What does education look like in Switzerland?

Compulsory education (kindergarten, primary and lower secondary) lasts 11 years in Switzerland. After that, the path typically leads to general education or vocational education and training, as can be seen below. In many cantons, there's a big choice to be made aged 14-15 after lower secondary school.

What is Switzerland's education like?

Switzerland has a strong vocational and professional education system (VET). It offers mostly dual-track VET programmes at upper secondary level (combining an apprenticeship in a training company with 1-2 days of classroom instruction at a vocational school) and broad tertiary-level professional education programmes.

What does a typical school day look like in Switzerland?

The school day is short over here. The boys go in from 8am till noon every day, and 2pm to 3.30pm twice a week – that's it! There are no catering facilities at any local schools in Switzerland; all pupils are expected to go home for lunch between 12 and 2pm. Swiss mums usually cook a hot meal at lunchtime.

Is Switzerland highly educated?

Switzerland is one of the 14 OECD countries where at least half of 25-34 year-olds have a tertiary education. Upper secondary attainment is often seen as a minimum qualification for successful labour market participation.

Is education in Switzerland free?

Switzerland is renowned for its robust education system, and several public universities offer tuition-free or low-cost education for both domestic and international students. University of Zurich: Known for its diverse academic programs, the University of Zurich offers tuition-free education to all students.

International education: A view from Switzerland

How long is a school day in Switzerland?

How long is a school day in Switzerland? Kindergarten (4-6yrs) starts with half days, usually 4-5 half days. Depending on the canton, times can be 8.20-11.30am or a combination of mornings and one afternoon, usually from 1.30-4.00pm. Primary school starts with 5 mornings, starting usually around 8am and 1-2 afternoons.

What age do you finish school in Switzerland?

Children generally start their schooling at the age of four, although some cantons make exceptions. Lower secondary school covers three years. Most young people have therefore completed their compulsory education by around the age of 15.

Does Switzerland have homework?

Education is the responsibly of the cantons in Switzerland, but much is decided on the local school level. Homework is not obligatory . The Lehrplan 21 (Curriculum 21) for German-speaking Switzerland, for example, only says when homework shouldn't be given, such as over a bank holiday, but not if it should be given.

What is the education problem in Switzerland?

57 percent of students in Switzerland have reported difficulties in their education, related mainly to content of courses, according to the 2020 report on the social and economic situation of students carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Are schools in Switzerland strict?

Switzerland is known for some of the best international schools in Europe. Although most of the schools have reputations for strict discipline, they are also known for their extremely high educational standards.

Do schools in Switzerland have uniforms?

As a general rule, school children in Switzerland do not wear uniforms. School uniforms dominate in Britain, Ireland and Cyprus. Outside Europe they are the norm in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and many former British colonies.

Can kids miss school in Switzerland?

It means that students can be absent from classes for two days per school year - without having to give any reasons. "Parents do not have to apply for this absence," the canton says. "It is sufficient to inform the teacher or the school management."

Why is Switzerland's education so good?

It is a country with a long tradition of higher education. Its first university was founded in 1460 at Basel. As a result of sustained academic progress over the centuries, Switzerland is now home to some of Europe's most renowned higher educational systems. There are twelve state-run universities in Switzerland.

Are schools paid in Switzerland?

Public schools in Switzerland

These schools are funded by taxes and there are no tuition fees attached. However, because they are managed at the level of cantons, there are regional differences. Children may be taught in French, German, Italian or Romansch, depending on where they live.

Is Health Care Free in Switzerland?

There is no free healthcare in Switzerland and individual private health insurance is compulsory for all residents. Both public and private healthcare in Switzerland is excellent. Facilities are clean and well equipped, waiting times are usually short, and medical professionals often speak English.

How religious is Switzerland?

According to the latest report of the Federal Statistical Office cumulated between 2018 and 2022 for persons 15 and older, 34.4 percent of the population are Roman Catholic, 22.5 percent are Reformed Protestant, 5.4 percent are Muslim, 7.2 percent belong to other religious groups, 29.4 percent have no religious ...

What are schools called in Switzerland?

Public schools include "Kindergarten", "Volksschule" (elementary school), "Gymnasium" (secondary school) and "Universitäten" (universities). Most municipalities provide kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. Most cantons provide at least one secondary school.

What's the most expensive school in the world?

Institut auf dem Rosenberg, $176,000 per year (boarding)

Long synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, Institut auf dem Rosenberg continues to uphold its legacy of providing a transformative, top-tier education.

What age is 7th grade in Switzerland?

- Primary Education is 4-6 years (ages 6-12) Grades 1-6. - Lower Secondary Education is 3-4 years (ages 12-15) Grades 7-9.

What is Grade 9 in Switzerland?

9th Grade is the first year of High School and students continue to build on their study skills. The broad, comprehensive curriculum is designed to instil a love of learning.

What grade is a 16 year old in Switzerland?

Secondary school in Switzerland is divided between lower secondary (also known as middle school) for children of 12 to 15 years old and upper secondary for children of 15 to 18 years old.

How long is lunch break in Switzerland?

The length of the break depends on the number of working hours per day: 15 minutes if you work more than 5 1/2 hours a day. 30 minutes if you work more than 7 hours a day. 1 hour if you work more than 9 hours a day; in this case you may take more than one break.

Are public schools free in Switzerland?

Public schools are free of charge, but with non-continuous school days (no instruction during lunch break), while private international schools offer full day schedule and tuition fees range from CHF 15,000 to CHF 30,000 per year.