Preparation and Entry

Studies: enrolment and residence permit application

The university's letter of admission is a prerequisite for the residence application. Third-country nationals file it with the Swiss representation abroad before entry; EU/EFTA nationals file it after entry with their municipality or the cantonal migration authority. You must prove admission, sufficient financial means for the entire period of study, and health insurance. Any side job requires a permit and, for third-country nationals, is only possible 6 months after entry and for no more than 15 hours per week during term.

Who this applies to. This guide applies if the employment situation in Switzerland is Studies and the nationality group is not Switzerland.

Checklist

Obtain the letter of admission or enrolment confirmation

Issued by the university; without it no authority accepts the residence application.
Prove the financing of your stay

Bank statement, scholarship award or declaration of sponsorship; the cantonal migration authority reviews it for the entire duration of your studies.
Prove health insurance or apply for an exemption

Students from the EU/EFTA area can apply to the canton for an exemption from compulsory insurance using their European Health Insurance Card — the application must be filed within 3 months.
File the residence application

Third-country nationals with the Swiss representation abroad before entry, EU/EFTA nationals with their municipality after entry.
Check the rules for a side job

Requires a permit from the cantonal authority; for third-country nationals only from 6 months after entry and for at most 15 hours per week.

Costs

Permit fee not quantified

No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.

Frequently asked questions

Who does this guide apply to?

This guide applies if the employment situation in Switzerland is Studies and the nationality group is not Switzerland.

What does it cost?

Permit fee: not quantified.

What do I need to do?

Obtain the letter of admission or enrolment confirmation; Prove the financing of your stay; Prove health insurance or apply for an exemption; File the residence application; Check the rules for a side job.

As of: 08.10.2026