international student

Welcome !

The university welcomes students of more than 50 nationalities each year. Thanks to IFM's personal approach, students feel quickly at home here. IFM and its student clubs offer numerous activities also organize get-togethers such as ski trips,trips to other large European cities and evenings out in restaurants and clubs. > student life

Switzerland is a 7.7 million inhabitants country, its surface reaches 41 285 km2 of which 1 289 km2 is made up of lakes. The capital is Bern. Switzerland is famous for its safe, multicultural and welcoming environment. Switzerland is also well known for its long tradition of quality education. University IFM is proud to be part of it. > discover Switzerland

The city of Geneva is an international city. Every year it attracts thousands of students, tourists, business professionals and international employees from all around the world. As a traditional meeting place for more than 2,000 years, Geneva today has about 400,000 inhabitants. 40 percent of its population is made up of about 157 different nationalities. > discover Geneva

l coming to Switzerland l once arrived in Switzerland l housing l living expenses l mandatory insurance l

Coming to switzerland

European students and AELE
Student do not need a visa to enter Switzerland and but they can ask the Swiss authorities for a residence permit to live in Switzerland. The university can help you with the administrative procedure.
see once arrived in Switzerland (delay 1.5 to 2 months)

other international students (Non European)
If your home country is not part of the European Union, you have to obtain the authorization from the Swiss authorities in your home country before leaving for Switzerland. To be admitted in Switzerland as a student, the administrative procedures have to be dealt with by the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin where a student visa can be obtained.
delay up to three months

> Visas information l visa application
> Swiss embassies and consulates abroad

Attention !
Swiss authorities must have the evidence that a place has been reserved at the University for the student (registration certificate) and the evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the educational and living expenses. Letters of admission and confirmation of registration do not give access to residence permits or visas. > admission and registration procedures.

ONce arrived in switzerland

Formalities that all international students must follow

- announce your arrival to l’office cantonale de la population within 8 days & ask for a residence permit
(IFM students get a B permit allowing them to work 20 hours per week )

do not forget to bring with you 
1. passport and visa if needed
2. your final certificate of registration (attestation of study) from IFM
3. 2 passport size photographs
4. a curriculum vitae
5. a. UE & AELE : general form & study form (forms in French only)
5. b. Non UE & AELE : general form & study form (forms in French only)
6. a bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover your studies, or a declaration from your parents that they will cover your studies (with proof of means) or the signature of a Swiss guardian.
7. at least 200 Sfr for State Administration fees

N.B non-European International students have provided these documents for their visa application process (except 1,3,7) they should however keep copies.

Website of Office cantonal de la population : http://www.ge.ch/ocp/

HOUSING

The university does not offer housing on its campus, however IFM offers resources to find accommodation through its database of apartments, student apartments, homes and residences. Students are advised to begin searching for accommodation as early as possible, meaning right after receiving an acceptance letter from IFM. IFM's admissions may help you. > housing

Monthly living expenses excluding Tuition fees

The following budget is indicative and may vary between students currency converter

- food and upkeep from 900 to 1,500 SFR
- housing from 600 to 2500 SFR
- insurance from 100 to 300 SFR (approximately) 
- others 300 SFR

Attention : at the begining of your stay you should take into account simultaneous expenses that you will have to cover for instance :

- First term health insurance payment
- First month's rent payment, includes a mandatory security deposit
- Foreign student medical exam bill
- International students : residence permit invoice (around 200 Frs )
- costs of facilities, crockery, linen, small furniture, phone service & internet



Please note that IFM does not offer scholarships > see tuition fees

Mandatory insurance

Swiss law requires swiss and international students to be personnally insured through an insurance company. This insurance covers medical and hospital fees as well as medication under prescription.

TradiConsult
Tel.  +41 21 620 75 00, call for a contact in Geneva
Opening times : 08h30-12h00 et 13h30-17h00
Site : www.tradiconsult.com


Golden Care SA   / International Health Insurance
For all useful information about our coverage valid for foreign student
Contact us ! Bld Helvétique 31, 1207 Geneva, Tél. 0848 444 222
website : http://www.goldencare.ch

N.B Companies are independent from the university.