CH
Switzerland · Aufenthaltsbewilligung B (Studium) / Permis de sejour B (etudes) · processing 56-84 days
A cantonal residence permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals admitted to study at a recognised Swiss higher education institution. The canton decides the application, duration, renewal, financial evidence and permit charges.
Tuition is set by each institution, not by the student permit. For 2026-27, public universities listed by swissuniversities range from CHF 435 to CHF 4,000 per semester, before compulsory and one-time fees. International student charges differ at some universities. Private institutions set their own fees.
Third-country students may work only after their first six months of study and after cantonal approval. The employer applies, and the school must confirm the job will not delay the course. The federal limit outside holidays is 15 hours a week. Holiday work is subject to cantonal rules; Geneva publishes a 40-hour weekly maximum.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six-month job-search stay for Swiss higher-education graduates | Job seeker | 6 mo | Any | No | No |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantonal residence permit fee | Permit | Annual | |
| National visa D application fee for students | Application | $0 | One time |
National visa D processing is handled by the competent canton and the Swiss representation. Official representation guidance estimates 8-12 weeks, with actual time varying by canton and case. Student visa applications are generally free; residence permit fees are set by cantons. Admission language requirements are set by each institution and program, rather than nationally for the permit. Ordinary naturalisation generally requires ten years’ residence and a C permit; the treatment of study residence for settlement is conditional and is not a simple half-time rule. Degree required for entry: Admission to a recognised or accredited Swiss higher education institution.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
corrected settlement and citizenship timing claims to reflect conditional study-stay credit and the federal ten-year naturalisation period Source
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