Travel Benefits for Indian Students Studying in Switzerland

05 August 2025

Switzerland, with its world-leading universities, stunning scenery, and excellent standard of living, has long been a favorite among Indian students. There is yet another benefit that is sometimes not given the attention it deserves, however, and that is the fabulous travel opportunities on offer. For students considering studying in Switzerland, there is one key question to consider: Is Switzerland a Schengen Area country? The response is affirmative, meaning not only taking courses in a visually stunning European country but also the opportunity to travel to over 25 other countries in Europe without the requirement of an extra visa.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we not only believe in guiding students towards choosing the right course or university, but also towards choosing the practical lifestyle benefits of studying abroad. In this article, it is explained how studying in Switzerland makes Indian students eligible for the full benefits of the Schengen Area, especially in 2025, when mobility and student support across Europe are more student-friendly than ever.

Does Switzerland belong to the Schengen Area?

In fact, Switzerland is a full member of the Schengen Area because it has been an official member of the Schengen Zone since December 2008. Although it is not a member of the European Union (EU), Switzerland is fully integrated into the Schengen agreement. The integration allows a person who holds a valid Swiss residence permit or visa to travel freely between more than 25 Schengen states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, and many more.

For Indian students, this means that there is no need to get standalone tourist visas every time they want to visit an adjoining country. As long as the Swiss student visa or residence permit is still valid, one is at liberty to explore travel to other Schengen nations for tourism, academic conferences, internships, or short courses for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day window.

Travel Facilities for Indian Students in Switzerland

Following are some of the notable travel advantages that Indian students enjoy while studying in Switzerland:

Seamless European Travel: From a Parisian weekend getaway to a cultural tour of Rome, you can move about the Schengen Zone without the hassle of immigration checks at borders.

Budget Travel: Thanks to Switzerland’s excellent rail connections and student prices, it is cheaper and simpler to travel across Europe.

Academic Mobility: The majority of Swiss universities have partnerships with European universities. This makes students eligible to engage in research, exchange, or internships in other Schengen states without going through the application for a new visa.

Career and Networking Prospects: Being in the middle region of Europe exposes you to global career expos, start-up incubators, and conferences in the surrounding countries—opening doors to potential future careers.

Convenient Family Visits: Your family members can get Schengen tourist visas to visit not just Switzerland but also other nations during your study breaks.

Travel and Visa Update

As of 2025, Swiss immigration officials have made post-arrival procedures easier for foreign students, particularly Indians. The biometric information is embedded on the student residence permit, which is also a valid Schengen travel document. This avoids paperwork for students who want to travel across Europe during the course of study.

Other than that, electronic Schengen visa systems are being established across Europe, and Switzerland is also a signatory to the same. Therefore, reapplication for travel documents in case of extension or expiration will be faster and made more efficient.

Let BCES Admissions Abroad guide you through European academic and travel options. From university admissions to visa assistance, we help you make a seamless transition from India to Switzerland and more. Get in touch with BCES Admissions Abroad today at +91 8800096600 and embark on your European educational experience with confidence.