Switzerland’s education system is one of the most respected in the world — not just for its quality, but for its structure, flexibility, and strong connection to the labor market. Whether you’re moving to Switzerland with children or considering studying there yourself, it’s essential to understand how the system functions, from kindergarten through university.
Unlike many countries with a unified national curriculum, Switzerland’s education system is decentralized. Each of the country’s 26 cantons is responsible for its own educational policies, which means the rules can vary depending on where you live. However, the overall framework is guided by federal recommendations to ensure consistency and mobility.
This guide explains the entire system clearly — from early childhood to adult education — and helps you make informed decisions about schooling in Switzerland.
Key Features of Swiss Education
Before diving into specific levels, let’s look at the characteristics that define education in Switzerland:
- Multilingual system: Instruction is given in the official language of the canton (German, French, Italian, or Romansh).
- Public schools dominate: Around 95% of Swiss children attend public schools, which are free and high-quality.
- Dual education model: A key feature from secondary level onward. Students choose between academic or vocational tracks.
- Strong link to the job market: Apprenticeships are popular and highly respected.
- Parental involvement: Parents play a role, but the system emphasizes student independence.
- Integration support: Foreign students receive language and adaptation help in most cantons.
Now, let’s break down each educational level.
1. Early Childhood Education (Kindergarten)
Age Group: 4 to 6 years
Most cantons offer kindergarten (or école enfantine / scuola dell’infanzia) as part of the public system. It is:
- Compulsory in most cantons, typically for 2 years
- Focused on socialization, language, creativity, and early learning
- Half-day or full-day, depending on the region
- Free, but some extra activities (meals, daycare) may have fees
Kindergarten is not academic in the traditional sense — there are no tests or formal instruction in reading or math. The aim is to prepare children for structured learning in primary school.
2. Primary Education
Age Group: 6 to 12 years
Duration: 6 years (in most cantons)
After kindergarten, children enter Primarschule (German), école primaire (French), scuola elementare (Italian). This stage:
- Is compulsory and free
- Covers reading, writing, math, sciences, arts, physical education, and a second national language
- Often includes project-based and cooperative learning
- Encourages independence and responsibility
Language instruction typically includes:
- First language (e.g., German or French depending on canton)
- Second national language (e.g., French or Italian)
- English is often introduced around grade 3–5
Public schools rarely assign homework until upper primary years. There are no class rankings, and grades may be descriptive in early years.
3. Lower Secondary Education (Sekundarstufe I)
Age Group: 12 to 15 years
Duration: 3 years
This phase marks the beginning of differentiation based on academic ability and learning pace. Depending on the canton, students may be grouped into:
- Advanced, intermediate, and basic levels for certain subjects
- Or follow different streams (academic vs practical)
At the end of this stage, students receive a school-leaving certificate, which determines eligibility for upper secondary options.
Assessment includes:
- Written and oral exams
- Teacher evaluations
- Class participation
- Language skills and work ethic
For foreign students, integration and language support are often available, especially during the first year.
4. Upper Secondary Education (Sekundarstufe II)
Age Group: 15 to 18/19 years
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Participation: Over 90% of students
After compulsory school, students choose between two main paths:
A. General Education (Gymnasium / Lycée / Liceo)
This academic track prepares students for university education. It includes:
- Advanced study in literature, sciences, languages, history, economics
- Optional focus areas (math/science, modern languages, humanities, etc.)
- Graduation with a Matura (Maturité/Maturità) — the qualification for university
Matura is rigorous and recognized across Switzerland and Europe. Only about 20%–25% of students follow this path.
B. Vocational Education and Training (VET / Lehre / Apprenticeship)
About 65% of Swiss students choose VET, a dual system that combines:
- 3–4 days/week of work in a company
- 1–2 days/week of school (Berufsschule / école professionnelle)
- Focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience
Popular VET fields include:
- Banking and finance
- IT and programming
- Engineering and mechanics
- Healthcare (e.g., medical assistants)
- Retail and logistics
- Hospitality and tourism
VET graduates can later access higher vocational schools or, with additional exams, even universities of applied sciences.
Note: Apprentices are paid a modest salary — a major benefit for families.
5. Tertiary Education
Switzerland’s post-secondary options include academic and applied paths:
A. Universities (Uni, EPFL, ETH)
- Offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
- Require a Matura or equivalent
- ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne are globally top-ranked
- Programs are taught in German, French, or English (especially master’s and PhD)
B. Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
- More practical, industry-focused education
- Require VET or a professional diploma + entrance exam
- Fields include tech, business, design, healthcare, and more
- Many programs include internships and company partnerships
C. Professional Education and Training (PET)
- Offers specialized training for jobs like HR, accounting, construction management
- Can lead to federal diplomas or advanced technical certificates
- Respected in business and trades sectors
Private and International Schools
About 5% of students attend private schools, which include:
- International schools with English-language curricula
- Schools offering the IB (International Baccalaureate)
- Montessori, Waldorf, and religious schools
These schools are popular with:
- Diplomatic families
- Expats on short-term contracts
- Children who plan to attend university abroad
Fees can range from CHF 15,000 to 35,000+ per year.
Language Support for Foreign Students
Public schools often offer:
- Welcome/integration classes
- Language support programs
- Special advisors to help with transition
Many cantons allow foreign children to join regular classes while learning the local language gradually.
Families are encouraged to support home language learning, as it reinforces long-term bilingual or multilingual success.
Grading and Exams
Switzerland uses a 6-point grading scale:
- 6 = Excellent
- 5 = Good
- 4 = Sufficient (pass)
- 3 = Insufficient
- 2 = Poor
- 1 = Very poor
End-of-year reports, entrance exams (e.g., for Gymnasium), and teacher recommendations all influence a student’s path.
School Hours and Schedules
- Most schools run from 8:00 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 4:00 PM, with a long lunch break
- Wednesdays are often half-days or free
- After-school care is available, but limited in some areas
- Families may need to organize lunch supervision (Tagesschule or cantine)
Costs
- Public schools (including university tuition) are very affordable
- VET/apprenticeships pay students a monthly allowance
- Private and international schools are fee-based
Final Thoughts
The Swiss education system is practical, diverse, and rooted in real-world outcomes. It values both academic and vocational excellence, giving students multiple paths to success. Whether your child is aiming for university or a skilled trade, they’ll receive a world-class education that prepares them for the future.
For expat families, the system may feel different — but it works. By understanding your local canton’s rules, staying involved, and supporting your child’s language development, you can make the most of what Switzerland has to offer.