What is the education system 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.

Does Switzerland have a good education system?

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.

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.

What is the mode of education in Switzerland?

They follow the Bologna system (a system standard in Europe), making it easy for international students to move between universities in other countries. University education in Switzerland follows a typical Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees system.

How long is 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.

Swiss Education System

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.

What age do you graduate in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the average age of graduation from vocational upper secondary education is 22 years, which is the same as the OECD average (Figure 2). In almost all OECD countries, women make up the majority of those graduating from general upper secondary education. In Switzerland, the share is 57% (OECD average 55%).

How long is education in Switzerland?

Mandatory education in Switzerland lasts for 11 years. Under the Swiss constitution, schooling is free and open to all children. The cantons are in charge of education matters, meaning there are currently 26 different school systems.

What is a school day 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.

Do Switzerland schools 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 age do kids start school in Switzerland?

The minimum age for primary school is about six years in all cantons but Obwalden, where it is five years and three months. The cantons Thurgau and Nidwalden allow five-year-olds to start primary school in exceptional cases. Primary school continues until grade four, five or six, depending on the school/canton.

What is Switzerland's main religion?

Switzerland is a Christian country. Two-thirds of its population are either Catholic or Protestant (Reformed Evangelical). Freedom of religion in Switzerland also allows other religious communities to practice such faiths as Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. Most people living in Switzerland are Christians.

Do Swiss schools have uniforms?

As a general rule, school children in Switzerland do not wear uniforms. School uniforms dominate in Britain, Ireland and Cyprus.

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 ...

Why is education cheap in Switzerland?

Public Swiss universities receive significant funding from the government. That's why tuition fees are more affordable when compared to fees charged by universities from the UK or the US. International students who come to Switzerland on an exchange programme don't pay any tuition fee.

What do Swiss kids do after school?

Sports and clubs are common extracurricular activities after school. Many students also take academic courses during the summer and on weekends during the school year.

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.

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.

Are there grades in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the 6-point grading scale is usually applied, where 1 represents the lowest possible grade, and 6 represents the highest possible grade. (Percentages represent the minimum needed for the grade to be achieved). Grade averages between 5.5 and 6 are very hard to get. An average of 6 is nearly impossible.

Is education in Switzerland expensive?

Private educational schools in Switzerland often demand higher tuition fees, which can reach as high as 43,000 EUR per year in some situations, depending on the institution. Depending on the college, students may be eligible for a reduction if they pay the complete tuition cost before beginning their study programme.

What are the grade levels in Switzerland?

Currently a 12-year system of general education is in effect, with children starting primary school at age 6. - 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. - Upper Secondary Education/Vocational Education.

What age do the Swiss retire?

In Switzerland, the retirement age is 65. You can apply to receive your pension early or to receive it after your retirement age if you plan to continue working. The reform of the pension system came into force on 1 January 2024.

How is health care in Switzerland?

Switzerland has universal health care, regulated by the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance. There are no free state-provided health services, but private health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland (within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country).

What is high school like in Switzerland?

Your High School in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the top education systems in the world, and you can expect your classmates to be highly motivated and engaged students. You'll most likely attend a baccalaureat school, an academically competitive high school that prepares students for university studies.