Switzerland offers highly-paid positions within academia. According to Daniel Sarbach, director of the International School Zurich North – who welcomes students from the international community from early years (3-6 years old) to the upper secondary –, Swiss education standards are high. Switzerland’s education system is one of the most advanced in the world. After they have finished kindergarten, around the age of 6, they go to primary school. Education is compulsory for all children in Switzerland, even those who do not have legal residency status. Switzerland is the go-to choice for many students looking to study internationally. Even though there are private schools in Switzerland, most students attend public schools in the local area. The lower secondary education and upper secondary education. The central government has established the principle that all children must attend school for a total of 9 years and that primary school is free. Scholars, and those particularly from French, German and Italian-speaking backgrounds work right across the higher education system. Education takes place in vocational schools, companies that provide apprenticeships, and cross-company courses. It did clear a lot of questions that i had concerning the education system. A Baccalaureate school is the choice of ⅓ Swiss students. In the canton of Bern, mandatory schooling lasts 11 years beginning with kindergarten (2 years), followed by primary school (6 years) and secondary level I (3 years). Laws regarding it vary from canton to canton – in some cantons it’s possible, in others it’s not. Education System in Switzerland provides a unique learning method that helps students to think forward, innovate and creative way. Cantons set their own timetables. This brings diversity so children can experience many different backgrounds, including, sometimes, linguistic backgrounds. These schools usually last from 3 to 6 years, depending on the canton. I feel very well informed about the education system in Switzerland. Secondary education in Switzerland is divided into two stages. There, it’s optional for children to go to kindergarten from the age of three and then compulsory from the age of four, for two years. “During enrolment at a school, your child’s ability in the local national language will be assessed,” says Daniel. Switzerland is a federal and multilingual country with a decentralised education system. Although most children attend kindergarten for two years, in some cantons it isn’t compulsory. Switzerland is a confederation of cantons with a surprising degree of administrative independence. The website of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education offers a good introduction to the complex Swiss education system: Swiss education system. Resources encompasses government and private sector expenditure on tertiary institutions and on research as a share of GDP. Hence what follows is just a generic summary. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Applicants with the required qualifications can generally attend their chosen course. The system varies from canton to canton with primary education constitut- ing from four to six years of the nine-year compulsory education period. This is where kids learn their mother language, a second language spoken in Switzerland and English. The overall education system in Switzerland is split into three categories: compulsory education, upper-secondary education and tertiary education, with higher education being concentrated completely at the tertiary … Upper secondary school is regulated jointly by the Confederation and the cantons so there are variations in organization and curricula across the country. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Each of the 26 cantons has primary responsibility for their education and, in fact, run their own education systems. In fact, laws addressing it vary from canton … They last from 2 to 4 years and allow the students to gain technical and practical knowledge. A baccalaureate program consists of core subjects, a main specialism, and a secondary specialism plus a baccalaureate essay. The program lasts three years, and in the end, the students must take a final exam in six of their subjects. Kindergarten is not compulsory in all of the cantons, but primary school is. They receive a grade at the end of term and/or year; satisfactory grades determine whether a student progresses to the next year or not. Some of the best-known universities in Switzerland are the federal institutes of tertiary technology and the universities of teacher education. For more information, contact your canton’s education department and the Home School Association of Switzerland. In Switzerland and in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Norway between 30 and 70 percent of students in upper secondary school participate in Successful candidates earn the specialized baccalaureate (Fachmaturität/maturité spécialisée). The Swiss education system. Your choices will not impact your visit. “Others offer parents supervised lunch hours as well as after school childcare for a fee.”. “Some schools offer induction courses or intensive language courses to help students reach the standard required for them to join regular classes, or will receive language lessons alongside normal classes.” He adds that sometimes, the school might recommend that a pupil repeat a year in order to catch up. The highest level, tertiary level education, is university level or higher education. The difference between a University and a Fachhochschule is that the latter generally doesn’t award a doctoral degree. 