International requirements.
Applying from outside Switzerland adds three elements to the standard file: certificate equivalency, proof of funds, and the Swiss student visa route.
Applicants joining
from abroad.
These requirements apply to applicants who completed their previous education outside Switzerland and who may require a Swiss student visa or residence permit.
No visa required to study in Switzerland. Local registration and residence formalities apply after arrival.
A student visa from the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country is required before arrival.
Notarized English translations of any records issued in another language, arranged at your own expense.
Your certificate,
read in context.
- A foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificate considered equivalent to the Swiss Maturity Certificate (bachelor's admission)
- Or a recognized or accredited foreign bachelor's degree (master's admission)
- Assessment basis: the CRUS recommendations and the Lisbon Recognition Convention (ETS No. 165)The certificate should correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity in school subjects, number of hours, and length of schooling.
- Notarized English translations of all records issued in another language, at your own expense, before submission
The complete file,
item by item.
Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by notarized English translations, arranged at your own expense, before the application can be reviewed as complete.
Two lists:
admission and visa.
Admission and the Swiss student visa each have an accepted-tests list. The Swiss visa is granted to students whose secondary instruction was in English, or who provide proof through the visa list — results no older than two years.
| Test (visa list) | Minimum score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CEFR English Level Test | B2 | English level test |
| IELTS | 5.5 | No single element below 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT / Home Edition | 72–94 | Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17 |
| Cambridge Exams | FCE | Minimum First |
| NCUK | 5.5 | Minimum overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 | Minimum overall |
For the full admission list — including SAT, ECPE, MELAB, and McGraw-Hill — see the English requirements page.
After admission,
the visa route.
An official application to the Swiss authorities can only be submitted after you complete the admissions process and receive the Acceptance Letter from AUS.
The Visa Application support, Acceptance Letter, Study Plan, and Written Undertaking for your embassy or consulate application.
Your CV, proof of language proficiency, and proof of sufficient funds — at least CHF 25'000 for subsistence, or an escrow deposit if required.
The complete visa application in your country of residence, including scheduling the embassy appointment. Approval rests solely with the Swiss authorities.
No visa needed — but bring a valid passport or national ID, arrange health insurance, and complete local registration after arrival.
Rolling review,
three intakes.
AUS operates rolling admissions: applications are reviewed and decisions made continuously throughout the year. Exact application deadlines per intake are published by AUS.
Prepare early if you need immigration processing or certified translations.
Availability depends on your chosen program and the academic calendar.
Your Offer Letter states the next available term unless you request another.
After a positive decision, return the signed Offer Letter, signed Student Agreement, and Admission Fee proof within 10 calendar days.
Coming from abroad? Start early.
Visa processing times vary by country. Begin your application as soon as your documents are ready — Student Recruitment supports you through the immigration steps after admission.