Entry to Switzerland

First of all, find out whether you need a visa to enter Switzerland. Students from non-EU/EFTA countries generally require a national D-type visa to enter Switzerland. You can apply for one at the Swiss representative office in your home country.

Information on entry requirements and study permits for Switzerland as well as the address of the Swiss representative office abroad can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Please note that the visa process can take several months. If you are not sure whether you require a visa to enter, ask the representative office about your visa requirement in good time. Please note that the University of St.Gallen is not involved in the visa process and, therefore, cannot influence it.

If you are a citizen of an EU or EFTA member state, you do not need to do anything in particular before entering Switzerland. To study in Switzerland you need a residence permit. You must apply for it within 14 days of entering Switzerland at the resident's office in your new place of residence. (St.Gallen: Resident's Office, Town Hall, Poststrasse 28, CH-9001 St.Gallen).

You need a national D-type visa to study in Switzerland. Ask the Swiss representative office in good time which documents and proof are required for a visa application. Prepare the visa application very carefully. A missing document or one that is not submitted properly may lead to week-long delays.

Submit your application to the Swiss representative office. They will forward the application to the Swiss cantonal migration office. You will be notified as soon as your visa is ready for collection at the Swiss representative office.

If you give the canton of St.Gallen as your future place of residence, your visa application will be processed by the migration office of the canton of St.Gallen. Should it come to inexplicable delays, we may try to obtain information on the status of your entry application from the migration office for the canton of St.Gallen.

The university of St. Gallen provides the following documents for the visa application:

Letter of admission:
We will email you an official letter of admission if you are admitted to your desired course programme. Please print this document in colour and enclose the print-out with your visa application. (We do not send letters of admission by post)

Semester invoice:
You will also receive an invoice for the tuition fees for the first semester with the letter of admission. Please pay this invoice and enclose the invoice and confirmation of payment with your visa application. If you also require an official payment confirmation from the University of St.Gallen, please let us know immediately (admissions@unisg.ch). We will be happy to email you this document as soon as your payment is credited to our account.

Confirmation of matriculation:
If you also need a confirmation of matriculation for your visa application, then please let us know immediately. (zulassung@unisg.ch) We will be happy to email this document to you.

Important information concerning the visa application

Proof of sufficient financial means:
The visa authorities request, among other things, proof that you have sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Switzerland. In your visa application you must, therefore, generally furnish proof that you have at least CHF 24,000. The visa authority accepts account statements from Swiss banks or from banks with a branch or representative office in Switzerland. The account must be in your name and you must have the money available in the account. Please note that documents will be issued in German or English.

Written pledge to leave:
The migration authorities may also ask for a statement confirming that you will leave Switzerland after you complete your degree.   

Arrival in St.Gallen

To study in Switzerland you need a residence permit. You must apply for it within 14 days of entering Switzerland at the resident's office in your new place of residence. (St. Gallen: Resident's Office, Town Hall, Poststrasse 28, CH-9001 St. Gallen)

You need the following documents for the application: passport with a visa, passport photo and confirmation of matriculation at the University of St. Gallen.

The residence permit is issued for a maximum of one year. Students must apply in good time to extend the residence permit.

Health insurance
If upon your arrival you are not able to furnish proof of sufficient health insurance, you must get it within three months. You may select any Swiss health insurance company.

Working in the canton of St.Gallen
The HSG Career Services for international students will assist you with any questions you may have on working in Switzerland.