We will help you with your visa. Don’t worry. The first thing to do is to check that your passport is valid—at least six months after the date that you plan to return to Europe.
Some visas are a little complicated. Don’t leave your visa to the last moment. No visa, no voyage. Visa processing can take 8 to 12 weeks and most countries will only start the process after the studies have been paid for in full.
Unfortunately, countries change their visa regulations quite often. Here is rough guide.
(French and Italian passport holders have the working holiday visa option)
CH passport:
Tourist visa for maximum 12 weeks of study or less.
- On-line application.
- Easy.
- No work option.
Student visa for 13 weeks or more.
- On-line application.
- Complicated.
- Should be done at least 6—10 weeks before you leave.
- Work rights 50% (20 hours per week).
FR passport:
- Same options as above.
- Also the excellent working holiday visa for 12 months.
- On-line application.
- Easy.
- Can also study for a maximum 17 weeks.
- Full work rights.
More information: Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection
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CH Passport
Less than six months: no visa required
Work or placements not permitted (paid or unpaid)
At border must show valid passport for duration, proof of study, proof of funds, accommodation arranged
More than six months: short term visa for English language course up to 11 months Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
FR Passport
Less than six months: no visa required
You will not need a visa to come to the UK - Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Conditions as above for CH
More than six months and up to 11 months: short term visa required as above
Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
More information: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office
CH and FR passports
Study for up to 6 months.
- No visa necessary.
- Must complete an ETA form.
Student visa for study of 6 months or longer.
- A little complicated.
- Apply 8—12 weeks before you leave.
- On-line application.
- Need a work permit to work.
- Complicated to work in Canada.
More information: Government of Canada - Visit Canada
- No visa necessary for CH and FR.
- Work options.
- Easy.
More information: Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Study for maximum 3 months on a Visitor Visa.
- On line form.
- Stay for maximum 9 months in NZ.
- Easy.
- No work rights.
Student Visa for courses longer than 3 months.
- A little complicated.
- Work up to 20 hours per week.
- Online application.
- Start application 8—10 weeks before leaving.
Working holiday visa (12 months) For French nationals and several other European countries, not Switzerland.
- On-line application.
- Easy.
- Study for a maximum 24 weeks.
- Full work rights.
More information: New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovations & Employment
CH and FR passports
Study less than 18 hours per week on tourist visa.
- Short stays.
- Normally, relatively simple with biometric passport.
Courses more than 18 hours a week and longer than 3 months.
- Student visa.
- Complicated.
- Should be started at least 10—12 weeks before leaving.
- You must present papers at US embassy in Berne or Paris.
- Sometimes there are long waiting times.
- Patience.
More information: US Department of State - Visas
- No visa necessary for CH and FR.
- Easy.
More information: Malta Ministry for Foreign Affairs
- Study permit.
- Complicated.
- Lots of paperwork.
- Start application 10—12 weeks before leaving.
- All applications must be submitted in person to the nearest South African Embassy.
More information: South Africa Department of Home Affairs
