The HEG does not have any office in charge of visa procedures and issues. 

As an incoming student, you are required to apply for a visa/permit of stay and follow the necessary instructions on your own (see details below).

Residence permit and visa procedure

Upon your arrival in Switzerland, you will be required to register at the Residents Registration Office (Office cantonal de la population et des Migrations - OCPM) within 14 days in order to ask for a residence permit. It takes several weeks for the permit to be issued.

Applicants from Member States of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association

If you are a EU/EFTA student, you are not required to apply for a student visa. However, a residence permit is needed. You may send your permit request by post to the Residents' Registration Office (OCP) with the following justifications:

• Form E
• photocopy of your identity card
• 1 passport picture (with name & lastname on the back)
• Certificate of Acceptance

Applicants from all other countries

First of all, it is important to check whether a visa is necessary :

For further information

If you need a visa, you must apply about 4 months before entering Switzerland by contacting the nearest Swiss diplomatic or consular representation in your country of residence:

For further information

Upon evaluation of your request, the OCP will allow the Swiss diplomatic or consular representation to process and issue your visa.

Upon your arrival in Switzerland, you will have to register in person at the « Service Etrangers et Confédérés » of the Residents' Registration Office (Office cantonal de la population) in order to apply for a residence permit and submit the forms and documents required by the OCPM.

Please note that the procedures can vary from one year to another and we cannot always guarantee the accuracy of the provided information.