Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — Student CategoryVerified 2026-04-13Switzerland Student Visa (Short Stay, ≤ 90 days)
A Switzerland Student Visa (Short Stay, Type C) is for Indian students who will be studying in Switzerland for less than 90 days. This covers short courses, language programs, exchange semesters, summer schools, academic conferences, and similar stays. Good news — the visa fee is generally WAIVED for students (only VFS service charges apply). For courses longer than 90 days, apply for a Type D Long-Stay National Visa instead.
Processing
15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives your complete application
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 6-month period
Starting Fee
FREE
Apply At
13 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Switzerland visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Applications can be submitted only 180 days (6 months) prior to the intended date of departure — not earlier.
- 2From May 1, 2010 onwards, only passports issued within the previous 10 years are accepted.
- 3Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
- 4Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months longer than your intended stay in the Schengen area.
- 5Handwritten or non-machine-readable Indian passports issued after 01/04/2010 are NOT accepted.
- 6Indian passports containing a MANUAL entry / observation made after 01 April 2010 — where the biographical data (name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, spouse's name, parents' name, address) of the passport holder was changed — are NOT accepted.
- 7If your passport has a handwritten observation "previously known as", you must provide ONE of the following as proof of the name change: (a) your original previous passport showing the old name, OR (b) a photocopy of the data page of your previous passport showing the old name, OR (c) a copy of the name-change advertisement from a local daily newspaper.
Who Can Apply
- Students enrolled in a short course or language program in Switzerland
- Exchange students on a short semester / summer program (≤ 90 days)
- Students attending academic conferences, seminars, or workshops
- PhD / research scholars on short research visits
- Students on industrial training or short internship programs
Not eligible under this visa:
- Full-degree programs lasting more than 90 days — apply for Type D Long-Stay National Visa
- Gainful employment (paid work) — apply for a separate Work Permit
- Applicants already holding a Swiss residence permit
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (student — short stay ≤ 90 days) | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,690 |
| Courier service (optional) | ₹930 |
| SMS service (optional) | ₹450 |
| Premium Lounge (optional) | ₹4,600 |
| Combo — SMS + Courier Return | ₹1,250 |
All VISA fees and service charges payable in Cash / Card / Online. Fees are non-refundable regardless of visa outcome. Online payment refund processing: 5–7 working days. POS refund processing: 21 working days. A bank charge is deducted on refunds. Fees subject to change without notice as per current exchange rate.
Documents Required
Standard Schengen documents
- !Completed Schengen Visa Application Form (Type C)
New form only — from March 2, 2020 onwards
- !Signed Authorization form
Mandatory along with application form
- !Valid passport
Valid minimum 3 months beyond intended stay; at least 2 blank pages
- !1 recent passport-size photograph
35–40mm, colour, light background, not older than 6 months
- !Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Must cover the full duration of stay across all Schengen states
Student-specific documents (as per Embassy of Switzerland requirements)
- !Admission / enrolment confirmation from the Swiss institution
Official letter from school/university on their letterhead with course details + dates
- !Course details
Course name, duration, curriculum, intended outcome
- !Proof of funds to cover the stay
Bank statements, parental sponsorship affidavit, scholarship letter, or education loan sanction
- !Personal / sponsor bank statement — last 3 months
A4 paper only, with original bank stamp and signature
- !Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
Dormitory booking, rental agreement, or letter from host institution
- !Return flight itinerary
Reservation showing return to India after the course
- ○No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current Indian institution
If currently enrolled in an Indian university
- ○Sponsor's ITR (last 2–3 years)
If financially supported by parents / guardians
- ○Previous academic records / transcripts
Typically requested by Embassy
📌 Important — always check the official VFS student checklist
- !Official 'Documents Required for Students Studying in Switzerland for less than 90 days' PDF
Download the latest version from the VFS Global Switzerland website before applying. Requirements are updated by the Embassy periodically.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure admission from a Swiss institution
Get an official admission letter from your school/university/training provider in Switzerland with exact course dates.
Arrange proof of funds + accommodation
Organize sponsor bank statements, scholarship letter, or education loan; and confirm dormitory/rental in Switzerland.
