Residence permit for education or training
students
Non-EU/EFTA nationals can be admitted to Switzerland for education or training if a school confirms their place and they have accommodation and enough money. The cantonal migration office decides, and nationals who need a visa apply for a national (D) visa through a Swiss representation. Courses are generally approved for at most eight years, and staying on afterwards is subject to the normal admission rules.
Life in Switzerland
Money
3
Currency
Swiss Franc
CHF
Swiss Franc
Cost of living
128
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
0.77–11.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 8.1%
Federal direct tax only: rises in steps (marginal rate peaks at 13.2%) to a flat 11.5% on very high incomes (about CHF 794,000+ for single people, before inflation indexing); cantonal and communal taxes come on top and are usually much larger.
Living
1
Happiness
#10 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU/EFTA nationals admitted to a Swiss university, university of applied sciences or other school who can fund their stay.
Eligibility
Confirmed place
The management of the educational establishment confirms the person is eligible for the education or training (FNIA Art. 27(1)(a)); the school must also confirm language and educational prerequisites are met (VZAE Art. 24(3)).
Accommodation
Suitable accommodation must be available (FNIA Art. 27(1)(b)).
Financial means
You need to show the required financial means, using one of three types of proof.
- Option 1: a guarantee plus income or asset proof from a solvent person resident in Switzerland
- Option 2: confirmation of sufficient assets from a Swiss-licensed bank
- Option 3: a binding award of sufficient grants or study loans
Official wording
The required financial means must be available. They can be shown by a guarantee plus income/asset proof from a solvent person resident in Switzerland, a confirmation from a Swiss-licensed bank of sufficient assets, or a binding award of sufficient grants or study loans (VZAE Art. 23(1)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPersonal requirements
- Document checklistConfirmation of admission
- FeesCantonal permit fee and national visa fee
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 1 fee
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in Switzerland
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Switzerland
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- Work permitsWork and residence permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals
- Permanent residenceSettlement permit (C permit) for non-EU/EFTA nationals
- FamilyFamily reunification for non-EU/EFTA family members
- CitizenshipOrdinary naturalisation
Study in other countries
- CameroonLong stay visa for students and long-term trainees, then carte de séjour
- CyprusEntry permit and temporary residence permit for students
- CzechiaLong-term residence permit for studies
- GermanyVisa and residence permit for study
- DenmarkResidence permit for higher education
- Dominican RepublicStudent visa