2. This guide has been written by a practitioner for parents. In Switzerland, the higher education system at University-level consists of ten cantonal Universities, two federal Institutes of Technology and seven Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), as well as the recently founded Schools for Teacher Education and many Advanced Vocational Colleges. The Swiss education system. Read Expatica’s guide to special needs schooling in Switzerland, or contact your canton’s education department. Around 5 percent of students go onto upper secondary specialized schools. In Switzerland there are many courses which prepare young people for education in the shape of an apprenticeship or studies. Switzerland ranked as the best education system in the world but ranked third overall in the entire human capital report. Responsibility for post-compulsory education is shared between the Swiss Confederation and the cantons. The admission age throughout Switzerland is six. Switzerland ranks ninth out of 65 countries and economies in the OECD/PISA 2012 survey of educational standards amongst 15-year-olds. If you’re moving to Switzerland with family, you’ll find an array of schools that cater to international families, including public, private, and international schools. State education is free of charge, but schools may ask for payments for school supplies, books, and school trips. These courses are not always entitled to scholarships. Most students learn at a state school in the local area. That’s when they are introduced to other languages and Swiss culture. Even where pre-school is not compulsory, most children attend kindergarten before primary school. Switzerland heavily invests in its education system: In 2014, public-sector spending on education in Switzerland was just under 36 billion Swiss francs That’s 5.6% of the gross domestic product. State school system. Public schools are free of charge, and kids are not required to wear uniforms. They call this Grundstufe or Basisstufe. Students are graded with the same grading system as previously and study the core subjects related to the specific occupation. Children begin schooling anywhere from ages 4 to 6 and must stay in school until about the age of 15. Thus, there are actually 26 school systems in Switzerland; however, the main features are roughly the same in all cantons: Attending primary and secondary schools is mandatory; in some cantons, kindergarten, too, is compulsory. Primary school days are shorter than secondary school days. Compulsory education in Switzerland lasts for nine to eleven years depending on the canton. From early on, students also learn one of the other official Swiss languages, as well as English. It can be considered a continuation of the lower secondary education, where the subjects are similar to the previous ones in lower secondary education, plus law and economics. Higher education includes technical and vocational schools, as well as universities, spread across cantons such as Basel, Berne, Fribourg, Geneva, Neuchatel, Lausanne, Lugano, Zurich, Lucerne, and St Gallen. Mandatory secondary education … This has resulted in a considerable number of international students in the country. You can enquire about your canton’s specific education requirements at one of the cantonal education departments. It is called kindergarten in German-speaking Switzerland, école enfantine in the French-speaking area, and scuola dell'infanzia in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Still, it is very much different from an American high school. Switzerland has 12 universities in total, 10 of which are run and regulated by the cantons and offer theory-oriented mayors. All three top countries were effectively developing and utilizing about 85 percent of their full human capital potential, the report noted. Switzerland is internationally recognised as a center of excellence for education, its attraction for studying and research is well-established. Most students in Switzerland attend local schools, which are of high standard and free. The enrollment is based on the student’s previous performance, and the grading system is the same as in lower secondary education. Pupils usually enroll at baccalaureate schools in the last year of lower secondary education. There are VET programs for around 230 different professions. They get to choose from a Vocational education and training (VET), Baccalaureate, or Upper secondary specialized school. Children usually move onto lower secondary level at the age of 11 or 12 at a middle school called either a Gymnasium or Kantonsschule. Similarly, the day to day structure of schooling might be different from one place to the next, making switching … The administration and regulation of the school system in Switzerland is made by the cantons while having a set framework by the central government. Even though the cantons set the rules regarding education, compulsory education lasts for 9–11 years. In Switzerland, lessons are in the language of the region: German, French, Italian, or Romansh. A guide to special needs education in Switzerland, including the legal and financial needs of those with disabilities. While most examples illustrating the Swiss system are taken from German-speaking Switzerland and the Greater Zurich Area, the content of this guide applies to Switzerland as a whole, including French-speaking cantons, Italian-speaking cantons and the Rumantsch areas of Graubünden. Depending on a pupil’s performance, they may promote to the next level, receive extra support, or repeat a year. What level is equivalent to a high school diploma that does not have good grades to admit in a swiss institution? Contact the education department in your own canton to confirm what happens in your region. Furthermore, universities in Switzerland are known for their BBAs and MBAs, and they tend to be some of the best in the world. You may change your settings at any time. