Interview with the Director of Swiss School of Higher Education

Today, One World Migration talked to Lors Gamurziev, Director of Swiss School of Higher Education in Montreux, Switzerland. Lors Gamurziev shared some interesting and valuable information regarding studying opportunities, educational programs available at SSHE, as well as he covered the important theme of getting residence permit in Switzerland and the benefits it provides.

-What are the important advantages of a residence permit in Switzerland? Can a person who has received a residence permit open a bank account?

-The most important advantage is that a client can open a Swiss bank account thanks to a residence permit. Without a residence permit, he / she will not be able to rent a house in Switzerland. Moreover, a number of crucial services, such as renting a car, will also be unavailable without residence permit.

-Is there an opportunity to run a business and study in Switzerland at the same time?

-Sure, there is such an opportunity. I know numerous examples of students who run their own business or start-up and study simultaneously.

-Is it possible to visit the Schengen countries with a residence permit in Switzerland?

-Yes, it is, since Switzerland signed the Schengen Agreement. Also, with a residence permit, you can visit all European countries that also signed the Schengen Agreement, except the UK due to Brexit.

-Is it possible to obtain citizenship after getting a residence permit? How fast is this process and what are the requirements?

-Of course, it is possible, but it is a complicated and long procedure. The process will take starting from 6 years. The client will need to switch from a student residence permit to a work permit and proceed with it for at least 5 years. Afterwards, the student will be able to transfer it to a permanent residence permit, and result in obtaining citizenship (passport).

-What learning opportunities are available? How many years does the education take?

-We offer a wide range of educational opportunities at Swiss School of Higher Education (SSHE), so that each student can choose what is appropriate for him/ her. Thus, our bachelor's degree programs last 3 years, master's degree programs - from 1.5 to 2 years, doctoral studies - 3 years.

-How long is the residence permit valid?

-All residence permits are valid for one year with the possibility of extension. The client extends the residence permit every year for as long as the chosen educational program is intended.

-Is a hybrid studying system available (in person and online)?

-Yes, such an opportunity is available as well. We have three studying formats: on-campus, online and hybrid format, involving both in person and online studying.

-How long does the process of obtaining a residence permit take?

-On average, the process of obtaining a residence permit lasts 3-4 months as much as possible. Such frameworks are prescribed by the migration legislation of Switzerland. In practice, the process can be faster and take 2 months. The process is very individual.