A-Level in Switzerland for international students

The A-Level program in Switzerland, which occupies a prominent place among students seeking admission to international universities, allows them to obtain a high school diploma, which is appreciated at undergraduate universities around the world.

This two-year course forms an integral part of Switzerland's general education mandate and culminates in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level, a British qualification distinct from GCSE and from the International Baccalaureate. Completing A-Levels in Switzerland opens the way for students to obtain a bachelor's degree at universities.

Schools with A-level focus primarily on fostering university readiness. The results of the A-level exams give universities an idea of the student's academic achievements and serve as the basis for making an admission decision.

• Global University Access: The A-levels program in Swiss schools, which is chosen by international students, opens the doors to admission to leading universities in the UK and beyond.

• Specialization Benefits: A-levels allow students to delve deep into subjects that match their university ambitions, facilitating specialization even before university commences.

• Online Program Availability: With the development of digital education, many educational institutions now offer online A-levels courses for international students who may prefer distance learning.

The Coursework

With a wide range of subjects on offer, students typically select 3-6 to study intensively. Their choices should resonate with their intended university course. For instance, budding engineers might prioritize mathematics and chemistry.

Although there's a broad range of subjects available, it's important to note that the list varies per school. While core subjects are typically available across Swiss schools, niche ones might be limited to specific institutions.

A-Level's academic trajectory is split between AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A2 (AL), with each spanning a year. After the first year, students achieve an AS-Level qualification, advancing to A2-Level by the end of the second year. The culmination involves A-Level examinations that determine university eligibility.

Grading follows an A-B-C-D-E scale, with A being superior. Exceptional students might earn an A+, marking their distinction.

Choosing Your A-Level Subjects in Switzerland

Given the importance of this decision, choosing subjects for the A-level is a difficult task. For those unfamiliar with the preceding GCSEs, the task might appear even more daunting.

The range of A-Level subjects is wide, but the offerings vary per institution. Classical subjects are universally accessible, while specialized ones such as religious studies might be confined to particular schools. Elite institutions might even cater to unique subject requests via personalized sessions.

Aligning A-Level subjects with university aspirations is key. For prospective medical students targeting Oxford, chemistry and biology are essential, complemented by a third choice like physics.

Those who are not sure about their choice are advised to focus on classical subjects or personality strengths. School mentors working in most educational institutions provide valuable recommendations.

A-Level studies in Switzerland range from $15,000 per annum, potentially reaching $60,000 in elite institutions.

Admission prerequisites include:

• Age range of 16-18.

• A high school diploma with a grade of 4 or above.

• An IELTS score of at least 5.0 (varies per institution) or a TOEFL score of 500+.

• Recommendation letters from educators.

Top A-Level Institutions in Switzerland

• Monte Rosa Institute

• Aiglon College

• Institut Le Rosey

• Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg

• Leysin American School.

Switzerland's embrace of the A-Level curriculum in its prestigious IB schools Switzerland offers students a world-class educational experience, setting them on a trajectory towards global academic success.

Arnold I. Szepesi

Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business School

What's the best time to apply to Swiss schools, and what should applicants prepare for?

It's best to start early, showing interest and getting in touch with the admissions office. Plan a visit, talk to current students and teachers, and make sure you feel comfortable with the surroundings.

Visa rules for long-term A-Level study in Switzerland depend on the student's home country. Students from EU and EFTA countries do not need a visa, but after arrival they register with the local Residents' Registration Office to obtain a residence permit. Valid Swiss health insurance is mandatory for them.

Students from outside the EU and EFTA apply for a multiple-entry long-stay visa (Visa D) at their nearest Swiss embassy. Processing takes time, so it is worth allowing at least three months before departure. Within 14 days of arrival the student applies for a residence permit at the local registration office.

Graduates from outside the EU and EFTA are given six months to find work in Switzerland after finishing their studies and can move on to a work visa if they succeed.

Students in Switzerland usually assess three courses, leading to entering a university. The A-Level alllow a teenager concentrate on three or four subjects in the final two years, which suits those who already know the field they want to study at university. The IB Diploma keeps the workload broad across six subject groups plus the core, so a student graduates with a wider profile and strong academic writing practice.

The home-grown option is the Swiss Matura. It comes from the academic secondary track and is normally obtained after 12 or 13 years of school, at the age of 18 or 19, and it grants admission to Swiss universities. A separate vocational track leads to a Fachhochschule through the Berufsmatura, which is the practical alternative for students aiming at applied degrees rather than classic research universities.

• A-Level suits a focused student who has settled on a direction,
• The IB Diploma is designed for a student who wants a broad profile and to keep options open,
• The Swiss Matura suits a family planning to stay in Switzerland and continue studies at a local university.

Specialists at Smapse will guide you through every stage of admission.