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Frequently Asked Questions

About AUS

Where is the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland located?

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland is in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, in La Tour-de-Peilz in Canton of Vaud. AUS campus is approximately one hour from Geneva and 25 minutes from Lausanne by train.

AUS offers the ideal environment for obtaining your business degree, nestled in the Swiss Riviera. La Tour-de-Peilz is located between the lakeside towns of Vevey, home of the world-renowned Nestlé, and Montreux, known for its famous Jazz Festival. The region has convenient rail and air connections to all the major European cities, and it is also an excellent location for exploring the splendor of the Swiss Alps.

Is the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland an accredited institution?

AUS is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE, USA).

Students who are enrolled in the Dual Degree program have their degrees also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

AUS is a member of diverse professional organizations such as the Awards for Training in Higher Education (ATHE), Vaudoise Association of Private Schools (AVDEP), Swiss Federation of Private Schools (FSEP).

How can I receive more information about AUS?

Office of Admissions is happy to assist applicants and their families with any inquiries regarding the institution and its programs. Please get in touch with our team.

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Does the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland collaborate with other institutions?

Yes, AUS has a range of collaborations with other institutions to offer students an enriched learning experience. We currently have exciting collaborations with institutions such as Tiffin University, Apple, IBM, Ferrari Fashion School, and more.

Discover all the Educational Partnerships

Admissions and Applications

Do I have to pay an application fee when applying to AUS?

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland charges an Application Fee to apply for the Bachelor or Master Degrees.

Applicants are required to pay a CHF 250 Application Fee during the online application procedure.

The payment may be made online using a Visa or MasterCard.
This fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another application.

Start Your Application

How do I submit my application?

Applicants can complete the application form online or download and fill out the PDF form to apply to the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland.

The Office of Admissions only evaluates completed applications that include all the required documents.

Complete the Online Application Form

What documents are required in order to apply to AUS?

The complete application must include the following documents:

Bachelor Degree Applicants

  1. The completed and signed application form
  2. A photocopy of the valid passport
  3. A copy of the Swiss residential permit, if applicable
  4. Official High School transcripts and diploma
  5. Two letters of recommendation
  6. Motivation letter
  7. CV
  8. Proof of English proficiency

Master Degree Applicants

  1. The completed and signed application form
  2. A photocopy of the valid passport
  3. A copy of the Swiss residential permit, if applicable
  4. Official bachelor’s degree diploma and transcripts
  5. Two letters of recommendation
  6. Motivation letter
  7. CV
  8. Proof of English proficiency

Please note that the Office of Admissions only evaluates completed applications that include all the required documents.

Click here to learn about the Eligibility Requirements in detail

What are the English language requirements for applying to AUS?

Applicants, who are not native English speakers, must meet one of the following English requirements:

  • Provide proof that they have recently attended at least three full academic years at an institution where English is the sole language of instruction.
  • Provide proof of English proficiency through one of the following options:

View the English Proficiency tests accepted

Does AUS accept transfer credits?

AUS accepts transfer students from other recognized universities.

If the student is interested in transferring to AUS, they must provide the official academic transcript in English.

The academic team will review it to determine the courses and credits that can be transferred and applied to our program.

Want to transfer to AUS? Click here to contact us

I received an Offer Letter to study at AUS. What should I do next?

Congratulations on receiving the Offer Letter!
Please review and sign the Offer Letter and send it back to the Office of Admissions by the defined deadline.
Please proceed with the Admission Fee payment to confirm your place.

Can I get help with completing my application?

Yes, the Office of Admissions is delighted to help you complete your application. If you need assistance with your application, please get in touch with our team byphone or fill out our online contact form.

How long does it take to get a decision on my application once I apply?

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland's Admissions Committee meets on a weekly basis to discuss and review the completed applications.

You can expect a response within 10-14 days after submitting your complete application.

Can I defer my entry?

Yes, you can defer your entry once within an academic year. If you wish to defer longer, you may be required to complete the application process again.

How much time does it take from application to enrollment?

We recommend that applicants allow at least three months from application to admission.

The visa application process may take longer for international students who require a student visa.

How many IB (International Baccalaureate) points do I need to be accepted to Bachelor Degree at AUS?

