Student Services

At the American Institute of AppliedSciences in Switzerland (AUS), we understand that relocating to a new countryfor your studies is both an exciting and challenging experience. Our StudentServices team exists to ensure that every aspect of your non-academic life isfully supported, so you can focus entirely on your professional and personalgrowth. From the moment you receive your offer of admission to the day yougraduate, our dedicated staff provides personalized, one-to-one guidance onhousing, visa procedures, health insurance, and daily life in Switzerland.

We take pride in offering a level of care thatlarger institutions simply cannot match. With a student-to-staff ratio of 1:7and a maximum class size of 20, every student at AUS is known by name. OurStudent Services office operates with the same boutique philosophy that definesour academic programs: individualized attention, proactive communication, and agenuine commitment to your success and well-being throughout your time on theSwiss Riviera.

AUS is committed to providing a holisticsupport system that addresses the practical, administrative, and personal needsof an internationally diverse student body. Our services are designed to removebarriers and simplify the transition to life in Switzerland, ensuring thatstudents from over 40 nationalities feel welcomed, informed, and empowered fromday one.

Securing quality housing in Switzerland isone of the most significant challenges facing international students. AUSaddresses this directly by guaranteeing safe, high-quality accommodation nearLake Geneva for up to 80 percent of students who apply early. Our housingoptions include both private and shared rooms, all located within convenientproximity to the campus in La Tour-de-Peilz on the Swiss Riviera.

We strongly recommend that all admittedstudents submit their housing application as early as possible to secure theirpreferred arrangement. Our Student Services team manages the entire process,from matching you with available accommodation to coordinating your move-inlogistics, so you can arrive in Switzerland with confidence and peace of mind.For students who prefer to arrange independent housing, we provide guidance onlocal rental markets, tenant rights, and neighborhood recommendations.

Navigating the Swiss visa and immigrationsystem can be complex, particularly for students arriving from outside theEuropean Union or European Economic Area. Our Student Services team providescomprehensive, step-by-step guidance throughout the entire process, from yourinitial visa application to residence permit renewals during your studies.

We prepare all necessary institutionaldocumentation, including official letters of admission and enrollmentconfirmations, and advise you on the specific requirements of your homecountry's Swiss consulate or embassy. For non-EU/EEA applicants, we stronglyencourage initiating the visa process well in advance of your intended startdate, as processing times can vary significantly. Our team remains available toanswer questions and troubleshoot issues at every stage, ensuring thatadministrative requirements never become a barrier to your education.

Swiss law requires all residents, includinginternational students, to hold valid health insurance coverage. AUS StudentServices assists you in understanding the Swiss health insurance landscape,comparing available plans, and enrolling in a policy that meets both legalrequirements and your personal needs. We work with established insuranceproviders to offer competitive rates tailored to the student population, and weguide you through the enrollment process before or immediately upon yourarrival in Switzerland.

Every AUS student has access topersonalized academic advising throughout their degree program. Our advisorshelp you plan your course load each term, understand degree requirements, andnavigate the dual-degree structure with Tiffin University. Whether you needguidance on elective selection, credit transfer, or academic performanceimprovement, our advising team is available for individual consultationsdesigned to keep you on track toward graduation.

Adjusting to life in a new country,culture, and academic environment can present personal challenges. AUS iscommitted to supporting the overall well-being of every student. Our StudentServices team offers confidential conversations and, where appropriate,referrals to professional counseling and support services in the localcommunity. We foster an inclusive, respectful campus culture where studentsfrom all backgrounds feel safe and supported.

Every new intake begins with acomprehensive Welcome and Registration Week, designed to familiarize you withthe AUS campus, the local community, Swiss culture, and the administrativeprocedures you will need to manage during your studies. Orientation activitiesinclude campus tours, introductions to faculty and staff, academic briefings,social icebreakers, and practical workshops on topics such as opening a Swissbank account, navigating public transport, and understanding local customs.

Throughout the academic year, StudentServices organizes additional events including international diversitycelebrations, field outings to discover the Romandie region, coached sportsactivities, and guest speaker sessions, all designed to enrich your experienceand build lasting connections with your peers.

Upon enrollment, every AUS student receivesan official student identification card that provides access to a range ofdiscounts and benefits across Switzerland. These include reduced fares on Swisspublic transport, discounted entry to museums, cultural institutions, andsporting facilities, as well as special rates at partner businesses in the LakeGeneva region. Your student card is your gateway to experiencing everythingthat Switzerland and the Swiss Riviera have to offer at a fraction of the cost.