For young Indonesian professionals seeking international work experience, the Swiss Young Professionals Programme provides an official route to work while developing professional and language skills in Switzerland. Eligible participants may receive a work permit for up to 18 months.
Indonesia is one of Switzerland’s partner countries under the programme. However, this is not a working-holiday scheme or an opportunity to take any available job. The position must be connected to the participant’s education or trained profession.
What Is the Swiss Young Professionals Programme?
Young Professionals is an exchange programme established through agreements between Switzerland and several partner countries. It is intended for young people who have completed their education and wish to expand their professional experience and language skills in Switzerland.
According to the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), a permit under this programme may be issued for a maximum of 18 months. In addition to Indonesia, listed partner countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, Ukraine and the United States.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree or a two-year apprenticeship or vocational training programme. The job in Switzerland must be within the profession they learned or a field related to their studies.
For example, an information technology graduate should target roles in technology, software, data or another related area. A hospitality graduate should look for relevant opportunities in hotels, tourism or associated services. This connection matters because the programme is designed primarily for career development.
Main Swiss Young Professionals Requirements
- Be a national of a partner country, including Indonesia.
- Have completed at least a bachelor’s degree or two years of vocational training.
- Secure employment related to the applicant’s profession or field of study.
- Submit the application through the competent authority in the home country.
- Have an employment contract and training arrangement that meet the applicable requirements.
Detailed requirements and documents may change. Applicants should therefore use the latest instructions and forms published on the official SEM page when preparing an application.
Can Participants Work Part-Time or Freelance?
No. SEM states that part-time work and self-employment are not permitted under the Young Professionals Programme. Participants must work in a professional role relevant to the education or training they have completed.
This requirement distinguishes the programme from a working holiday. Its purpose is not to earn additional income through several jobs, but to gain structured experience in one career field.
How Much Do Young Professionals Earn in Switzerland?
There is no single salary figure for every participant. Remuneration must follow local and industry standards, taking collective labour agreements and cantonal guidelines into account. Pay should be at least comparable to the level received by people beginning their careers.
Before accepting an offer, review the salary, working hours, duties, location, duration, benefits and training plan carefully. The cost of living in the relevant Swiss city should also be considered.
Does the Swiss Government Find a Job for Applicants?
No. Applicants are responsible for finding and securing their own employment. After receiving a relevant job offer, they must submit their programme application to the competent authority in their home country.
How to Prepare a Young Professionals Application
- Identify a relevant career field. Focus on roles that genuinely match your education and experience.
- Prepare your CV and cover letter. Highlight relevant education, internships, projects, certificates, language skills and achievements.
- Search for employers in Switzerland. Apply for positions that provide professional experience connected to your studies.
- Review the employment contract. Make sure the title, duties, salary, duration and training components are clearly stated.
- Use the latest official documents. SEM provides instructions, an application form, a model employment agreement and information on workplace rights.
- Apply from your home country. Follow the competent authority’s instructions and do not travel before receiving the required approval.
Tips to Improve Your Preparation
Tailor your CV to every vacancy
Avoid sending exactly the same CV to every employer. Use keywords and examples that relate directly to the job description.
Explain your career-development goals
In your cover letter, show a clear connection between your education, the role and the skills you hope to develop.
Strengthen your language skills
Language needs vary by region and employer. In addition to English, German, French or Italian proficiency may be valuable.
Be cautious about guaranteed approvals
Work-permit decisions are made by the competent authorities. Be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed job or visa approval in exchange for unclear fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Young Professionals work permit valid?
A permit under the programme may be issued for a maximum of 18 months.
Can Indonesian citizens apply?
Yes. Indonesia is listed as a partner country on the official SEM page.
Must the job be related to the applicant’s degree?
Yes. The work must be within the profession learned or a field related to the applicant’s studies.
Can participants work part-time or freelance?
No. Part-time work and self-employment are not permitted under this programme.
Does the Swiss government provide jobs?
No. Each applicant is responsible for finding a suitable employer and position.
Start Preparing for Your International Career
The Swiss Young Professionals Programme may be a valuable step for Indonesian graduates seeking international professional experience. Strong preparation, a genuinely relevant job and compliance with the official process are essential.
Would you like to discuss your education and international career plans? Contact the RIM Education team for initial information and guidance aligned with your goals.
Note: This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee employment or a work permit. Always verify the latest requirements on the official SEM website.
Featured image credit: “Zürich view Quaibrücke 20200702” by Daniel Kraft, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.