Student Life in Geneva

Non-EU citizens must apply for a student visa to study in Switzerland. The visa requirements can be found HERE.

The visa documentation required for studying as a non-EU/EFTA nationals includes: 

• Proof of adequate financial resources to cover your costs while you’re in Switzerland, whether yourself or a sponsor, such as copies of bank statements or a letter from the bank.;
• a health insurance policy that includes accident coverage;
• a study plan explaining the general purpose of your studies; 
• a confirmation that you have been admitted to a higher education institution recognised by the Swiss government; 
• Proof that the personal and educational requirements for your study program are fulfilled;
• a letter of motivation, your CV and an information sheet detailing your language skills;
• proof that you have appropriate accommodation; and
• a confirmation that you will leave Switzerland at the end of your studies.

The Swiss government advises that it can take up to 8 weeks to get your student visa application processed, so start getting your documents together as soon as possible! Contact your local Swiss embassy or consulate today to get the process started. 

SSBM Geneva will assist and guide you in the student visa application process. Please contact us at admissions@ssbm.ch for more details.

When you arrive in Switzerland

You have 14 days after your arrival in Switzerland to register your arrival and arrange to get the residence permit from the cantonal migration offices (if required). You’ll be issued with a permit B. It’s valid for a year and renewable.

The following table provides an idea of the costs of living in Geneva. Cheaper accommodation is available in the neighboring French towns, such as Ferney-Voltaire, Annemasse or Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.

Different criteria are applied to students depending on where they come from. Students coming to Switzerland from EU, EEA, and EFTA countries are able to work during their studies.

However, for Non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens the rules are different. You can only start working six months after you have started your studies and have gotten a work permit.

General rules that apply are:

• International students can work up to 15 hours a week
• During semester holidays international students can work up to 100%.
• Students from outside the EU/EFTA countries may start working only 6 months after starting their degree program.

How much is the salary?

Depending on the sector, students working 15 hours earn CHF 1,900 to CHF 2,900.