Frequently Asked Questions
About AUS
Where is the American University in Switzerland located?
American University in Switzerland is in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, in La Tour-de-Peilz. Approximately 75 minutes from Geneva and 25 minutes from Lausanne by train. Nestled between the lakeside communities of Montreux, famous for its world-renown Jazz Festival and Vevey, headquarters for the world-leading Nestlé, AUS offers the ideal environment to obtain your business degree. International connections to all the major cities of Europe by rail or air are in easy reach. LOCATE US ON THE MAP
Is the American University in Switzerland an accredited institution?
AUS is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE, USA) and the European Council for Business Education (ECBE). AUS is chartered under Swiss Law and recognized by the Department of Education of the Canton Vaud as an institute of Higher Education. In addition, AUS is a member of diverse professional organizations such as the Awards for Training in Higher Education (ATHE), Vaudoise Association of Private Schools (AVDEP), Swiss Federation of Private Schools (FSEP), Promove, etc.
How can I receive more information about AUS?
If you would like receive more information about AUS you can book a telephone call with our dedicated Global Enrollment Team who can talk to you about what you are looking for and how our programs and institution can support you.
Does the American University in Switzerland collaborate with other institutions?
Yes, AUS has a range of collaborations with other institutions to offer students an enriched education and learning experience. We currently have exciting collaborations with institutions such as Tiffin University, Ferrari Fashion School and more.
Admissions and Applications
Do I have to pay an application fee?
No, the American University in Switzerland does not charge an application fee toapply to one of our programs.
How do I submit my application?
To submit your application, you must complete the online application form and upload the relevant documents.
What documents are required for me to apply to AUS?
For our admissions team to review your application, you must provide several documents to complete your application
What are the admissions requirements for the Bachelor programs?
If you are applying for a Bachelor program, then you must meet the minimum academic requirements of a 2.0 GPA or above in your high school diploma.
Our admissions team accepts all international high school qualifications and your grades with be converted accordingly to assess your eligibility for the program.
Our admissions team accepts all international high school qualifications and your grades with be converted accordingly to assess your eligibility for the program.
What are the admissions requirements for the Master programs?
If you are applying for the Master program, then you must meet the minimum academic requirements of a 2.5 GPA or above in your bachelor’s degree.
Our admissions team will convert your grades accordingly to assess your eligibility for the program.
Our admissions team will convert your grades accordingly to assess your eligibility for the program.
When can I apply to AUS?
Applications are processed on a Rolling Admissions basis. AUS has three academic start dates per year. Click here to see your next deadline.
Does AUS accept transfer credits?
AUS does accept transfer students from other recognized universities. Transfer articulations are an integral part of the admission process. Decisions are taken by the Head of Admissions in reference to the course and credit transfers.
I received an offer letter to study at AUS. What should I do next?
The next is for you to accept your seat at AUS by returning a signed copy of the Offer Letter and making the admission fee payment before your confirmation deadline.
Can I get help with completing my application?
Yes, if you require support with completing your application the Office of Admissions is happy to help. For any help with your application please contact us via phone at +41 21 944 95 01 or via our contact form.
How long does it take to get a decision on my application?
You can expect a response with 10-14 days of submitting your complete application.
Can I defer my entry?
Yes, you can defer your entry once within an academic year. If you wish to defer longer, you may be required to complete the application process again.
How much time does it take from application to enrollment?
We advise you to allow a minimum of three months from application to enrollment to complete the appropriate steps to start your studies with us. International students requiring a student visa can take longer due to the visa application process.
Fees and Finance
When do I need to pay my admission fee?
Your admission fee needs to be paid by the set confirmation deadline given in your acceptance email. If you do not meet this deadline, you will automatically decline your seat by default.
How do I pay the admission and tuition fees?
You can make payment of your admission fee and tuition fees via bank transfer or online payment. Please refer to the Admissions team for more details.
How much do I have to pay for tuition fees?
Your tuition fees will be detailed in your offer letter to show how much your total tuition will be. You can also visit our tuition fees page for more information.
Do you offer flexible payment plans?
We offer two payment plan options for you to pay your tuition fees: termly or annually.
I have paid my admission fee. What happens next?
Once you have paid your admission fee and send us a confirmation, the Admissions team will send you a confirmation receipt. You will then receive instructions regarding the next steps of the process.
