Student Permit (Permit B) vs Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
Student visa comparison: Switzerland and Italy. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
 IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland | Italy |
| Program type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 mo | 12 mo |
| Proof of funds | — | $11,432 |
| Application fee | — | $56 |
| Work during study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
Tuition
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Mixed | Mixed |
| Tuition-free scope | None | None |
| Tuition minimum | $1,049 | — |
| Tuition maximum | $9,646 | — |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 months | 12 months |
| Maximum duration | — | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | 12 months | 12 months |
Financial requirements
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | — | $11,432 |
| Application fee | — | $56 |
| Dependent fee | — | $58 |
Work during study
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours per week (term) | 15 hrs | 20 hrs |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | No | Yes |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Separate permit | Automatic |
Requirements
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Required | Required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Not required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Not required |
| Accommodation proof | Required | Required |
| Visa interview | Not required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Dependent restriction | Family reunification is subject to cantonal approval, adequate accommodation, and sufficient resources; student entitlement is limited to spouse and dependent children. | Spouse and minor children. Must demonstrate sufficient funds for family. |
| Spouse can work | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse work unrestricted | Yes | Yes |
| Children can attend school | Yes | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | Yes |
| Work permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent residency | Yes | Yes(5 yrs) |
| Citizenship | Yes(10 yrs) | Yes(10 yrs) |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | Yes | No |
Application process
|
CH
Student Permit (Permit B)
|
IT
Study Visa (Visto per Studio)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | — | In person |
| Processing time | 56–84 days | 14–90 days |
| Apply in-country | No | No |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen access | Yes | Yes |
| Nationality restriction | Third-country nationals; EU/EFTA nationals follow free-movement residence rules. | None |