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Switzerland is an excellent country for educational purposes. For this reason, several international students are studying in the country. A post-study work visa allows the student to stay back in the country to seek work. However, Switzerland has no such provision. Instead, a residence permit is given. International students planning to study in Switzerland must be aware of the residence permit, its conditions, the application process, and other details. It can be beneficial for students after they complete their studies. Keep reading to learn more about Switzerland post study work visa.
This Blog Includes:
- Does Switzerland Offer Post Study Work Visa?
- Switzerland Residence Permit
- Conditions for Seeking Jobs In Switzerland
- Residence Permit for Post Graduate Studies or Training
- Switzerland Residence Permit Working Hours
- Types of Residence Permits in Switzerland for international students
- Is it easy to get a job in Switzerland after graduation?
- Types of Switzerland Visas
- Countries that Give Maximum Duration of Post-Study Work Visa
- FAQs
Does Switzerland Offer Post Study Work Visa?
No. Switzerland is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, a Switzerland post study work visa doesn’t exist. That said, international students who have graduated from Switzerland can stay back in the country with the help of a residence permit. A Switzerland residence permit allows the student to stay back in the country for 6 months. During this period, the student can seek employment opportunities in Switzerland. However, the job needs to be consistent with the qualifications obtained by the student.
Learn all about Switzerland visa for Indians
Switzerland Residence Permit
International students can stay back in Switzerland after the completion of their studies. The stay type is divided based on the nationality of the student. A bilateral Agreement on the free movement of persons (FMP) allows EU/European Free Trade Association Nationals to select their place of employment and residence freely. On the other hand, the Third Country Nationals will have to apply for a residence permit. There is no Switzerland post study work visa. Hence, the third-country nationals will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in the country.
Conditions for Seeking Jobs In Switzerland
After graduation, the international student must obtain a Switzerland post study work visa/ residence permit. A residence permit is given for 6 months. During this time, a student can seek employment opportunities in the country. The employment must in consistent with the qualification. The job-seeking conditions are as follows:
- Provide a certificate of competition of education at the university/college
- Must have suitable housing for staying in the country
- Additionally, the student must have the necessary financial resources to stay in the country
Residence Permit for Post Graduate Studies or Training
After completion of their studies, international students can apply for postgraduate studies or training at a university or educational institution. The conditions for obtaining a graduate education are as follows:
- Must provide written confirmation from an educational institution that the person is eligible for the training or education
- Additionally, the student must have accommodation in Switzerland
- Must have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Switzerland
Note; To obtain a Switzerland post study work visa/residence permit post-graduation students must have completed their education from a Swiss University.
For further information on Residence permits and work permits watch the video below:
Switzerland Residence Permit Working Hours
The Switzerland post study work visa/ residence permit is available to students after the completion of their graduate studies. International students can work for a duration of 15 hours for 6 months. During this time, the students can be employed with a company based in Switzerland.
Here All You Need to Know About Part Time Jobs in Switzerland
Types of Residence Permits in Switzerland for international students
As per the Swiss government, companies cannot hire foreign workers unless there are no suitable candidates available in Switzerland for the job. Therefore, only country nationals with a higher education have a real chance of applying for a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits available. They are;
| Residence Permit | Description |
| B permit | Granted to the EU nationals who have received employment in Switzerland |
| L Permit | Workers from the EU to work less than a year in the country without obtaining a work contract |
| Third country nationals-Developing countries students | Given on the basis of quotas |
Download the free ebook for Work Permit in Switzerland
Is it easy to get a job in Switzerland after graduation?
No. Getting a job in Switzerland after graduation is difficult. According to LinkedIn after completing graduation, 10%-15% of the students are employed. The rest of the international students leave the country. Generally, international students after completing their education are employed in areas where there is a labour demand. For example, students of natural sciences, social sciences, and natural sciences can generally get employed.
However, they must fulfill Article 21 paragraph 3 AIG. It means the student must work in research and development areas, new technology applications, or areas where the acquired expertise of the student is needed in the fields of activity of high economic interest. To apply for a job, first, the student must obtain the Switzerland post study work visa/residence permit after graduation. Then, the student can apply for jobs.
Types of Switzerland Visas
There are different types of Switzerland visas available for students apart from the Switzerland post study work visa/residence permit. The Switzerland visas vary depending on the duration of stay and the purpose of travel. The visa types are provided below;
- Schengen Visa– The Schengen visa is available for international travellers wanting to enter Switzerland for a maximum duration of 90 days. The visa is given for tourism purposes, visiting friends, language studies, and participating in cultural or sporting events.
- National Visa- Individuals wanting to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days can apply. The visa is given for long-term study, family reunification, or for marriage.
- Airport Transit Visa- The visa is available to nationals of particular countries. The visa is given to stay in the international transit area of the airport
- Work Permit- The Swizerland work permit is given to an employer in Swizerland for the admission of workers who are foreign nationals. The visa is given with the authorization of the competent Cantonal Migration Authority.
Learn all about Swizerland visa for Indian students
Countries that Give Maximum Duration of Post-Study Work Visa
Several countries grant post-study work visas to international students. However, these visas are granted for a maximum period of time.
| Country Name | Duration of Post-Study Work Visa |
| Australia | Post-study work stream (2 to 4 years), and Graduate work stream (18 months) |
| United Kingdom | 2 years for master’s students, and 3 years for doctoral students |
| Canada | The Canada post-study work visa is available for up to 3 years based on the duration of your completed course. |
| Germany | 18 months but you will have to find a job that is related to your course of study. |
| New Zealand | 1 to 3 years post-study work visa depending on your educational qualification level |
| France | Up to 12 months to start a business or look for employment |
| United States | Optional Practical Training program or OPT lets you stay for up to 12 months. However, those with a STEM degree can get a 2-year extension. |
| Ireland | 1 to 2 years depending on your educational qualification level. You can apply for the Third Level Graduate Stream for this. |
| Spain | 1 year of stay back option to look for employment or to start a business |
| Swizerland | Up to 6 months of post-study work option to find a job related to your course of study/ |
FAQs
Foreign nationals who have stayed in Switzerland for at least 5 years can apply for permanent residency. To obtain the PR, the student must present the relevant documents.
Healthcare professionals are in most demand in Switzerland. The high-quality healthcare system needs skilled workers. For example, nurses, doctors, and healthcare administrators.
The jobs that have the highest salary in Switzerland are those of the top management and public service positions. For example, auditors and tax advisors can earn approximately CHF 10,000 (INR 8.16 lakh).
In the workplace, English is the most common language. However, the main language spoken in Swizerland is German. In the West, French is spoken, and in the South Italian is the popular language. If you are planning to move to Swizerland it is important to know that you require a good understanding of German, Italian or French.
You need to have a job offer from a Swizerland employer to get a work visa. Moreover, there is a quota system. Therefore, the application process can be competitive. As a foreigner, you are also required to demonstrate an understanding of any of the official languages of Switzerland. However, this solely depends on the Canton. Whether you will receive a Swizerland work visa or not depends on whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
UK, Canada, and US are some of the best countries to study abroad after completing your studies. Australia is also an excellent country to look for employment.
We hope you now understand what is Switzerland post study work visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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