UK Student Visa for Swiss Students - Top 10 FAQs Answered

If you're a student in Switzerland planning to study at a university or higher education institution in the United Kingdom, it’s essential to understand how the UK Student Visa process works. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU or EFTA, Swiss nationals now need to apply for a Student Visa before travelling to the UK for long-term study.

To help you prepare for your application, we’ve answered the 10 most frequently asked questions about the UK Student Visa for Swiss students.

1. Do Swiss nationals need a visa to study in the UK?

Yes, Swiss students must apply for a UK Student Visa to undertake full-time studies at a university or college in the UK. The Student Visa is mandatory for any course lasting more than six months and for courses that are not eligible under the short-term study provisions. Without a visa, Swiss citizens cannot legally begin or continue studies in the UK.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Student Visa?

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must be at least 16 years old and have received an unconditional offer of admission from a licensed UK student sponsor. Your offer must be accompanied by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by the sponsoring institution. In addition, you will need to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to a suitable level (CEFR B2 for university-level courses), and show that you have sufficient financial resources to pay your tuition fees and living costs without relying on public funds. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must also provide written consent from your parent or legal guardian.

3. What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and why is it important?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is a vital document for your visa application. Issued by your UK university or college after you accept an unconditional offer, the CAS contains a unique reference number and detailed information about your course, fees, accommodation, and how you meet the English language requirement. You must apply for your Student Visa within six months of receiving your CAS. Without a valid CAS, your visa application cannot proceed.

4. How much money do Swiss students need to show for the UK Student Visa?

When applying for a UK Student Visa from Switzerland, you must prove that you can cover the cost of your tuition fees for the first academic year and afford your living expenses. If your course is in London, you will need to show that you have at least £1,334 per month for up to nine months. If your course is outside London, the required amount is £1,023 per month. These funds must be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the date of your application. Any tuition or accommodation payments already made can be deducted, provided they are confirmed on your CAS or by official receipts from your education provider.

5. Do Swiss students need to take an English language test?

Swiss nationals are not automatically exempt from the UK Student Visa English language requirement. Unless you have previously proved your English ability in a successful visa application, or you hold a degree-level qualification taught in English in an approved country, you will usually need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. For most university-level programmes, you will need to meet the CEFR Level B2 standard.

6. Can Swiss students work in the UK on a Student Visa?

The UK Student Visa allows international students, including those from Switzerland, to work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. If you are studying a full-time degree-level course, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term. If you are studying below degree level, the limit is 10 hours per week. Part-time students, or those on shorter courses, are not permitted to work. The visa conditions are strictly enforced, so it’s essential to check your eligibility before accepting any employment.

7. Are Swiss students allowed to bring dependants to the UK?

Whether you can bring family members with you depends on your course. Students beginning a programme on or after 1 January 2024 may only bring dependants if they are enrolled in a PhD, doctoral degree, or a research-based higher degree. If you are studying a standard undergraduate or taught master's course, you will not be permitted to bring your spouse, partner, or children with you. Dependants already in the UK may be eligible to extend their stay.

8. How long can I stay in the UK with a Student Visa?

The length of your stay in the UK depends on your course level. If you are studying at degree level or above, you can usually remain in the UK for up to five years. If you are studying below degree level, the typical limit is two years. There are exceptions for certain subjects such as medicine, architecture, and music, where longer stays may be permitted. The time limit includes all periods of leave under the Student route, even if you are studying multiple courses or if your leave was extended automatically under section 3C of the Immigration Act.

9. What happens after my studies – can I stay in the UK?

While the UK Student Visa is not a direct route to settlement, you may be eligible to remain in the UK by switching into another immigration route. If you graduate with a degree from a UK university, you may qualify for the Graduate Visa, allowing you to work or look for work in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates). Alternatively, you may be able to switch into a Skilled Worker Visa or another sponsored work visa, depending on your job offer and qualifications. These routes can ultimately lead to permanent residence in the UK.

10. When should I apply for a UK Student Visa from Switzerland?

You should apply for your UK Student Visa as early as possible, but no more than six months before your course starts. The visa application process for Swiss students is conducted online, followed by a visit to a visa application centre to provide biometric information. Most applicants receive a decision within three weeks of submitting their application. You may travel to the UK up to one month before your course starts if it lasts more than six months, or up to one week before if the course is shorter.

Expert UK Visa Advice for Students in Switzerland

Applying for a UK Student Visa from Switzerland can seem complex, particularly when navigating financial requirements, visa conditions, and academic documentation. At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, our immigration lawyers regularly advise Swiss students on Student Visa applications, extension applications, and switching into work-based routes after graduation.

Whether you are applying for the first time or seeking to extend your stay in the UK, we offer tailored, reliable legal advice to help you achieve your educational goals. Call us on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a consultation with one of our UK Student Visa lawyers.