What do I need to know to study abroad?

Do you want to study abroad or are you planning a language study trip? Then there are some important things you should know and do.

Educational qualifications, diplomas

If you intend to complete a full course of study abroad and then return to Switzerland, clarify the recognition in Switzerland in advance.

Scholarships, educational grants

In Switzerland, the public scholarship system is basically the responsibility of the cantons. Educational grants are awarded in the form of scholarships and loans to Bachelor and Master students. The Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education EDK provides basic information on scholarships and student financing at “stipendien.educa.ch”. There is also information on foundations and funds under private law that could step in on a subsidiary basis. Applications for education grants are submitted to the scholarship office of the relevant canton of residence.

To do (Example when you’re Swiss):

Deregistration

For short-term stays abroad to attend a language school or for an exchange semester at a university abroad, students and language students do not establish a new main residence during their training period according to international practice. The center of life remains in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, the cantonal registration requirements apply. Therefore, contact the Residents’ Registration Office of your place of residence in good time before leaving the country. This is especially important if you are going abroad for a longer period of time and want to keep your residence in Switzerland.

AHV/IV

Students who are not gainfully employed and who maintain their Swiss residence in their home country during their studies abroad remain compulsorily insured. Contact the AHV compensation office at your Swiss place of residence. There you have to pay the minimum annual contribution to the AHV/IV/EO until the age of 25. After that, contributions are due according to your social circumstances.

Students who are not gainfully employed and who reside in the country of study may continue to be insured until they reach the age of 25, provided that the conditions are met. The minimum annual contribution must be paid to the Swiss Compensation Office. The minimum contribution to the AHV/IV/EO can only be paid until the completed 25th year of age. After that, contributions are due according to social circumstances.

Registration with the local authorities

Observe the applicable entry and visa regulations of the host country. For stays of less than three months, there is no obligation to register with the local authorities in most countries. However, be sure to check with the resident authorities in the host country for applicable registration requirements.

Residence permit in host country

EU/EFTA

In principle, the agreement on the free movement of persons grants non-employed persons a right of residence. Stays of up to 3 months do not require a permit. As a student or language pupil you will receive a residence permit of up to 12 months. The conditions are

• A valid Swiss identity document (identity card or passport)
• Confirmation of enrollment at an accredited school or university with the main objective of education
• Health and accident insurance coverage, proof of sufficient financial means for the time of the study stay

This residence permit can be extended annually for another year, but at most for the remaining time of the training.

The agreement on the free movement of persons does not regulate access to education or maintenance allowances for students. Schools and universities are free to set their own admission conditions. This applies in particular to the setting of tuition fees.

Outside EU/EFTA

Inquire at the consular section of the representation of the future study country in Switzerland about the valid entry and residence regulations. Basically, the following requirements can be mentioned for the issuance of a residence permit:

Pupils:

• Attend a public or an approved private all-day school that provides general or vocational education.
• The school program and the minimum number of hours and duration of school attendance are specified
• Presentation of a written confirmation from the school management that the person is able to attend the school and has the language skills required for instruction
• Proof of availability of the necessary financial means,
• Presentation of a health and accident insurance valid for the host country.

Students:

• The will to complete a university degree or other higher education, the program of study must be established
• Submission of a written confirmation from the school management that the person is able to take up the studies and has the knowledge required for the course of studies
• Proof of the availability of the necessary financial means for the period of the study stay
• Presentation of a health and accident insurance valid for the host country
• If these requirements are met, a residence permit is issued for the duration of the training. If this exceeds one year, a permit is usually issued, which is limited to 12 months, but which is usually extended (upon request) until the regular completion of the training, if the requirements are met.

Health and accident insurance for study abroad

If students who are not gainfully employed remain registered at their Swiss place of residence during the training period, they are still subject to the Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG). Contact your health and accident insurance company regarding insurance coverage for the planned study period abroad. In particular, ask there what proof of insurance you need for the regulation of the stay in the country of study.

Students who are temporarily studying abroad in an EU/EFTA country while retaining their Swiss residence should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them (printed on the back of the insurance card). With this card you can easily get medical treatment in the country of study. The costs incurred will be reimbursed by the health insurance in Switzerland.

Taxes, double taxation

For information on tax law, consult your cantonal / municipal tax administration or your tax advisor. At the federal level, the Federal Tax Administration is the expert authority. Questions regarding international tax law in relation to double taxation agreements can be directed to the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF.

Our tip is also that you inform yourself with friends who have already made this experience. Then you get the most honest opinions and experiences and learn the difficulties they had.