Nationals of countries not forming part of the European Union must request a study visa from a representative of Switzerland abroad, 2 to 3 months before leaving. CE-AELE nationals do not need a visa.

European Community-AELE citizens

CE-AELE nationals must get a residence permit for studies at the time of their arrival in Switzerland. The student must go to the Neuchâtel migration service with the following documents :

• admission/registration certificate from the UniNE

• evidence of financial means

Monthly student living costs are around CHF 1,500.00 per person.  

Non European Community-AELE citizens

Once the admission certificate is received, the candidate must go as soon as possible to the Swiss Embassy / Consulate in his or her country of residency to request a Swiss entry visa. He or she will then need to submit the following documents:

• a letter certifying that you are registered at the UniNE
• a letter explaining why you wish to study in Switzerland
• a Curriculum Vitae including your previous studies, photocopies of qualifications and evidence of possible professional activity
• your academic project and curriculum (template: migration service site)
• your passport
• two passport photos
• one of the following financial guarantees:
  • an attestation of scholarship
  • a deposit in a Swiss bank account to cover your expenses: CHF 1,500 per month, CHF 18,000 per year
  • a permanent Swiss resident (Swiss citizen, Permit C) willing to guarantee your finances (see the migration service site).

Important: a tourist visa is only valid for one period of 3 months, and cannot be converted into a student permit (L)  after arrival in Switzerland. 

resident registration office

Upon arrival in Switzerland, the student is required to go to the Resident Registration Office ("contrôle des habitants") of the relevant district within 8 days  :

• bring along :
  • a resident permit. Forms available from your local Foreign Residents' Office.
  • your passport (with visa, if required)
  • your confirmation of registration at the UniNE (attestation d'inscription définitive)
  • passport-sized photo

The residence permit will only be issued if your financial means are guaranteed. In addition, you will have to renew the residence permit annually.

Resident Registration Office for the City of Neuchâtel, click here.