The education system in Switzerland

The Swiss Confederation has one of the highest-quality and most prestigious education systems in the world. Every year, tens of thousands of international students choose the country to pursue their education.

1. Secondary education

Education at Switzerland's state schools is free and compulsory for children up to the age of 15. A key feature is its strongly practical orientation: more than half of graduates choose vocational education under the dual system, combining training at a company with study at a vocational school. At the upper secondary level, students can choose an academic path (gymnasium) to prepare for university, or a vocational path to acquire practical skills.

2. Higher education

Higher education comprises three levels: Bachelor's (3 years), Master's (1.5–2 years) and doctoral (3–4 years). The system is represented by state universities (including ETH Zurich and EPFL, which rank among the world's top 100) and universities of applied sciences. Tuition at state universities ranges from 500 to 2,000 Swiss francs a year. The strongest fields are considered to be economics and finance, hospitality management, engineering sciences, information technology and pharmaceutics. Tuition at private universities (for example, the hospitality management schools EHL and Les Roches) is paid and ranges from 15,000 to 50,000 francs a year.

3. Language requirements

To study, you must prove proficiency in the language of instruction at a level of at least B2–C1. Depending on the canton, instruction is conducted in German, French, Italian or English. IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL, Goethe-Zertifikat and DELF/DALF certificates are accepted. Language courses at universities and Foundation Year preparatory programmes are available to foreign nationals.

4. Living costs

Switzerland has a high standard of living. A student's monthly expenses range from 1,500 to 2,500 Swiss francs, including rent, food and compulsory medical insurance.

Summary

The main advantages for foreign nationals are: the high quality and international recognition of Swiss diplomas, affordable tuition at state universities (from 500 to 2,000 francs a year), a multilingual environment, strong specialisations in finance, engineering and hospitality management, and the opportunity to obtain a job-search visa after graduation.