FAQ EN — Swiss Academy

HERE YOU WILL FIND ANSWERS TO THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What papers shall I need to enter Switzerland? How and when should I acquire a student entry visa?

When coming to study in Switzerland for a period exceeding 90 days a student, non-EU resident, shall acquire a national student entry D-type visa (even when he/she has an open tourist Schengen visa.) The student entry visa shall give one the right to file for a residence permit.

Note that the process may take approximately 6-12 weeks, thus the set of documents should be filed in advance (advisably not later than 4 months prior to the prospective entry date).

How can one acquire/renew a residence permit?

Within 14 days on his/her arrival in Geneva the student shall file for a residence permit (Permis de Séjour B) with the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM) and have his/her biometrics taken (to be photographed and fingerprinted.)

When first applying for a residence permit one shall fill in the Form and attach the set of documents.

To renew the residence permit one should not later than one (1) month, but not earlier than 3 months prior to the permit’s expiry date dispatch to the OCPM Form with the set of documents attached.

Why shall I need health insurance? Is it compulsory? What shall I do when falling ill?

Pursuant to the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance “anyone staying in Switzerland must acquire a health insurance policy within three months on first entering the country under a student visa.” A Swiss health insurance policy shall cover the cost of every basic type of treatment. A student’s health insurance shall be monitored by the proper authority. Should the lack of a policy be discovered, the uninsured student shall be compelled to insure through the Service de l’Assurance-maladie du canton de Genève, including the uninsured period, with the cost of such insurance considerably higher than the market one.

Our staff shall help you to find a proper specialist, if necessary call an ambulance or take you to a doctor. In an emergency you may turn to the HUG — Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, calling 144.

Where shall I stay? Who shall I inform of my address?

Students may themselves find accommodation in Geneva (except for under-age students’ limitations.) Please mind, one must be extra careful when using the Airbnb site (there have been cases of improper sublease of a leased property that might lead to an eviction by the owner.) Swiss Academy for International Law offers its students accommodation either on the campuses or in apartments.

Our staff shall help you within reasonable time to find accommodation within your budget and requirements.

When finding accommodation independently, please notify Swiss Academy for International Law of your address.

Please mind that your address shall also be cited on the reference permit application for you to receive formal letters and bills from the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations, etc.

May I reside on the student campus?

Swiss Academy for International Law may extend on the campus accommodation at Avenue Henri Dunant 9, 1205 Genève (10 minutes walk to Academy) or on another campus subject to an early booking only.

What shall I do in an emergency?

In an emergency phone the proper authority:

Police 117

Fire Fighters 118

Ambulance 144

You should also get in touch with Swiss Academy for International Law for the staff to give you a hand.

May I open an account with a Swiss bank?

It is students who have a unique opportunity to open an account practically free of charge and without depositing a large amount of money. The most popular among students are: UBS, Credit Suisse, Banque Сantonal de Genève.

Swiss Academy for International Law shall assist students or their parents in opening an account with a Swiss bank.

How shall I arrange for a final departure from Switzerland?

When leaving Switzerland for good (on graduation or otherwise) one should report his/her departure to the Office cantonal de la population et des migrations not later than 14 days prior to the departure date.