Mandatory cover
Every student is required to have health insurance to study in Switzerland, arranged once you arrive. HBS administration guides you through the process and works with various health insurance providers you can choose from.
Visa, Arrival & Insurance
Everything international students need for the Swiss visa, residence permit, health insurance and arrival in La Tour-de-Peilz.
Student visa
Who needs a visa, and how long it takes
All students except EU/EFTA state members require a visa to enter Switzerland. After your application is accepted, the Office of Admissions will send you all the information and required documents to submit to the Consulate or Embassy of Switzerland in your country.
The visa application process may take up to 3 months depending on the time of year and the review procedure at your embassy or consulate. It is independently processed by the Secretariat of Migration, so HBS cannot influence or accelerate the process. Plan accordingly.
In the case of a rejected visa application, you can still appeal the decision. Contact the HBS team to be guided through the process.
Once you arrive in Switzerland, the Administration team will inform you about how to apply for your Swiss residence permit, which you can use to travel across Switzerland and the Schengen Area.
Practicalities
Insurance and work
Up to 15 hours per week
Foreign students can work up to 15 hours per week during their studies. Students who are not from the EU/EFTA must wait 6 months after commencing their studies before they are allowed to work.
Set by immigration authorities
The exact date up to which you can stay in Switzerland is set by the immigration authorities and outlined in your visa. You are not allowed to stay past that date.
Arrival in Switzerland
Arriving in La Tour-de-Peilz
- Before you fly
Arrive at least one week early
Ideally, arrive at least 1 week before the start of the term in order to settle in and complete your registration.
- Geneva Airport
80–85 minutes by train
The nearest airport is Geneva, around an 80–85 minute train ride. You will find trains to the region; depending on when you arrive, you may need a connecting train from Lausanne.
- On arrival
Meet the Administration team
Once you arrive in Switzerland, you will meet the Administration team, who will assist you with the registration process as well as help you obtain your Swiss residence permit.
- At HBS
Registration and student ID
After you arrive, the administration team will go through the registration process with you at HBS, and you will be given your student ID.
- Before term
Timetable and Student Guide
You will receive your timetable 2 weeks before the starting date of each term, and all information is given to you through the Student Guide before you arrive in Switzerland.
Questions
Visa and arrival FAQ
You will need to contact the embassy or consulate of Switzerland in your country, which you can find online. You can also contact HBS, and we will help you with any questions you may have.
We can help provide the necessary documentation that can support your visa application. However, you will need to make an appointment and inquire about any other specific visa requirements with the embassy or consulate.
You will need to contact the embassy or consulate in your country to inquire about any required fees.
The permit allows you to travel across Switzerland and the Schengen Area for the period set by the immigration authorities, which is outlined in your visa.
Questions?