For partners Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, International Baccalaureate, MonoNews, Cambridge International, International Schools Database
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
The German branch prepares for the Abitur certificate.
German language instruction.
Abitur is a two-year special course that will level the difference between 11 and 13-year educational cycles. Foreign students are offered 5 directions of study:
- T (basic disciplines are mathematics, physics);
- M (biology);
- W (mathematics, economics);
- S (social sciences, foreign language and other subjects);
- G (history, German literature and other subjects).
International Baccalaureate is a curriculum that was created more than half a century ago in Switzerland for a universal school curriculum, which allows to equate the education received by students in other countries with the national one. Today IB Diploma (the equivalent of the certificate of secondary education) is recognized as the leading universities in the world.
The program has a number of features. One of such is the development of students' social adaptation skills, regardless of their chosen specialization. The emphasis is on independent work. Students are taught to think critically and motivate to achieve. This style of teaching spurs interest in in-depth study of priority subjects. The program, aimed at developing self-confidence, is ideal for single-minded students.
As for academic preparation, a large selection of subjects is offered to students. Obligatory is the study of science (methodology) and mathematics. In total, to receive IB Diploma, it is enough to pass examinations in 6 subjects. Teaching of disciplines is conducted on two levels: standard and advanced.
Summer Courses
The school invites you to a language program at a summer camp where, in addition to intensive German, English or French studying, children will get acquainted and entertained throughout the academic period, enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Nature and clean mountain air.
Children from 10 to 15 years old who want to take 15 interesting lessons + 4 independent lessons per week under the supervision of an experienced teacher will be accepted for studying. Classes will be held in small groups of no more than 10 people, so that each child receives enough attention.
Additionally, golf classes will be held with a coach for 3 hours a day. Here, the guys will be able to develop the technique of the game, skills, because they will be taught by the best instructors, members of the Swiss PGA.
Summer Courses
The school invites you to a language program at a summer camp where, in addition to intensive German, English or French instruction, children will get acquainted and entertained throughout the educational period, enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Nature and clean mountain air.
Children from 10 to 15 years old who want to take 15 interesting lessons + 4 independent lessons per week under the supervision of an experienced teacher will be accepted for studying. Classes will be held in small groups of no more than 10 people, so that each child receives enough attention.
Additionally, golf classes will be held with a coach for 3 hours a day. Here, the guys will be able to develop the technique of the game, skills, because they will be taught by the best instructors, members of the Swiss PGA.
Summer Courses
The school invites you to a language program at a summer camp where, in addition to intensive German, English or French instruction, children will get acquainted and entertained throughout the academic period, enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Nature and clean mountain air.
Children from 10 to 15 years old who want to take 15 interesting lessons + 4 independent lessons per week under the supervision of an experienced teacher will be accepted for studying. Classes will be held in small groups of no more than 10 people, so that each child receives enough attention.
Additionally, golf classes will be held with a coach for 3 hours a day. Here, the guys will be able to develop the technique of the game, skills, because they will be taught by the best instructors, members of the Swiss PGA.
Description of Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
- Foundation year: 1904
- Location: St. Moritz
- Age of students: 11-18 years
- Type of education: mixed
- Number of students: 320, 200 are foreign students
- Programs: IB, Swiss Matura, German Abitur, summer courses of English, German
- Ranking: one of the best international schools in Switzerland
- Accommodation: residence.
The prestigious international boarding school Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is located in the Alps at an altitude of more than 1,850 meters. Not far from it, there is a popular resort and a very picturesque town St. Moritz. The school occupies part of Zuoz town. This universal resort is famous for its wide range of winter, summer sports entertainments. The location is largely due to the features of the school, in particular, special attention to the sport.
The Enghandin Valley, where the Swiss boarding school is located, is one of the most picturesque places in this part of Switzerland. The surrounding nature provides active lifestyle. Students are fans of hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing.
The school-board is proud of academic preparation of its graduates. Most of them can easily enter prestigious universities in Switzerland, Germany (studying in Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is conducted in German and English). The rest are chosen by high-ranking universities of other countries in Europe and in the world.
Fundamental principles of the institution are honesty, tolerance, respect for others. Students in the school not only receive academic knowledge necessary for continuing their studies at the university, but also acquire the skills of interethnic communication. They bring up a sense of responsibility, motivation for achievement. These qualities are valuable for life in general and for a successful career in particular.
What are the key factors parents consider when choosing a Swiss school?
Generally, parents look at the school's reputation, location, level of care, potential for personalized attention, curriculum specifics, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings, and, of course, tuition fees.
Educational process
Classes are held Monday through Friday from 7:45 to 14:40 or 16:10. Each lesson lasts 80 minutes, allowing for deeper engagement with the material compared to the standard format. The academic year is divided into three trimesters.
Teachers instruct primarily in their native language; most hold the highest qualifications in their subjects and have many years of teaching experience. Four times a year, parents receive a written report on their child's academic performance across all subjects.
