Secondary schools in Switzerland for international students

•  Flexible pricing policy

Tuition fees in Swiss schools are high, however, some private schools provide grants and scholarships.

• Multiculturalism

The lion's share of the student pool of Swiss schools is foreigners, in some schools based in Geneva and Zurich their share exceeds 70%. A similar situation has developed in the higher education system, in professors' pool.

• High scientific potential

Education and science are tremendously respected in this country: scientists earn competitive salaries, and schoolchildren participate in scientific research from an early age and prepare to build an academic career.

• Strong STEM Schools

Most Swiss schools specialize in STEM, primarily in engineering and science disciplines.

• International Diploma

No matter what school a student attends, the outcomes will be exceptional. Upon completing studies, a graduate will obtain an elite-level diploma, allowing him to pursue a higher education in any country.

• Multilingual training

Switzerland is the only country that offers students not just a bilingual program, as in Canada or Belgium, but a multilingual program, and each foreign language significantly expands opportunities and increases the level of competitiveness in global labor markets.

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What makes Swiss schools so special? Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Switzerland so much?

There are many reasons: safety, the opportunity to participate in activities and play sports all year round (water sports on local lakes, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking and trekking, team games), the chance to learn several foreign languages thanks to the rich culture. Switzerland provides education leading to the best universities in the world, and Swiss universities are not only world-class, but almost free (if they are public!).

• High costs

Switzerland is considered the most expensive country in the world - but also the most comfortable and equipped. A month of rent is at least $2200-2800 (depending on a canton and a city), about the same amount will be required for food, transport and other expenses. Very careful and thoughtful financial planning will be required.

• Workload

As for disadvantages, high academic load can be mentioned: educational process stipulates participation of students in the public and social life of the local community, sports and leisure activities, and the colossal amount of homework cannot be written off.

As we have already noted above, the tuition fees in Swiss schools are far from being accessible to all. 

The tuition fee at Swiss secondary schools is stipulated by the educational program chosen, the school's ranking, and the number of extracurricular activities.

In the case of studying in day schools, the tuition is around CHF 30,000-70,000 (not counting the cost of living and additional costs). While boarding schools may cost from 40,000 to 130,000 or even 150,000 CHF per year (in this case, students do not need to pay for housing).

No matter what type of school you choose, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

• the format and content of the academic course;
• the main language of instruction, the choice of compulsory and optional disciplines;
• the set of examinations used in the school and the degree of their international recognition;
• distance from school to home;
• amenities on campus;
• rules and discipline;
• tuition fees.

Foreign students are provided with a wide choice of prestigious studying programs.

Matura

Many experts in the field of international education agree that this qualification is the most difficult. It is represented by 5 different components (humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, technology, and linguistics), and the choice must be made at the age of 13-14, which gives some time to make a conscious choice. Within each of the component, students will have to study 13-15 main subjects, 3-5 additional subjects, as well as three foreign languages.

Abitur

The German national program resembles the Swiss one - it also has 3 areas to choose from:

• technical (mathematics, natural sciences, technology, engineering);
• humanities (fine and performing arts, foreign languages, both modern and classical, as well as literature);
• social (economics, social science, history, sociology).

But the choice should be made even earlier, by the age of 11-12.

The French national model

The French school curriculum includes two levels. The first, general education, is addressed to children aged 10-16: upon completing studies, students need to pass exams in the main disciplines for obtaining a certificate - it is called Diplome National du Brevet. Then it is the turn of the three-year second-level program, and the reward for those who successfully complete the course is the Diplome du Baccalaureat de l'Enseignement du Second Degree.

Maturita

If the German model resembles the Swiss one, then the program of Italian educational institutions is very similar to the one that operates in France. However, there is a chance to choose one of the three directions of study: humanities, natural sciences and exact sciences. Schoolchildren have to choose their track at the age of 14.

