[Must-see for international students!] What to prepare in advance for studying in Switzerland, a popular study abroad destination
Hello to everyone considering studying abroad in Switzerland.
Switzerland is an attractive option for those who want to study in an environment with rich nature, beautiful scenery, and a high level of education. In this article, we will introduce how to prepare for studying abroad in Switzerland.
1. Obtaining a passport
When planning to study abroad, the first thing you need to do is get a passport. Make sure it has enough validity. If your passport expires during your stay in Switzerland, your visa application may not go smoothly. Generally, you need a validity period of at least six months from the date of your intended return. Applying for or renewing a passport can take time, so we recommend starting the process early!
2. Applying for a student visa
To apply for a visa to study in Switzerland, you will need a student visa (long-term visa). We will explain the visa application and procedures after arrival. To study in Switzerland, if you need to stay for more than 90 days, you will need a student visa ( D visa). The following steps must be taken to obtain a visa.
■ Preparation of necessary documents
First, gather the necessary documents. Below is a basic list of documents.
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa application date.
- Visa application form: Download and fill out from the Swiss embassy or consulate website.
- University acceptance letter: You need an official acceptance letter from a Swiss university, along with proof of acceptance conditions and tuition fees payment.
- Financial proof: Documents to prove that you can cover the costs of living during your stay in Switzerland, such as a bank statement or a scholarship certificate.
- Motivation letter: clearly explain why you want to study in Switzerland. This may help your visa application go more smoothly.
- Passport-sized photos: Prepare several recent photos.
3. Consider getting a health check and purchasing overseas insurance
Studying in Switzerland requires you to have adequate health insurance. Medical costs are high in Switzerland, so you need adequate insurance to cover any illness or injury you may have while studying abroad. Below is detailed information about the insurance you need for studying in Switzerland.
■ Health insurance obligation
In Switzerland, all residents are required to take out basic health insurance (compulsory health insurance) within three months of starting their stay, including international students. If you don't have this insurance, you could be fined, so make sure you do so.
■ Insurance options
There are many insurance plans available from Swiss insurance companies. When choosing, consider the following points:
Insurance premiums : Insurance premiums in Switzerland are relatively high. Prices vary depending on the insurance company and plan, so be sure to research the plan carefully. It is also a good idea to check whether there are plans specifically for international students.
・Scope of coverage : Basic medical insurance often covers doctor's visits, prescription drugs, hospital fees, etc., but you may need additional insurance for dental treatment or vaccinations, so be sure to check the plan details carefully.
- Deductible (franchise) : The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket. The lower the deductible, the higher the insurance premium will be, but the less you will have to pay out of pocket if medical expenses arise.
■ Japanese health insurance and Swiss insurance
Some Japanese health insurance may be applicable in Switzerland. For example, if you are enrolled in the Japanese National Health Insurance, you can apply for it later in Japan as overseas medical expenses. However, the scope of coverage is limited compared to Swiss health insurance, so please be aware that medical expenses in the local area may be high.
In addition, some Swiss cantons may allow you to use valid Japanese insurance instead of Swiss health insurance. In this case, you may not need to enroll in Swiss insurance, but you should check in advance.
■ Insurance plans exclusively for international students
Switzerland has special health insurance plans for international students. These plans usually include basic medical coverage plus additional services and benefits. For example, insurance companies such as Visana and Swisscare offer affordable plans for international students. Choosing one of these plans will give you peace of mind knowing that your medical expenses will be covered during your time abroad.
4. Money management
First, calculate the total cost of tuition and living expenses. Tuition includes not only tuition fees, but also textbook fees and facility usage fees. Living expenses include housing, food, transportation, insurance, daily necessities, etc. Check the university's website and study abroad information sites to find out the approximate costs and create a budget. It is important to calculate living expenses and create a budget in advance, especially in big cities such as Zurich and Geneva, where rent and transportation costs can be expensive.
Next, think about how you will prepare your funds. If you have savings, you can base your plan on that, but if necessary, you should also consider applying for scholarships and grants. Many universities and organizations offer scholarship programs for international students. Scholarship information can be found at your university's international student office or scholarship information website. It is important to check the application deadline and application requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and apply early.
5. Housing arrangements
Choosing where to live in Switzerland is also important. You have the option of university dormitories, homestays, apartments, etc. Dormitories are located within the university facilities, making it easy to commute to school and allowing you to interact with other students. Homestays have the advantage of allowing you to practice the language and experience the culture by staying with a local family. If you rent an apartment, you can choose one that suits your lifestyle. Be sure to also take safety and convenience for commuting to school into consideration when making your selection.
6. Transportation
We will introduce you to the recommended means of transportation while studying abroad in Switzerland!
■ Public transportation
1. Train
Switzerland has an extremely well-developed railway network, and trains connecting the country's major cities are the main means of transportation. Operated by the Swiss Federal Railways ( SBB ), trains are comfortable and run punctually. Discount tickets and passes are available for students; for example, the Swiss Half Fare Card will cut fares for trains, buses, ferries, and more in half. We also recommend tourist trains such as the Golden Pass Express and Glacier Express to enjoy the Swiss scenery.
② Buses and trams
In urban areas in Switzerland, buses and trams are the main means of public transport. In cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Basel, trams run throughout the city, making travel very convenient. Buses and trams run regularly, with more frequent service during commuter and school hours. Public transport in Switzerland often runs on time, and timetables and routes can be easily checked using an app. Commuter passes for students are also available, helping to reduce travel costs.
7. Means of communication
When studying abroad in Switzerland, securing a means of communication is an important item that you must prepare. There are ways to use your existing smartphone in Switzerland, such as a Wi-Fi router, SIM card, and eSIM (embedded SIM ). In particular, eSIM is a digital SIM that is built directly into your smartphone, unlike conventional physical SIM cards, and does not require the replacement of a physical card. You can start communicating immediately by simply configuring simple settings online. There is no need to rent, carry, or charge a Wi-Fi router, which significantly reduces the hassle.
If you're going to Switzerland! " eSIM " is definitely recommended!
■ Benefits of using " eSIM " in Switzerland
We strongly recommend an " eSIM " (embedded SIM ) for traveling to Switzerland. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, an " eSIM " is a digital SIM built into your smartphone. This new technology eliminates the need to physically replace SIM cards, and allows you to easily start using communication services online. It also eliminates the hassle of renting, carrying, and charging a Wi-Fi router, as well as the hassle of returning it. It's sure to make your stay in Switzerland even more comfortable. Use an " eSIM " and experience the next generation of convenient and comfortable travel.
■ VOYAGE eSIM is recommended for traveling to Switzerland
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summary
When studying abroad, it is important to think in advance about what you want to learn and what skills you want to acquire. For example, choose a field that is directly related to your interests and career, such as deepening your business knowledge, dramatically improving your language skills, or acquiring specialized skills.
By making these preparations thoroughly, you will be able to enjoy your life as an international student in Switzerland with peace of mind. A life of study abroad filled with new experiences and learning awaits you. Get ready and start your wonderful life abroad! We hope you have a wonderful time studying abroad in Switzerland!
The contents of this blog post are provided based on information available at the time of writing. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you would always check the latest information for yourself.
