Best boarding schools in Switzerland 2025

Deciding on study at the best boarding schools in Switzerland

foreign students obtain several specifics advantages:

• Exceptional Comfort and Facilities: Swiss boarding schools highlight the comfort and well-being of their students as a priority. Most educational institutions have cutting off facilities, positively affecting academic, creative, and physical development of students. The campuses of these boarding schools in Switzerland are often secluded, where only 50 students and up to 100 can live at the same time, providing a close-knit community.

• Emphasis on Sports: Given Switzerland's geographical features, extreme sports are notably popular. This provides students with both a recreational and physical outlet, enhancing their overall boarding school experience.

• Nurturing Environment: The family-friendly environment is created in boarding schools, which results in achieving excellent academic results by students. Additionally, a personal approach to teaching is provided. Also, students have all conditions for self-growth, and a supportive student community are provided, which guarantees an unforgettable educational journey.

As for disadvantages of pursuing education in Switzerland, only the high cost of studying can be mentioned. However, high quality of education and future perspectives prevail over the significant expenses of studying.

Switzerland has obtained recognition worldwide due to its excellent level of teaching. Foreign students can choose educational programs according to their interests and future goals: 

• International Baccalaureate programme.: The IB certificate is a ticket to any European university. Here, students deeply immerse in English, with options to study additional languages, supplemented by other subjects of their choice.

• A-level programme and GCSE programme: These represent the traditional British education system, ideal for students aiming to further their studies in the UK.

• American programs: Designed for students targeting US universities, this program is prevalent in Switzerland, also facilitating further studies in the USA, Canada, and the UK.

• French Programs: Comprising two cycles, students undergo general education up to age 16 and then proceed to a specialized three-year cycle, culminating in the Diplôme du Baccalaureat de l'Enseignement du Second Degree.

• Abitur: Common in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, this program guarantees admission to German universities with technical, humanitarian, and natural science tracks.

• Swiss Maturite: A comprehensive program allowing studies in German and French, where students can choose from a wide array of disciplines.

• Italian programs: Mirroring the French structure, students specialize from age 14, focusing on humanities, natural sciences, or exact sciences. They receive the Italian matriculation certificate (Esame di Stato) upon completion.

All students, regardless of their chosen program, engage in physical and creative activities, including skiing, and enjoy weekend holidays.

For those needing additional English support, select schools offer specialized courses to bolster language skills and pave the way for successful studies.

On average, the cost of studying at the Swiss boarding schools varies  from 70,000 CHF to 120,000 CHF per academic year. To secure admission, applicants need:

• Passport or ID copy

• Academic records for the past 2 years, plus current year quarterly/trimester grades

• Recent language certificates

• Recommendation letters (English and Math teachers)

• Motivation letter (sometimes)

• Completed registration and school forms

• Skype interview or in-person school visit

In some cases, students might need to take the school's internal tests in Math and English to gauge their preparedness for the program.

For further guidance, feel free to reach out to SMAPSE experts who are always on hand to provide support and address any inquiries.

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Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What else should be considered when choosing a school, in addition to the qualifications of teachers?

Facilities and facilities of the campus (sports grounds, gyms), the quality of the boarding house (how new the rooms are, whether the repair is good), the number of students (including the "density" for each room), their nationality. It is worth paying attention to the educational programs (especially diploma and graduation), the list of universities to which graduates most often enter, the reputation of the school, the countries from which employees come. Location, of course.

Popularity of Swiss boarding schools is related to their high academic standards, comprehensive approach to studying, and cutting-edge facilities. However, such prestige of educational institutions and excellent academic performance stipulate high tuition fees for foreign students.It's important to consider all expenses concerning studying, so it is necessary to obtain a full information.

The cost of studying in Switzerland significantly varies depending on the following factors, as the school's ranking, location, facilities, and the educational programs offered. On average, the cost of studying may vary from CHF 50,000 to CHF 130,000 or more per academic year. This amount usually includes coverage of studying on educational programs, accommodation, meals, and some extracurricular activities. However, please note that some top Swiss schools located in such popular places as Geneva or Zurich are more expensive owing to their worldwide reputation and the high quality education.

However, the overall cost doesn't stop at tuition. There are often additional charges which may significantly increase the total amount of studying. These expenses may include enrollment fees, examination fees, additional language support for non-native speakers, specialized preparation courses, school trips, and personal expenses concerning uniforms, educational materials, and personal care items. Some schools might also charge for extracurricular activities that require specialized equipment or coaching. Moreover, while the boarding fees cover accommodation and meals during the term, parents should consider the costs of travel to and from Switzerland during holidays and breaks.

Also it is important to mention that while the initial cost can seem huge, many boarding schools in Switzerland offer financial aid or scholarships for students. Some Swiss schools provide scholarships based on academic merit, while others may offer assistance based on financial need. Researching and applying for such opportunities may make an economy of your budget. In conclusion, while the investment in Swiss boarding school education is substantial, many believe the unparalleled quality of education, holistic development opportunities, and the lifelong network one establishes make it worth the cost.

Swiss boarding schools typically accept students between the ages of 12 and 18, covering both high school and pre-university years.

Yes, Switzerland has both co-educational boarding schools and separate schools.

The language of instruction may vary, but many boarding schools offer bilingual or multilingual programs to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Extracurricular activities at boarding schools range from sports and arts to clubs and community service, helping students develop a range of skills and interests.

The schedule at boarding schools includes academic classes, extracurricular activities, study time, meals and free time. Some schools may also have designated times for outings or visits.

In the case of necessity, foreign students can use support services, which may include academic and career counseling, personal and health services.