British A-level Programme

The classic English model assumes that dozens of different subjects are studied until the age of 14-15. While in high school, at GCSE, you will have to make a choice - from 5 to 10 priority courses in the chosen track. Afterwards, you take the A-level, a two-year preparatory course addressed to those who are going to study at a British university. During these two years, teenagers receive fundamental training in 4-5 disciplines, improve their English, acquire skills and competencies necessary for High school students.

American Model High School Diploma

In educational institutions following this model, students receive a classical American education: the form and course content, the method and criteria for evaluation are determined by the standards of a particular US state. After graduation, students receive a High School Certificate or Diploma, which opens up the opportunity for them to enter any university in America.

International Baccalaureate

Last but not least, at least 10% of local schools take the IB program (some educational institutions offer the opportunity to study in two or more programs at once). The two-year IB Diploma is in demand in 150 countries and thousands of universities. It is distinguished by efficiency and balance, but at the same time it is considered quite difficult - up to 30% of schoolchildren do not cope with final exams at the end of training.

International students usually choose the British or American model, followed by IB in popularity, and the rest of the curricula account for no more than 5-7%.

In addition, Switzerland has its own know-how: there is nothing alike in the world. It is finishing schools - a specific type of educational institutions where young ladies receive not only an excellent interdisciplinary education, but also learn manners, and running a business. These schools appeared in the country in the first third of the 19th century, but today they use advanced academic methods that allow girls to find their place in the world, trying on a variety of roles.

Such a wide variety, combined with the careful cultivation of the best academic traditions, allowed Switzerland to become a leader in the market of educational tourism - both in the field of secondary and higher education.

The canton, in which school is located, influences the duration of schooling. Often, studying covers grades 1-12 or 13. Studying process consists of  two stages: junior and senior education.

The first stage of secondary education in Switzerland is compulsory, while the second stage, stipulating vocational preparation or attending pre-university courses is optional.

Secondary education in Switzerland offers a broad curriculum that includes subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and physical education.

Swiss secondary education is highly regarded around the world for its high teaching standards and versatile curriculum. Many international programs are recognized all over the world.

Canton, where school is located, mainly determines the language of study, and the official languages are German, French, and Italian. At the same time, many schools conduct teaching  in English.

Yes, many English-language Swiss schools are open for students.

Secondary schools in Switzerland have all the amenities for students with special needs, which includes among others inclusive education and specialized support services.

Assessment methods may include coursework, projects, presentations, and exams. Specific methods are stipulated by the school and subject.

Class sizes vary, but they are generally small – between 15 and 25 students per class.

Yes, during studies foreign students engage in diverse extracurricular activities, ranging from sports and arts to clubbing and social activities.

The studying in secondary schools consists of several levels.

Grade school

Primary schools can have different names, which depends on the canton: for example, in German Switzerland it is Primärschule, in French-speaking and Italian cantons, respectively, école primaire and scuola primaria. However, regardless of the name, the first stage is for children between the ages of 4 and 8 and usually includes kindergarten and two classes of elementary school.

Canton, where a school is located, determines the course content. The authorities form the curriculum on their own. Classes begin between August 15 and September 15, the academic year is divided into 2 semesters, each of 12 weeks, with long summer and short Christmas holidays.

No matter the school type ( private or public ones), all educational institutions open the doors to foreign students. IN the case of studying at public school, applicant should provide a residence permit. Studying in public schools is free, but you will still be required to pay for insurance and electives.

Secondary and High school

The second stage is Sekundarschule. Students aged 11 years old begin to obtain secondary education. The course itself lasts from three to four years. Secondary level education in public schools is also free of charge.

The educational process continues the primary education course. Students  are provided with the choice of educational institutions types. First of all, these are classical and lang gymnasiums: duration of studying is six years. It is required to attend mandatory internships to be awarded a professional qualification. Upon completing the course, they must pass the Matura exam.

In public and national Swiss schools, there are several compulsory subjects at the second stage: first of all two foreign languages, mathematics, natural sciences, sports, arts, home economics, and world history. Transfer exams are held annually.

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