Each student has access to individual academic support: coaching, tutoring, and assistance from an academic assistant. Every student in the international diploma programme is assigned a personal academic tutor, with meetings held every two weeks.
The College Counselling service includes two experienced counsellors who assist students with university applications, essay writing, and interview preparation. The process begins in Year 9, providing ample time for a thoughtful choice of university and programme.
Faculties and colleges
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz offers three levels of academic programmes.
Pre-IGCSE (Grades 7–8). Lays the foundations in mathematics, English and German, natural sciences, history, as well as Design Technology, art, music, PSHE and sports; French, Spanish or Chinese is studied as an additional language.
IGCSE (Grades 9–10, ages 14–16). Accredited under the Cambridge International Education system since October 2020. Subject groups:
- Language A — English A, German A,
- Language B — English B, German B,
- Additional Languages — French, Chinese or Russian,
- Individuals and Societies — Business, Economics, Geography, History,
- Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics (two courses are compulsory),
- Mathematics — Core, Extended, Additional,
- Arts — Design Technology, Visual Art or Music (one course is compulsory).
Physical Education is taught as an additional subject, without a final exam.
International Baccalaureate Programme (Grades 11–12). Developed in Switzerland in 1968; today it operates in more than 4,000 schools worldwide, with approximately 130,000 students completing it annually around the world. Studies typically begin in Grade 11 and conclude with final exams in May of Grade 12. The programme includes six subject groups and three compulsory components — Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS):
- Group 1 (Language and Literature) — English A, German A, or another self-study language at Standard Level,
- Group 2 (Language Acquisition) — English B, German B, French B, Spanish B, as well as French, German or Spanish ab initio (Standard Level only),
- Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) — Business Management, Economics, Environmental Systems and Societies, History,
- Group 4 (Sciences) — Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies, Physics,
- Group 5 (Mathematics) — Analysis and Approaches, Applications and Interpretation,
- Group 6 (The Arts) — Film, Music or Visual Arts.
The maximum score is 45 points (up to 42 points for subjects plus 3 points for core components), and the minimum threshold for obtaining the diploma is 24 points.
Scientific achievements
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz can boast a number of unique achievements that set it apart among Swiss and European boarding schools. For example, on the school grounds, on the sports field by the Inn River (Sportplatz Inn), is located the highest-altitude cricket field in Europe: it sits at an altitude of 1,716 meters above sea level and has been in use since 1922.
Things to know about
- The school was founded on June 15, 1904, by five residents of Engadin under the name Institut Engiadina. Among the first students were 10 Swiss, 4 Americans, 3 French students, 3 British students, and 2 Russians,
- In 1991, the school opened its doors to girls for the first time. In 1999, Chesa Arpiglia was built for them with 40 modern single rooms,
- Zuoz Globe is a unique open-air theater inspired by London's Globe Theatre. It opened in 2011 on the site of a former swimming pool,
- The winter resort of St. Moritz is 15 minutes from the school, and the private Samedan Airport is 10 minutes away,
- The campus enjoys 320 sunny days a year, making outdoor sports possible year-round,
- The bilingual Matura with Romansh (DE/RM, Maturitad Bilingua Grischuna) is a unique option in the canton of Graubünden,
- Alumni belong to the international Zuoz Club network, which organizes meetings around the world and helps current students with careers and mentoring,
- The campus runs a parent ambassador program (Elternbotschafter), in which experienced parents help new families adapt to school life,
- The school is an official test center for the SAT and other international examinations,
- The Zuoz Club alumni association was founded in 1923 and now has around 2,500 members in 57 countries across 20 regional groups. Members meet twice a year in Zuoz for the Winter Games and Summer Games, which focus on sports, culture, and friendship,
- The school and Zuoz Club jointly publish Zuoz Zeitung. The newspaper has been in print since 1932 and is published twice a year with a circulation of 3,000 copies. It is distributed free of charge to Zuoz Club members, students, and their parents.
Accommodation, meals, prices
There are 5 residences for students. Students live in 1-2-bed apartments with private facilities. Also in the residences there are triple rooms. Single rooms are offered to senior students. The younger children in the dormitories are surrounded by the care of the teachers around the clock. Elder ones are given a certain degree of freedom.
Students' meals are organized in 2 large school canteens. Younger and senior students eat separately. The menu of those and others includes quite useful products. Dishes of national, European cuisine are prepared by professional chefs from farm products.
Subjects and sports
Activities Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Extracurricular life at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is built around sports, creativity, and social participation.
Sport is a compulsory subject for all students and is available in a wide variety of formats throughout the school year. In winter, students take part in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, and ski jumping. Spring and autumn activities include volleyball, basketball, five-a-side football, unihockey, yoga, Eton Fives, climbing, badminton, and martial arts. Summer activities include cricket, football, tennis, rugby, golf, baseball, mountain biking, and beach volleyball. School-wide sports competitions involving all students are held regularly, as are interschool competitions. The house system adds a competitive element, with houses competing against one another and the best athletes receiving awards.
