Study in Canada from Switzerland

This article describes in detail the process of how to Study in Canada from Switzerland. If you require any further help or information do take the Study in Canada visa assessment for Switzerland Citizens available on this page.

The top reasons Swiss student study in Canada are:

• ability to work as a Swiss in Canada for the duration of the course
• Internationally recognized qualifications
• straightforward application process for Switzerland Nationals
• pathway to Canadian permanent residence for Swiss Citizens

Of all the reasons, the pathway to permanent residency for Swiss Citizens is why the majority of Swiss students study in Canada as opposed to at home in Switzerland or elsewhere. The opportunities for Swiss students studying in Canada cannot be matched globally.

International students from Switzerland often ask whether the can study and work in Canada. The Canadian Government allows Swiss students on a Canadian study permit to undertake paid employment in Canada.

There are two ways a Swiss student can study and work in Canada

• SW-1 Visa for Swiss students studying in Canada. The SW-1 Visa is issued to Swiss Citizens who have to complete an internship as part of their course.
• S-1 Visa for Swiss students in general programs of Canadian higher education. This is the most popular Canadian Study and Work Visa for International students form Switzerland. The S-1 Study permit allows Swiss students to work 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacation periods

A student permit holder from Switzerland is able to work part time during semesters and full time hours being during term breaks.

If you would rather immigrate to Canada from Switzerland under another visa you can find out how in our guide on how to immigrate to Canada from Switzerland

The average earning for Swiss students in Canada is:

• $37,050 per year
• $19 per hour
• Entry level positions start at $27,300 per year
• Experienced Swiss student workers make up to $62,985 per year

You can start your work hours only after your study course commences.  If you arrive in Canada from Switzerland earlier than this, you cannot work during that time.

You may only work after your course has formally begun. If you are caught working beyond the allowed hours on your Canadian work and study visa your visa may be cancelled and you will have to return to Switzerland.

Swiss citizens do not require a study permit for courses lasting less than six months. However, the course must be completed within the six-month timeframe. If a student from Switzerland intends to stay for more than six months they must apply for the correct Student Visa and have it granted before they leave Switzerland.

Documents required to apply for a Canada Student Visa from Switzerland

• Switzerland Passport. (make sure it is valid beyond the term of the visa you seek)
• Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Educational establishment in Canada
• Proof of Funds in Switzerland
• Passport Size Photographs.
• An Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
• English Language Proficiency Exam Score where required
• Statement of Purpose for Travel from Switzerland to Canada
• Credit Card

International students from Switzerland do not require a sponsor for a Canadian Student Visa.

The only requirements to study in Canada from Switzerland are

• be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees
• prove enough money for living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you

Swiss students coming to Canada to study must be able to show funds available equal or greater than:

• CA$10,000 (~US$7,650) for every year of your study
• CA$11,000/~US$8,400 if you’re applying to study in Quebec
• These figures are in addition to tuition fees

What is the age limit for Canada student visa fromSwitzerland?

Swiss students must be between 18 years of age and 35 years of age.

The age is taken from the date of your birthday turning 18 and until the day before your 36th Birthday.

Is an interview required for a Canadian student visa application?

Swiss students are not required to have an interview as part of their Canada Student Visa application

Is the medical for Swiss Citizens applying for a Canada Study Visa?

The medical examination is compulsory for all Swiss students applying for a Canadian student visa.

When should I apply for my Study Permit?

Swiss applicants should apply as soon as the letter of acceptance (LOA) is received from the education provider

• The Canada Student Visa allows you to enter Canada a Citizen of Switzerland
• The Study Permit gives you the permission to stay in the country
• As a Citizen of Switzerland you will be issued with a student visa and a Canadian Study Permit

The Canadian Study Permit costs $150 Canadian per person for applicants from Switzerland

As a Citizen of Switzerland you are allowed to leave Canada during your studies. These can be trips to return to Switzerland or elsewhere. Your student visa allows you to travel in and out of Canada. When arriving back in Canada from a trip to Switzerland or anywhere else, you will need to prove you are currently enrolled in your institution.

If you are a Citizen of Switzerland you will usually be able to bring your partner or spouse and dependent children with you. There are no restrictions on the number of hours your partner or spouse may work in Canada for the duration of the visa.

Many students from Switzerland convert their Canada student visa to full Canadian Permanent residency via the Canadian Experience Class Visa. The CEC visa is the main reason why individuals study in Canada from Switzerland.

The Canadian Experience Class is a direct path to Canadian Citizenship and dual nationality. The Canadian Government recognizes students from Switzerland make great candidates to become long term Canadian residents and eventually citizens of Canada.

Students from Switzerland who have studied at least for two years at an accredited college or university on a full-time basis are eligible to apply for permanent residency via the CEC Visa program. Swiss students are welcomed to Canada.

The best Canadian cities for Swiss students have been voted as

1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
3. Calgary

The Canada cities with the best nightlife for students from Switzerland are

1. Toronto
2. Quebec
3. Vancouver

The processing time for Canadian student visa applications from Switzerland is 15 days.

Usually 15 days are enough as there are no Interviews for the Canadian student visa and permit. Do not book flights from Switzerland to Canada until the visa has been granted.

Canada Made Simple offer a number of merit based Scholarships to Swiss students studying in Canada.

Universities include:

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia

Lakehead University

University of Toronto