Download the application form
Use the new Schengen Type C form and Authorization form from the VFS Global website.
Purchase travel medical insurance
Minimum €30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen states for the full stay.
Book a VFS appointment
Via the VFS Global Switzerland portal. Select your nearest centre.
Submit at VFS
Bring originals + photocopies. Biometrics captured on-site. Visa fee is FREE; pay only the ₹2,690 VFS service charge + any optional services.
Track your application
Use VFS online tracker or opt for SMS service for updates.
Collect your passport
Via Premium Lounge, courier, or in-person pickup from VFS centre.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen Visa Application Form (Type C — Short Stay)
On the VFS page, select your visa type → scroll to the 'Download Form' section at the bottom → click 'New Visa Application Form Visa C'. Form mandatory from March 2, 2020 — old forms are rejected.
National Visa Application Form (Type D — Long Stay 3+ months)
On the VFS page, scroll to 'Download Form' → click 'National (type D) visa application form'. For long-stay visas (gainful employment, family reunification, study >90 days).
Authorization Form
On the VFS page, scroll to 'Download Form' → click 'Authorization'. Mandatory for ALL applicants regardless of visa type.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Travel medical insurance covering minimum €30,000 is MANDATORY for all Schengen countries.
- Personal bank statement (last 3 months) must be on A4 size paper with original bank stamp and signature.
- Do NOT bind two or more passports with a stapler — use rubber bands to avoid passport damage.
- Photo must be recent (not older than 6 months), 35–40mm wide, colour, on photographic paper with a light background.
- Submit your application at least 2 weeks before travel, or earlier during peak holiday season.
- The decision on your application is the sole prerogative of the Embassy — VFS has no role in approvals or rejections.
- Double-check your admission letter matches the travel dates exactly — mismatches cause rejections.
- Include a clear cover letter explaining the academic purpose, course relevance to your studies/career, and your intent to return.
- If funded by a sponsor (parent/guardian), include the sponsor's bank statements AND a signed affidavit of financial support.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Admission letter details don't match the visa form (dates, institution name, course)
- 2.Insufficient proof of funds or unclear source of funding
- 3.Weak ties to India — embassy perceives intent to overstay
- 4.Missing or incomplete accommodation proof for the full stay
- 5.Travel insurance not meeting the €30,000 Schengen minimum
- 6.Bank statements not on A4 or missing original bank stamp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Switzerland Student Visa really free?+
Can I work part-time in Switzerland on a short-stay student visa?+
My course is exactly 90 days — which visa do I apply for?+
Can my parents/sponsor fund the entire trip?+
Where do I get the exact Student Documents Required checklist?+
How long before my course should I apply?+
Can SureshotVisa help with my Switzerland student visa?+
Let us prepare your Switzerland Student Visa — (Short Stay, ≤ 90 days) application
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Other Switzerland Visa Types
Switzerland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Switzerland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) from India. Complete fees, documents, and application guide.
Switzerland Incentive Tour Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Switzerland Incentive Tour visa for groups of 50+ travellers. Simplified group application through the Embassy with specific timelines by group size.
Switzerland Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) from India. Complete fees, document checklist, and application guide for Indian travellers.
Switzerland Visitor Visa (Family / Friends, Schengen Type C)
Switzerland Visitor Visa for Indian citizens visiting family or friends living in Switzerland. Schengen Short-Stay Type C, up to 90 days. Complete fees + document guide.
Switzerland Family Reunification Visa (Long-Stay, Type D)
Switzerland Family Reunification Visa (Long-Stay Type D) for Indian applicants joining family in Switzerland for more than 90 days. Complete guide on process, fees, and documents.
Switzerland Student Visa (Long-Stay, Type D — >90 days)
Switzerland Student Visa (Type D National Long-Stay) for Indian students enrolling in courses longer than 90 days. Submit directly at Embassy Delhi. Visa fee is FREE — only service charges apply.
Switzerland Work Permit (Long-Stay, >120 days) — Informational
Switzerland Work Permit for long-term employment (>120 days). The process MUST be initiated by the Swiss employer via cantonal authorities. Informational guide only — SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Switzerland website and Embassy of Switzerland. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.