Departement Angewandte Linguistik und Kulturwissenschaften

Studiengang Übersetzen
Aufbaustudiengang Dolmetschen
vormals Dolmetscherschule Zürich




Information for Foreign Students


The high standard of Swiss educational establishments has meant that Switzerland has for many years pursued a policy of active encouragement towards visiting students. However, since the labour market here has become saturated with foreign workers - as indeed is the case in many other countries - the Swiss authorities now insist upon certain formalities, in order to avoid the danger of black market labour or of visitors arriving with inadequate means of support.

Foreign visitors intending to study in Switzerland are therefore advised of the following requirements:


Before entering the country

1. All foreigners, without exception, must have a valid passport (an identity card is not enough).

2. Foreigners who enter Switzerland as tourists will not be granted subsequent permission to remain for study.

3. Citizens of countries for which a visa is required are to get in touch with the nearest Swiss Consulate or Embassy and request a special visa for an extended period of study.

4. Citizens of countries for which no visa is required must likewise get in touch with the nearest Swiss Consulate in order to get approval (residence permit) for an extended period of study.

5. The application form for obtaining a visa or a residence permit must be presented together with the following documents to the Swiss Consulate or the Swiss Embassy:

- Confirmation of registration at the Interpreters' School. This document will be furnished by the School Secretariat following payment of tuition fees.

- Proof of adequate funds to cover living expenses for 1 semester, course fees and the return journey to the country of origin. (This may take the form of an affidavit by a personal guarantor in Switzerland, a bank reference or some other appropriate guarantee.)

6. In addition, students must present proof of adequate insurance against the financial consequences of sickness and accident for the entire period of study.

7. The minimum age for foreign students studying German is 18 years, the maximum age is 30 years. Although the same limits apply as a rule to students attending the translator's and interpreter's sections as well, dispensations can be granted.

8. You should immediately ask either the Swiss mission in your native country or the aliens branch of the cantonal police in Switzerland whether a „Residence Permit for Purposes of Study" can be issued in time, i.e. before the semester commences.

                    
After entering the country

9. Students are required to register at the Residents Registration Office (in Zurich the local or district office) within 8 days of arrival.

10. Work permits will not normally be issued for the duration of the period of study. However, so far as the situation on the labour market permits, approval may be granted for taking up employment during vacations. The appropriate applications should be submitted to the aliens branch of the cantonal police (Fremdenpolizei) by the employer. Employment may only commence once the necessary approval has been granted.

11. Residence permits issued to students attending a German course are granted for a period of six months. A permit can be extended for a further six months, provided that the School Administration is able to confirm regular and serious attendance of the course by the student in question. Additional extensions are only granted in exceptional cases. 


Further information can be obtained from the aliens branch of the cantonal police. 

Zurich, January 2001



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Last modified: June 10, 2001