Other residence permits and naturalisation

Studying in Switzerland, then working there

A residence permit for studies is temporary and tied to a course. We prepare the application, then the steps that follow: part-time work, internship, and the job search after graduation.

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For whom

The student, or the employer of a graduate

The student, or their parents

You have been admitted to a school, a university or a further-education programme in Switzerland, or you are preparing that admission. The application is the student's own; we put it together with them and their family, and with the guarantor where there is one.

The employer of a Swiss graduate

You wish to hire a foreign student who holds a degree from a Swiss university, or to offer part-time work during studies. The law provides easier access on precise conditions: we check that they are met before you file the application.

The requirements of the law

Admitted for a course of study, for the length of that course

A stay for studies is temporary. The authority checks that the course is genuine and is not a way of getting round the general admission rules.

Admission for education

A foreign national may be admitted for education or continuing education if the management of the institution confirms that they can follow the course, if they have appropriate housing and the necessary financial means, and if they have the level of education and the personal qualifications required (Art. 27 para. 1 FNIA). A minor must also have care arrangements in place (para. 2).

Financial means may be proved in particular by a declaration of commitment from a solvent person domiciled in Switzerland, confirmation from a bank recognised in Switzerland, or a firm guarantee of a scholarship or study loan (Art. 23 para. 1 OASA). Personal qualifications are sufficient where nothing indicates that the course is solely a means of avoiding the general admission rules (Art. 23 para. 2).

A course is in principle admitted for eight years at most, with exceptions for a specific purpose (Art. 23 para. 3 OASA). The institution must set out a curriculum and a duration, and confirm the candidate's level of education and language skills (Art. 24 OASA).

Source: FNIA (SR 142.20), Art. 27; OASA (SR 142.201), Art. 23 and 24, Fedlex

An earlier practice in principle refused study permits to persons over 30. The Federal Supreme Court held it contrary to the prohibition of discrimination (BGE 147 I 89): age alone no longer justifies a refusal (SEM FNIA Directives, no. 5.1.1, as at 15 June 2026).

During studies

Working alongside: three cases provided by the ordinance

A study permit does not authorise employment by itself. The ordinance provides three exceptions, each subject to an application by an employer.

Part-time work, compulsory internship, postgraduate education

Part-time work (Art. 38): for students at a university or university of applied sciences, at the earliest six months after the start of the course, for no more than 15 hours a week outside holidays, if the school certifies that the work is compatible with the course and does not delay its end.

Compulsory internship (Art. 39): for a full-time course, if the work does not exceed half of the total length of the course and the housing is appropriate.

Postgraduate education (Art. 40): in the student's field of scientific specialisation, without hindering the course.

In all three cases the employer files the application (Art. 18 let. b FNIA) and the customary pay and working conditions must be met (Art. 22 FNIA).

Source: OASA (SR 142.201), Art. 38, 39 and 40, Fedlex

After graduation

Six months to find the job that opens admission

The stay for studies ends with the course. The law nevertheless grants a period to graduates of Swiss universities.

Our work

What we do for you

Check of the institution's admission and of the coherence of the study plan
Verification of financial means, the guarantor and housing
Preparation of the file and filing with the competent authority
Advice on part-time work, internships and postgraduate education
For the employer: review of the scientific or economic interest of the post before the application
Calendar of the six months following graduation

The documents

What generally needs to be gathered

Certificate of admission from the institution and study plan
Degrees required for admission and curriculum vitae
Proof that tuition fees have been paid, or of exemption from prior payment
Proof of financial means: guarantor's commitment, bank certificate or scholarship
Letter of motivation, assessment of language skills, proof of housing

Fees

A flat fee per person

Student permit

CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,800

flat fee per person

The residence permit for studies or further training in Switzerland, then part-time work and the job search after graduation.

Check of admission by the institution and of the study plan
Verification of financial means and accommodation
Preparation and filing of the file
Advice on part-time work and on staying after graduation

The six-month stay to look for a job after a Swiss degree, then the work permit, are covered by a separate fee stated in the proposal.

See the service

Indicative amounts, excluding VAT (Swiss standard rate of 8.1% since 1 January 2024). They are confirmed in writing before any engagement, on the basis of the actual file. For an employer established abroad, the service is deemed to be supplied abroad within the meaning of art. 8 para. 1 LTVA and the invoice is issued without VAT. For a private individual domiciled abroad, the VAT treatment is specified in the proposal.

All the amounts for this section appear on the Fees page.

Limits of the engagement

The decision rests with the authorities

The first step

The course envisaged, then work after graduation

Describe the course envisaged or the degree obtained.

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