If you are a national of a third country (i.e. not a member of the EU or EFTA), you must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland.

Consult Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality on the right.

However, if you have a residence permit issued by a Schengen country, it will in principle be accepted by the Swiss authorities and you will not need a visa to enter Switzerland.

Consult List of residence permits issued by member states on the right.

The visa application must be submitted to the Swiss representation (Consulate or Embassy) in your country of origin at least 3 months before the planned arrival in Switzerland.

It can take up to 3 months to obtain a visa.

The following documents will be requested by the Swiss authorities:

• Exchange admission certificate issued by the University of Neuchâtel (before applying to enter Switzerland, students must be in possession of a definitive exchange admission certificate).
• Study plan, including duration.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Copies of diplomas, school certificates or other certificates obtained.
• Formal written commitment to leave Switzerland at the end of the stay.
• Proof of financial means
  • bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your study stay in Switzerland, with a minimum deposit of CHF 1’600.- per month of stay in Switzerland, or
  • firm guarantee of a sufficient study or training grant with a copy of the documents relating to the grant [decision, amount, duration] for a minimum amount of CHF 1,600 per month.
• Copy of passport.
• A cover letter explaining precisely why you have chosen to study in Switzerland and your plans for the future after the exchange.