Conditions relevant to entering and residing in Switzerland

After entering Switzerland, you must apply for a residence permit at the registration office of the city of Bern (or from the authorities of your residential municipality). You will receive further information from the International Office before your exchange

The fee for the residence permit: approx. CHF 90

Almost all nationals of non-EU/EFTA countries require a visa. Contact the embassy or the Swiss consulate in your home country for information on visa regulations and applying for a visa. Please note that it takes at least eight weeks for a visa to be issued. You cannot study in Switzerland on a tourist visa.

Non-EU/FTA nationals who have a valid Schengen residence permit do not require a visa. You must apply for a residence permit after entering Switzerland.

For your visa and/or residence permit, you must prove that you have CHF 1,500 per month at your disposal. Examples of this financial proof: recent bank statement, confirmation from a person who is supporting you financially (with a copy of that person's passport) and/or proof of a grant. 

Upon your arrival you must apply for a residence permit at the registration office of the city of Bern (or from the authorities of your residential municipality). You will receive further information from the International Office before your exchange. 

EU/EFTA nationals do not require a visa to study in Switzerland. 

After arriving in Bern, you must register with the Migration Office of the City of Bern within 14 days by online form (only available in German). The following documents must be submitted:

• Copy of ID or passport
• Application for residence permit form ("Gesuch Aufenthaltsbewilligung Aus- und Weiterbildung" ) 
• Form for determination of sufficient financial means ("Ermittlung ausreichende finanzielle Mittel")
• Current confirmation of enrolment

The relevant forms can be found on the website of the Migration Office (Aufenthalt zur Aus- und Weiterbildung - EU/EFTA-Staatsangehörige). They are only available in German. 

Once you have registered, you will be asked to go to the Migration Office to register your biometric data.

Einwohnerdienste, Migration und Fremdenpolizei der Stadt Bern (Migration Office) (for residents of the City of Bern - zip code 3000 - 3027):
Predigergasse 5
3007 Berne

If you do not live in the city of Bern, please contact the Migration Office of your municipality of residence in Switzerland.

Almost all nationals of non-EU/EFTA countries require a visa to study in Switzerland. Information on visa requirements and visa applications can be obtained from the Swiss representation abroad in your country of origin.The visa procedure usually takes at least 2-3 months, often longer. A tourist visa does not entitle you to study in Switzerland.

If you have a valid residence permit from a Schengen country, you do not need a visa and can register directly with the Migration Office of the City of Bern upon arrival in Bern.

After arriving in Bern, you must submit the following documents to the Migration Office of the city of Bern by e-mail or post within 14 days:

• Registration form for third-country nationals ("Formular Anmeldung Drittstaatsangehörige", only avialable in German). 
• Confirmation of enrolment from the university (including study program, exact duration of studies)
• Letter of motivation
• Confirmation of sufficient financial means
• Tenancy agreement
• Curriculum vitae

The registration form can be found on the website of the Migration Office (Aufenthalt zur Aus- und Weiterbildung - Drittstaatsangehörige).

Once you have registered, you will be asked to go by the Migration Office to register your biometic data. 

Einwohnerdienste, Migration und Fremdenpolizei der Stadt Bern (for residents of the city of Bern - zip code 3000 - 3027):
Predigergasse 5
3007 Bern

If you do not live in the city of Bern, please contact the Migraiton Office of your municipality of residence in Switzerland.

Please read our information and suggestions on entry requirements and visa applications for regular students.