Student Visa and Health Insurance
Do I require health insurance when studying in Switzerland?
Yes, all students must have health insurance when studying in Switzerland. AUS works with a provider that you can use, or you can seek your own insurance that covers you in Switzerland.
If you have questions regarding your own health insurance, please contact the administration team.
If you have questions regarding your own health insurance, please contact the administration team.
Do I require a student visa to study in Switzerland?
Students from non-EU/EFTA countries will need to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland. After your arrival, you will also need to apply for a residence permit, which our administration team will assist you with.
Do you help students get their visa to study in Switzerland?
We provide all relevant documentation to support your visa application to the embassy, but you must contact the embassy to attain the specific visa requirements and request an appointment.
How do I apply for my student visa?
To apply for your visa, you must contact your local Swiss embassy or consulate. If you have any questions, please contact the administration team.
How long does it take to get a student visa?
Visa applications can take between 6 to 12 weeks depending on the time of year and the length of the application review process at your local Swiss embassy or consulate.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected for any reason, you are eligible to appeal. Please refer to the administration team for more information regarding the appeal process.
Do I need to pay for my student visa application?
Please check the relevant information with your local Swiss embassy or consulate to see if they have any payable application fees.
Can I work when I study on a student visa?
If you wish to work during the academic year, there are a few requirements you must fulfil. For more information, please contact the administration team.
Do I have to leave Switzerland once my studies are completed?
Your visa will state the amount of time you can stay or the date by which you must leave the country. These dates are set by the immigration authorities and must be followed accordingly.
Accommodation
Does AUS have accommodation for students?
Yes, AUS offers accommodation to all students who study a program with us.
Where is the accommodation located?
The accommodation is in the center of La Tour-de-Peilz, within a 10-minute walk of the campus and in proximity to all the local amenities. The nearest train station is also a 5-minute walk.
What type of accommodation is available?
Students can choose between shared and single rooms; please note that single rooms are a higher cost. Each room includes all the necessary furniture and bathroom. The accommodation includes a communal kitchen and dining area, as well as a laundry facility.
When can I move into my accommodation?
You can move into your accommodation 1 week before the start of the term, or beforehand if you arrive in Switzerland early. Please contact the administration team if you have any queries.
Are there any other accommodation providers?
AUS students are housed on a first-come, first-served basis in our accommodation to ensure an easy transition to life in Switzerland. When this accommodation is full, we work with an accommodation provider in Vevey to house our students.
Students can search for private accommodation if they wish to do so, however for ease and convenience, we advise students to stay in AUS accommodation for at least the first year of study.
Students can search for private accommodation if they wish to do so, however for ease and convenience, we advise students to stay in AUS accommodation for at least the first year of study.
Registration and Enrollment
When does term start?
The academic year has three start dates in January, April, and September. For the Academic Year 2020-21 the start dates are:
Fall Term 2021 - September 6, 2021
Winter Term 2022 - January 3, 2022
Spring Term 2022 - May 2, 2022
Fall Term 2021 - September 6, 2021
Winter Term 2022 - January 3, 2022
Spring Term 2022 - May 2, 2022
How do I register as a student?
Once you have arrived in Switzerland, you will meet with our administration team, who will help complete your registration as a student at AUS.
How do I get my student ID card?
Once you have arrived in Switzerland, you will meet with our administration team, who will help complete your registration as a student at AUS.
When will I get my timetable?
You will receive your timetable two weeks before the term starts.
Do I need to do anything specific before arriving on campus?
Before you arrive in Switzerland, you will receive an email, which will contain information regarding your arrival on campus and what you will be required to do beforehand, what to bring and other important information.
Arrival in Switzerland
What is the nearest airport to the campus?
Geneva Airport is the closest airport to AUS and is approximately 75-90 minutes by train. You can check trains and times via the SBB CFF website.
Where can I get the train?
The train station of La Tour-de-Peilz is located within a 2-minute walk from the center of the town and a 5-minute walk from the AUS campus. From here you can take trains to Vevey, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva and more.
What do I need to do when I arrive in Switzerland?
When you arrive in Switzerland, our administration team will be in touch with you to arrange a meeting to guide you through the next steps and help you settle in Switzerland.
Chemin du Levant 5
1814 La Tour-de-Peilz Switzerland
1814 La Tour-de-Peilz Switzerland
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American University in Switzerland @ 2022
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