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. “Admission may be based on students’ grades, teachers’ recommendations and/or an entrance exam”, advises Daniel. Each canton sets its school calendar, curriculum, and criteria. Switzerland's diverse and permeable education system in essence offers a choice between an academic or vocational education. The higher education systems are rated based on four main criteria. Swiss higher education system is top for connectivity. The curriculum includes IGCSE and International A-Level and offers students an education in the English language while learning in a friendly, international environment. Other subjects like history, civic education, music, art and design, physical education and health, home economics, career guidance, and vocational preparation are also taught. Fachhochschule also differs from the traditional university in Switzerland because of its practical-based teaching as opposed to a theory-based orientation. At the end of the baccalaureate program, students have exams in at least five subjects: first language, a second national language, mathematics, the main specialism, and one further subject. “Your child’s age and length of time in Switzerland are some factors to consider.” For even more information on how to choose a school in Switzerland, see Expatica’s guide to Swiss schools. The cantons also regulate this. In German-speaking cantons, some municipalities combine kindergarten and the first two years of primary school into the first learning cycle called Grundstufe or Basisstufe. If they finish that successfully, they get the upper-secondary specialized school certificate and continue their education in PET colleges. There may also be end-of-year tests as well. Some primary schools are closed one day or one afternoon in the week (for example, Wednesday). Switzerland is the highest ranked country worldwide in the two categories of Resources and Connectivity. In most cantons, students get a graded report twice a year. Many of these students attend top universities in Switzerland for their advanced degrees. Your email address will not be published. In kindergarten, children are taught about basic manners and knowledge. Those who do not may progress to the next year at a lower grade or have to repeat a year. About a third of Swiss students go onto baccalaureate school, which provide a general education in preparation for admission to university. At the end of the program, students must take a test and present a baccalaureate essay. View the Dutch comparison of the most common diplomas from Switzerland, the duration of schooling, the type of education … primary education – kindergarten or a first learning cycle; upper secondary level education – vocational education and training (VET), baccalaureate schools and upper-secondary specialized schools; tertiary level education – professional training, university. Each canton has its own education department, school calendar, education structure, methods of teaching, and curricula. They can then enroll at cantonal universities, institutes of technology, and teacher training universities. Upper secondary specialized schools provide specialized preparation for a career in healthcare, social work, and education. Although the cantons administer the education system, a thing they all have in common is that they have this diversity. Switzerland has three main geographic regions: the Alps covering around 60% of the country's total surface area, the Swiss Plateau (30%) and the Jura (10%). Upper secondary education in Switzerland is optional although more than 90 percent of Swiss students do decide to continue their education around the age of 15/16. Languages are given quite the emphasis in the Swiss education system, and therefore most of the people there speak at least a second language. There is no national exam or school leaving certificate or diploma in Switzerland although some cantons do set a final exam at the end of lower secondary education and some award school-leaving certificates. The system is well established and functional with delegated accountability and administration. They provide a school-based general education and preparation for professional education and training (PET) in specific occupations – like healthcare, social work, and education – at PET colleges and universities of applied sciences. However, there are agreements in place to coordinate the latter across the country. Education in Switzerland: Here’s What You Need To Know, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). High school in Switzerland is not compulsory, and its structure is unique. Students who pass earn the baccalaureate certificate (Matura / Maturité). Students with an upper-secondary specialized school certificate will continue their education in PET colleges. Basic vocational education lasts between two and four years and provides practical and technical training. The structure of the educational system starts with preschool education. Some children start compulsory education when they are four years old and others at six years until about 15 years old. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Depending on the cantons, the combinations might differ. Lower secondary schools in Switzerland are called Gymnasiums or Kantonsschule. The structure of Switzerland’s system begins with primary education (a sort of kindergarten), then a lower secondary education followed by an upper secondary education, which may even include vocational training. The primary responsibility for education lies with the 26 Cantons (states). More than 65% of students in upper secondary education are enrolled in pre-vocational or vocational programmes at the upper secondary level, compared with an average of only % across OECD 44 countries. Primary school lasts for between 4 to 6 years most likely following 2 to 3 years in kindergarten. Depending on their performance, they are granted a certificate called Matura and are then eligible to start cantonal universities, institutes of technologies, and teacher-training universities. Compulsory Education Pre-school level (Kindergarten, 1 or 2 years) At least one year of kindergarten compulsory in 15 cantons, optional in 11 cantons Starting age: 4 years old Focus on social issues Training of pre-school teachers now at Universities of Teacher Education (B.A.) State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education, Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training SFIVET, Swiss Institute for Special Educational Needs. Tertiary education is a continuation of the higher secondary education a student chooses. The system and rules vary by region, with some cantons starting mandatory schooling at age four and others at six. Switzerland education system is one of the world’s most strict and meticulous protection for students, for more course detils kindly contact us The Swiss education system Education in a multilingual and federalist country In Switzerland, education is government responsibility (cantonal and/or federal) from the beginning of compulsory education up to and including tertiary level (universities and professional education and training). French-speaking cantons differ. There is also usually a meeting with pupils and parents to discuss the student’s performance, which will include behavior and attitude towards learning. The two countries to rank higher overall were Norway and Finland (Finland finishing in first). Pupils who have overall average grades can progress to the next year of school. However, schooling can vary across the country”, explains Daniel. