss bank attesting to sufficient financial assets.
A firm guarantee of a scholarship or training loan.
Required Educational Background and Qualifications
The authority will examine the study plan and the intended goal (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s) to determine if it is a legitimate objective or if the application aims to circumvent general admission and residence conditions.
Additionally, the authority will require that the individual leave Switzerland upon completing their studies (Article 5, Paragraph 2).
Other relevant aspects, such as the duration of the course and the individual's age, must also be considered.
Generally, education is allowed for a maximum duration of eight years (Article 23, Paragraph 3 OASA). Individuals over 30 are generally not granted a residence permit for education, unless the exceptions are well-motivated.
It is important to note that, unlike EU/EFTA nationals, third-country nationals do not have an automatic right to a residence permit, even if they meet all the required conditions. The competent authority in each canton has broad discretion to grant or refuse the permit.
Need More Information?
If you need more information about obtaining a residence permit for education in Switzerland, our team of professionals would be pleased to welcome you to our office located at Rue du Valentin 1, 1004 Lausanne, to provide guidance. We remain at your disposal to answer any questions you may have.
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