We require students to have at least 26 points at the IB to apply to AUS.

Fees and Finance

When do I need to pay the Admission Fee?

The AUS Admission Fee must be paid by the deadline specified in the Offer Letter.
If the applicant misses the deadline, the application will be automatically rejected.

How do I pay the Admission and Tuition Fees?

You can pay your Admission and Tuition Fees by bank transfer or online with a credit card. Payment options and banking details of AUS are indicated in the Offer Letter.

How much do I have to pay for tuition fees?

Your tuition fees will be detailed in your offer letter to show how much your total tuition will be. Please see the Tuition Fees page for more information.

Do you offer flexible payment plans?

We offer two payment plan options for you to pay your tuition fees: termly or annually.

I have paid my Admission Fee. What happens next?

Once you have paid the Admission Fee and sent us proof of payment, the Office of Admissions will send you a confirmation of receipt. You will then receive instructions regarding the next steps of the process.

Student Visa and Health Insurance

Do I require health insurance when studying in Switzerland?

Yes, all students are required to have health insurance in Switzerland.
AUS works with various health insurance providers from which you can opt.

You must register for health insurance only upon your arrival in Switzerland. AUS Administration staff will provide you with all insurance information and assist you with the registration.

Do I require a student visa to study in Switzerland?

Non-EU/EFTA students must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland. When your application is completed, the Office of Admissions will send you all the documents you need to submit to apply for the entry visa at the embassy or consulate of Switzerland in your country.

Please remember that the student visa application procedure might take up to three months. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

When you arrive in Switzerland, you must apply for a residence permit. With the Swiss Residence Permit, you can travel freely throughout Switzerland and the Schengen area.

Does AUS help students get their visas to study in Switzerland?

We provide all relevant documentation to support your visa application to the embassy. You must contact the embassy for the specific visa requirements and to schedule an appointment.

How do I apply for my student visa?

To apply for your visa, you must contact the local Swiss embassy or consulate in your country.

If you have any questions, please contact the AUS Administration team.

How long does it take to get a student visa?

Visa applications can take up to three months to process, depending on the time of year and the length of the application review process at your local Swiss embassy or consulate. Please note that the visa applications are processed by the State Secretariat for Migration; AUS is unable to expedite or interfere in the process.

What happens if my visa application is rejected?

If your visa application is rejected for any reason, you are eligible to appeal. Please contact the AUS Administration team for more information regarding the appeal process.

Do I need to pay for my student visa application?

Please contact your local Swiss embassy or consulate to see if they have any payable application fees.

Can I work when I study on a student visa?

Foreign students may work a maximum of 15 hours per week during their studies and up to 100 percent during semester breaks. This must be reported in all cases to the responsible immigration authorities.

Students from outside the EU/EFTA region may only start working six months after the beginning of their studies.

Do I have to leave Switzerland once my studies are completed?

Your visa will specify the length of time you can stay in the country or the date by which you must depart. These dates are set by the immigration authorities and must be followed accordingly.

Accommodation

Does AUS have accommodation for students?

Yes, AUS provides students with several housing options, including single rooms and shared rooms.

Click here to learn more about the accommodation options

Please note that accommodation is not included in the tuition fees.

Where is the accommodation located?

AUS has accommodation in two locations:

Option La Tour-de-Peilz - This accommodation option is in the center of La Tour-de-Peilz, a one-minute walk from the lakeside and a ten-minute walk from the campus. The nearest train station is also a 5-minute walk from the accommodation.

Option Vevey - This accommodation option is located close to the Vevey train station, a shopping center, and other amenities. It takes 2 minutes by train and 10 minutes by bus to La Tour-de-Peilz.

All accommodation options of the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland are located close to all local amenities.

What type of accommodation is available?

Students can choose between shared and single rooms; please note that single rooms are a higher cost.All rooms are fully furnished, including all the necessary furniture and a bathroom. The accommodation includes a shared kitchen, dining area, and laundry facility.

When can I move into my accommodation?

You can move into your accommodation one week before the start of the term.
If you plan to arrive in Switzerland earlier, please contact the administration team to confirm the availability.

Are there any other accommodation providers?