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. The basic structure of the Swiss education system is as follows: In Switzerland, primary education usually consists of pre-school (kindergarten) and primary school. They also have to present a baccalaureate essay. Core subjects are: first national language, second national language and a third language (a third national language, English, Latin or Greek), mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, history, geography and visual arts/music. Students are graded with numbers from 6 (being the highest) to 1 (the lowest). It has two terms or semesters and around 12 weeks of holiday per year. In Switzerland, the school year starts between mid-August and mid-September. Home schooling is uncommon in Switzerland. If you want to study in Switzerland, then you need to know which of its universities are right for you. Pre-school children attend kin- dergartens for one to two years. Close. Here, pupils have a variety of abilities and come from a range of different backgrounds including, sometimes, linguistic backgrounds. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. The decentralization has it’s perks, although it can make it hard for people to move their children from one canton to another. This allows admission to universities of applied science and pre-school and primary teacher courses at teacher training universities. Education system Switzerland. At some schools, children go home for lunch, “which can be awkward for working parents,” says Daniel. In the German-speaking cantons, kindergarten and two years of primary education are combined into the first learning cycle, and students aged four to eight years are in the same class. The system is well established and functional with delegated accountability and administration. The basic structure of the Swiss education system is as follows: primary education – kindergarten or a first learning cycle; lower secondary education; upper secondary level education – vocational education and training (VET), baccalaureate schools and upper-secondary specialized schools; tertiary level education – professional training, university. Through music, games, art, and lots of crafts, they are introduced to basic reading and math. There can also be end-of-year tests as well. Here, two kindergarten years are included in a four-year ‘cycle 1’ or cycle primaire 1. At this level, children are not divided into achievement groups. Students receive a grade at the end of term and/or year; how well students do determines whether they progress to the next year or not. Special needs education in Switzerland implies that general compulsory education applies also to children and youngsters with visual or hearing impairments, physical and learning disabilities, mental retardation, and speech and behavioral disorders. That is where they get to learn skills in school and see how it is done through the first-hand experience in companies that provide apprenticeships and cross-company courses. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Around the age of six, children go to primary school. My questions are: Kids start their lower secondary education around the ages of 11 to 12, and it lasts 3 to 4 years. Children start compulsory education when they are about four to six years old until about when they turn 15 years old. In Switzerland, it’s the 26 cantons – not the federal government – who are responsible for their compulsory education system. The International School Zurich North teaches students aged between three years (nursery) and 17 years old (grade 12). Primary education in most of Switzerland is considered kindergarten and the first learning cycle. Education in Switzerland is relatively high. Compulsory Education: Education in Switzerland is compulsory for all who reside in the country, regardless of legal residency status. Switzerland is one of several European countries with a so-called “dual” vocational education and training (VET) system in which students combine learning in school with learning in workplace settings. All students take an introductory course in economics and law, while philosophy is optional. They also take tests at the end of the school year, where they get to test their gathered knowledge. How well the child does at primary level determines the level the child goes to in the lower secondary level. After the students finish their lower secondary education, they can choose what kind of career they want to pursue. While the Cantons are responsible for compulsory education, the Cantons and the Federal Government share responsibilities for post-compulsory education (general education schools, vocational and professional education and … Children aged four to eight years are in the same class. Swiss Education System: Detailed descriptions. eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/administration-and-governance-local-andor-institutional-level-115_en, sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/swiss-education-area.html, eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/organisation-education-system-and-its-structure-115_en, Very helpful article. Pupil assessment varies from canton to canton. “This can make moving a child from a school in one canton to one in another quite difficult”, advises Daniel. Only about 5% of Swiss children go to a private school. 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