Information for international students - University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons

Students from partner universities are invited to spend an exchange semester or an entire academic year studying at University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons.

Free-mover students whose home universities do not have an exchange agreement with University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons are also welcome to study with us. Free movers pay tuition fees of CHF 1550 per semester.

International degree-seeking students can complete their entire bachelor’s or master’s studies at University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons.

University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons teaches Tourism in English at bachelor's and master's level. All other degree programmes at University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons are taught in German.

To find out about the specific admission requirements, prospective students should refer to the respective web page of the study programme. Applicants with foreign university entrance qualifications should contact the admissions team of the respective study programme for advice about recognition.

The international office offers advice on non-academic issues.

Residence permit

International students are required to have a residence permit for the duration of their studies in Switzerland. The International Office contacts students prior to their arrival in Switzerland to request supporting documents and applies for the residence permit on their behalf. Students are responsible for the annual renewal of the residence permit.

Foreign nationals, who already live in Switzerland and have a valid Swiss residence permit for purposes other than studying, are requested to send a copy of the permit to the International Office prior to the start of their studies.

Visa

Non-EU/EFTA nationals need a student visa to enter Switzerland. Students must be at least 18 old before the start of their studies. Language certification, proof of financial means and other supporting documents are required for visa application. University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons submits an application to the cantonal migration authorities and the student applies at the Swiss consulate abroad. Students should refer to the website of the Swiss Embassy/Consulate for country-specific visa requirements.

Student residence 'Konvikt'

The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons has an agreement with the student residence 'Konvikt' and rents out a limited number of rooms to international students. Contact the international office for further information about pricing and availability.

Shared flats

Students can search for a room in a shared flat via the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons accommodation platform (in German).

The International Office can put international students in touch with outgoing exchange students, who rent out furnished rooms in shared flats for one semester. Contact the international office about availability.

Private flats

Students looking for their own private flat can refer to the following websites:

• newhome.ch
• suedostschweizimmo.ch

For further accommodation options in Chur, consult the housing list.

Health and accident insurance

It is compulsory for all residents in Switzerland to have basic health and accident insurance coverage according to the Swiss KVG Health Insurance Act.

Students can request University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons to set up an insurance policy on their behalf or can find their own Swiss health insurance company. To compare monthly premiums and different insurance companies, students can refer to the following websites:

• comparis.ch
• priminfo.ch (in German)

Foreign students who have a foreign health insurance policy that meets the same Swiss basic legal KVG requirements may be eligible for exemption.

Residents of EU/EFTA countries who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) must submit a copy of their valid EHIC card when applying for exemption. Students with private insurance providers must give details of their policy and an exemption form signed by the foreign insurance company. The application for exemption is evaluated by local municipal authorities on arrival in Switzerland and is not guaranteed.

There are private insurance companies offering cheaper insurance packages for international students. Most of those insurance companies are not recognised in the canton of Graubünden. The insurance company SWISSCARE offers a student pass insurance package, which is currently recognised in the canton of Graubünden.

Personal liability insurance

If you cause damage or loss to a third party (intentionally or unwittingly) you can be held liable for compensation claims.

It is therefore strongly recommended that students take out personal liability insurance.

What is personal liability insurance and how does it work? Students should refer to the website ch.ch to get further information about it.

The comparison website comparis.ch offers quotes for personal liability insurance.

Living Costs

Students should calculate approximately CHF 1600 CHF per month for living costs. This estimated range depends on the lifestyle of the student.

For a more detailed estimate of living costs students can refer to the website (in German, French or Italian): budgetberatung.ch

Working in Switzerland

Foreign students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during their studies and full-time during the semester holidays.

Non-EU/EFTA students may only start working six months after the beginning of their studies. Before students are able to work, the employer must apply for a work permit at the cantonal immigration authorities.

University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
International Office
Comercialstrasse 24
(Office F0.02)
7000 Chur

international@fhgr.ch

Opening hours International Office

Monday to Friday: 8.15 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
Afternoons: by appointment