To ensure a smooth transition to life in Switzerland, we provide AUS students housing on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students can search for private accommodation if they wish to do so. However, for ease and convenience, we advise students to stay in AUS accommodation for at least the first year of study.

Registration and Enrollment

When does the term start?

The academic year has three start dates: January, April, and September. For the Academic Year 2024-2025, the start dates are:

Fall Term 2024 - September 23, 2024
Winter Term 2025 - January 13, 2025
Spring Term 2025 - April 28, 2025

How do I register as a student?

Once you have arrived in Switzerland, you will meet with the AUS Administration team, who will complete your registration as a student at AUS.

How do I get my student ID card?

Your Student ID card will be issued upon registration as a student at AUS.

When will I get my timetable?

You will receive your timetable two weeks before the term starts.

Do I need to do anything specific before arriving on campus?

Before you arrive in Switzerland, you will receive a ‘New Student Guide’ by email, which includes important information regarding your arrival on campus, including what you must prepare in advance and what to bring with you to Switzerland.

Arrival in Switzerland

When should I plan to arrive in Switzerland?

We recommend that you arrive in Switzerland at least one week before the start of the term so that you have sufficient time to settle in and complete all the steps for registration.

What is the nearest airport to the campus?

Geneva Airport is the closest airport to AUS and is approximately 75-90 minutes by train. You can check trains and timetables on the SBB website.

Where can I get the train?

The train station of La Tour-de-Peilz is located within a 2-minute walk from the center of the town and a 5-minute walk from the AUS campus. From there, you can take the train, for example, to Vevey, Montreux, Lausanne, and Geneva, which have fast connections to many other European cities.

What do I need to do when I arrive in Switzerland?

Upon your arrival in Switzerland, our administration team will contact you to schedule a meeting. Our team will guide you through the processes of registration as a resident in Switzerland and student at AUS.

Using your GI Bill to Study in Switzerland

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill ® is an education benefit earned by members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard Armed Forces and their families. Eligibility for veteran and dependent education benefits is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). GI Bill® benefits can cover a percentage of tuition and mandatory fees based on the length of active duty service as determined by the VA.

What benefits can I get?

You may be able to get these benefits:

  • Money for school
  • Money for your housing costs during enrollment

How Do I Access VA Benefits to Study at AUS?

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS) is an approved institution by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), allowing veterans to use their GI Bill benefits for undergraduate or graduate programs in Switzerland.

What is the Institution Code of AUS

The Institution code or facility code of AUS: 21001578
To access our page on the VA website click here

How do I Apply for VA Benefits at AUS

1. Submit Your Application: Apply to AUS and submit your VA benefits application at least 120 days before your planned departure. The VA will determine your eligibility and benefit level based on AUS’s location in Switzerland.

2. Provide Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Once approved, send your COE to AUS’s Certifying Official. This document confirms your qualification for VA benefits. AUS’s Certifying Official will then submit your enrollment information to the VA using the VA Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999).

Note: VA payments will not begin until your enrollment information has been received and processed.

1. Prepare for School and Travel:

  • Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses until your VA payments start.
  • Confirm your acceptance, enrollment, and tuition payment arrangements with AUS.
  • Arrange housing accommodations as needed.
  • Prepare travel logistics, including your passport, visa, and required vaccinations.
  • Verify health insurance requirements in Switzerland. Some countries mandate proof of health insurance before you can start classes.

1. Grant Written Permission: Provide written authorization for AUS officials to release necessary information to the VA. Failing to do so may delay your benefits.

2. For Multi-Year Attendance: If you plan to attend AUS for more than one academic year, notify the school at least 120 days before re-enrollment. Request that the Certifying Official submit an updated VA Enrollment Certification for the next academic year. Foreign institutions like AUS typically certify enrollment on a yearly basis.

Additional Tips:

  • Plan early and stay proactive to avoid interruptions in your benefits.
  • Regularly communicate with AUS’s Certifying Official for updates on your enrollment and benefits status.

For more information about the benefits and how to use them please visit the VA website or click here:
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/study-at-foreign-schools/

What if I need more help with my GI Bill

To get more information or help with your application:

You can also:

  • Get help from local representatives of Veterans organizations and the American Red Cross
  • Go to a foreign service post
  • Contact the Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs (for Canadian schools only