Boarding schools has gained global recognition, given their high academic standards.

There are variations in the cost of studying. Typically,  the cost involves studying, accommodation, and some leisure activities. Additional fees may apply for things like excursions or special programs.

The student-teacher ratio is usually small, allowing teachers to provide an individual approach to studying. Also students study in a family-friendly environment.

Swiss boarding schools emphasize holistic development, developing not only academic but also social, emotional and personal skills.

• Institut auf dem Rosenberg

In the picturesque town of St. Gallen, Rosenberg School is located, offering IB, A-Levels and Swiss Matura programs. The school’s pride is the international student community, as representatives of over 40 countries are studying here. The number of students in a classroom is small, which contributes to practicing an individual approach in the educational process.

• Collège Alpin Beau Soleil

The year of foundation is 1910. Located in the Swiss Alps,in Villars-sur-Ollon, the Beau Soleil School offers IB, French Baccalaureate and American High School Diploma programs. This school has gained popularity for its programs in the following directions: art, music and sports.

• Aiglon College

Aiglon College, located in Chesier, offers IB and IGCSE programs. The school focuses on leadership development and adventure programs such as mountain hikes and ski expeditions. About 400 students, who are representatives of over 60 countries, study at College.

• Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz

Located in the picturesque village of Zuoc, Lyceum Alpinum offers IB, Swiss Matura and German Abitur programs for studying. The school has gained popularity due to its strong science and computer science programs. The Lyceum Alpinum also makes an emphasis on winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

• Institut Le Rosey

Le Rosey, one of the most prestigious and expensive boarding schools in the world, has two campuses: a winter one in Gstaad and a summer one in Rolle. The school offers IB and French Baccalaureate programs for studying. Le Rosey is famous for its unique "study and travel" program, in which students visit different countries and study their culture.

Choosing for their children the best and elite private boarding schools in Switzerland (American, British, international), parents rely on the prestige, ranking and effectiveness of education. Several elite educational areas are offered to the attention of foreigners, and the choice of the education system is determined by the individual academic requirements and ambitions of the child.

Prestigious Swiss boarding schools are open to students of all nationalities, in fact, they are international - representatives of different countries study here (the Swiss contingent does not exceed 2%). For comparison, in Britain, only 10-20% of foreigners study in boarding schools, the rest of the places are distributed among the citizens of the country.

Many Swiss boarding schools provide integration programs for children with poor command of a foreign language, stipulating the language preparation necessary to study academic disciplines. A multinational environment has been created in the best boarding  schools in Switzerland thanks to students from around the world. Most often, children communicate with each other in one of three foreign languages – English, German or French.

Constant communication during lessons and in free time quickly contributes to overcoming all language barriers. Therefore, boarding schools in Switzerland are an additional opportunity to learn English and other languages.

The students live in the buildings of the campus in a closed protected area of the residences. The rooms for 1-2 people have everything you need for a comfortable life. The teachers monitor the observance of the daily routine and the maintenance of cleanliness, home preparation. But children learn to manage their time by themselves.

Thus, discipline and responsibility are formed in elite educational institutions. Meals can be 3-5 times a day, depending on the school. Additional classes are available for students in electives and sports sections.

The question of choosing a visa is stipulated by the studying program. In the case of a short-term course with duration of  2 months, a general Schengen visa will be enough for entry, this is category C. With this visa, a student can stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days. If the studying lasts longer, then you are required to obtain a national visa, this is category D, giving you the right to enter for 1 year. It is important to remember that upon arrival in Switzerland, you will need to apply to the cantonal migration office for a residence permit no later than 2 weeks after arrival.

There are also two types of residence permits for students. Those foreign students whose educational course lasts no more than 12 months are issued a short-term residence permit, known as an L Permit. Its validity period is limited to 1 year and cannot be extended. If it is a multi-year educational program, then a regular residence permit is issued, known as a B Permit. Initially, it is also valid for 1 year, but can be repeatedly extended.

Therefore, in order to study in Switzerland for more than 3 months, it is necessary to apply for a national visa. The basic list of documents includes:

• an application filled out in German, French, Italian or English and signed in person (for a D visa — three copies);

• color photos in 35 by 45 mm format (two pieces for C visa, three for D);

• a passport that was issued no more than 10 years ago and will be valid for at least 3 more months after the expected date of departure from Switzerland;

• medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Switzerland and including coverage of expenses in case of accidents;

• certificate of admission to a Swiss educational institution and a receipt for tuition fees (for visa C — the entire course, for D — the first year);

• a bank statement confirming the availability of funds sufficient for living during the studying period.

Students must have at least 30 Swiss francs in their account for each day of their intended stay in the country. As a rule, the account must be opened in an international Swiss bank or in a foreign bank with a branch in Switzerland. The account holder must be the student himself — bank statements from relatives' accounts are usually not accepted. An alternative is a guarantee declaration from a solvent Swiss citizen or resident who undertakes to bear the living expenses of a foreign student. Financial viability, as well as the fact of appearing in the lists of university students, must be confirmed with each extension of a residence permit.

Those students who apply for a national student visa will also have to prepare the following document:

• copies of documents on their previous education — certificates, diplomas;

• a personal curriculum with an indication of the purpose of studying at the selected university in Switzerland and a motivation letter;

• Curriculum vitae (CV) — detailed biographical information with an emphasis on education, including all knowledge related to foreign languages;

• a written commitment to leave Switzerland after the studying is completed.

This is a standard list of documents for applying for a student visa. It is possible that the Swiss embassy or consulate may consider it necessary to request additional documents.

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