If you are planning to study in Switzerland, it will be an exciting milestone for you. However, being a student who travels to study abroad is a critical responsibility. You need to get your documents in order, as they are very crucial assets, and as a student, you will often need them.
Many first-time international students underestimate just how strict Swiss authorities can be when it comes to documentation. That is why, for your convenience, we have prepared this checklist. Managing your documents as per this checklist will help you avoid last-minute surprises. This way, you will ensure a hassle-free start to your studies in Switzerland.
Pre-Departure Document Checklist
This is the most crucial element of the checklist under discussion, as students must complete their paperwork before they leave for the airport. A single missing document can lead to immigration issues. Below are the documents you should check before departing for the airport.
Valid Passport
Do check your passport validity days before your departure. Make sure the validity date is at least six months beyond your expected stay in Switzerland. If your passport is set to expire during your intended stay period, consider renewing it before departure.
Plus, if you often travel abroad, make sure that the passport has at least 4 to 5 blank pages for immigration stamps in Switzerland. This is frequently overlooked, but it can lead to problems at the immigration counter.
Student Visa Approval Letter
In Switzerland, to stay for more than 90 days, a National D visa is needed. Make sure that you have the visa approval letter (printed & digital) along with your other documents. You will need it on various occasions.
University Admission Letter
Next, ensure you have the official acceptance (admission) letter from the Swiss university to which you were admitted. Make sure your name on the letter is the same as on your passport. Additionally, the educational program name and course duration should be clearly mentioned in the letter.
Proof of Financial Means
Swiss authorities require proof that you can cover your living expenses. This is generally shown through:
- Recent bank statements
- Scholarship confirmation letters
- Official sponsorship letter
Generally, you’ll need to prove access to CHF 21,000 per year (which may change by the time you read this).
Accommodation Confirmation
Plan to stay outside of the university dorm, such as in a private apartment or at a relative’s space. You must have a signed rental agreement or accommodation confirmation. You will be asked to present documents verifying your living arrangements at the immigration counter.
Academic Transcripts
Many students overlook some academic transcripts, assuming they are unnecessary. They only keep their official degree certificates. When traveling to study abroad, keep all your educational documents with you (both original and a set of copies). These include:
- Result cards
- Transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Diploma certificates
- Extra certifications
- Awards & achivements
- Character certificates
Language Proficiency Proof
Language proficiency proof is not a mandatory requirement for traveling to Switzerland. However, many universities do require students to have a certain level of international language proficiency. If the institution you are admitted to also needs it, ensure you have the certificate with you.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is a very crucial document that you must bring with you. Many students overlook this certificate, assuming their National ID is sufficient.
Many foreign countries will request this certificate, particularly for domestic purposes such as obtaining an international driving license, entering into rental agreements, securing loans, or applying for PR.
Medical & Insurance Certificate
A formal medical and health certificate from your native country is not a mandatory requirement in Switzerland. But having a valid health insurance coverage certificate is a must. This is non-negotiable and must cover medical costs for the whole duration of your studies.
Organize Your Documents Well
After verifying all the documents according to the checklist shared above, the next step is to organize them effectively. The first smart thing to do is to manage them all digitally on your smartphone or laptop. This way, you will have a safe backup that you can access from anywhere at any time.
Do not create separate files for them, as this will make it challenging to locate one when needed. Instead, organize all of them into a single document. You can do that easily using a JPG to Word converter online.
Just take pictures of your documents, run them through the said converter, and it will instantly provide you with all of them organized into a single document.
Next, take a waterproof envelope, place all the original documents inside, and then put the envelope inside your shoulder bag. This way, you can easily access the documents at immigration counters.
Besides the original documents, make at least two duplicate sets of those documents (attested by the foreign affairs authority/ministry) and put them in separate envelopes. They will assist you in case of any mishap, and you may occasionally need to submit a verified copy.
Final Talk
If you are travelling to Switzerland to study, make sure that you have all the necessary documents with you. For convenience, follow the above checklist. Sometimes, the document you leave at home, thinking it’s unnecessary, is the one the immigration officer asks for at the very first stage. So be responsible and take no risks. Organize your documents well, both physically and digitally, and always have an attested backup prepared.
Better luck with your education.