School sport (Schulsport) is compulsory and counts toward promotion (Promotionsfach) in Matura classes. Lessons take place twice a week for 60 minutes and are taught by qualified sports teachers according to the cantonal MAR curriculum and CIS criteria. School teams regularly travel abroad for competitions against other schools, including events in Italy, England, and Germany. Football, volleyball, basketball, unihockey, ice hockey, skiing, Fives, and cricket teams receive matching kit, and each house has its own team shirts.
Creative development covers several areas. The Zuoz Globe theater is home to the Shakespeare Company and an English theater company, and theater is available as both a compulsory and an elective subject. In a well-equipped art studio, students work on drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, with exhibitions of their work held regularly. The school orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles bring together music enthusiasts. Individual and group instrument lessons are available, and school concerts are organized regularly.
Social participation is supported through the Service Learning program, which includes volunteer projects for the local community. An elected student council represents students before the administration. Joint weekends (Gemeinschaftswochenenden) are held regularly and include excursions and sporting and cultural events in the Engadin valley. Volunteer programs also take students to disadvantaged areas, where they develop solutions and support social projects on-site while gaining first-hand experience of sustainability and solidarity.
Advantages
- Students can choose from several educational programs. Classical education follows German and Swiss standards. The school also has a vocational education department, while the business school offers specialized knowledge and opportunities to improve English,
- School staff provide individual support in study, leisure, sports, and creative development,
- The school offers a wide range of sports programs,
- An alumni club and broad contact network help students stay in touch. School administrators organize many of the club's meetings and events,
- The school has held Cambridge International Education accreditation for the IGCSE program since October 2020. It is among more than 4,500 schools in over 140 countries that teach the Cambridge curriculum,
- The Swiss Matura is available in bilingual German-English and Italian-German formats,
- The educational concept includes Digital Learning Labs, Start-up Challenges, Robotics, International Awards, Student Leadership, and Connected Learning.
Facilities and equipment at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
The boarding school campus occupies a large site in a picturesque Alpine valley. It is designed for study, residential life, sports, and leisure. Classrooms are equipped for teaching, and laboratories use modern technology. The school's facilities are one of its advantages and include the Zuoz Globe theater and a multimedia center. The campus also has its own golf driving range.
The campus sports facilities include two football fields, several volleyball courts, six tennis courts, two ice rinks, six Eton Fives courts, and a field for field hockey and cricket.
Since August 2025, the school has been an official youth football partner of FC Bayern München and the first school in Switzerland to participate in the club's international youth programs. The partnership includes three training trips each year to the FC Bayern Campus or Säbener Straße in Munich, with a stadium tour, museum visit, Bundesliga match, and training with Bayern coaches. It also includes annual professional development for up to 25 coaches in Zuoz, monthly video coaching with an FC Bayern Campus trainer, and an annual visit to Zuoz by an FC Bayern legend. International summer camps in Zuoz comprise two separate two-week sessions with FC Bayern coaches, and the partners hold joint events with regional clubs.
The Engadine Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Switzerland and the sixth oldest in continental Europe. Its courses are located at an altitude of around 1,700 meters. The Engadin Airport in Samedan provides connections to Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Milan, and Munich, as well as air-taxi services to other destinations.
Admission dates and extra charges
Already included in the program cost:
- educational course,
- 5 lessons from a personal coach,
- assistance with homework,
- supportive learning (if needed),
- consultation on choosing a college/university,
- Project Week (basic),
- use of the entire school infrastructure, including the media library and sports facilities,
- events during Community Weekends, on weekends, after lessons,
- accommodation (living, supervision and care by educators) and meals (three times a day + two snacks),
- care in case of illness or indisposition,
- psychological help and support,
- physical activities, sports,
- Games and Lyceum Balance Programme,
- participation in all school events.
Extras:
- Deposit for a course/programme 16000 CHF
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1500 CHF
- Study materials 900 CHF
- Medical insurance 150 CHF
Enrolment process
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz accepts students for all programs from 7th to 12th grade. The school year begins at the end of August, and applications should be submitted in advance. Mid-year enrollment is also possible, although the beginning of the first trimester is preferred.
The school evaluates candidates based on previous academic performance, teacher recommendations, and entrance exam results. Knowledge of German and/or English is required. International students who do not speak German may first consider the German Intensive Year program.
The school handles student visa processing for international students.
Once a candidate is accepted, the family receives a school contract and an invoice for the deposit. The place is secured after the school receives both the deposit and the signed contract.
Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the enrollment process, including document preparation, program selection, and communication with the admissions office.
Enrolment statistics
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz enrolls approximately 330 students aged 12 to 19 from more than 45 countries, of whom 220 are boarders and around 110 are day students. 55% of students choose the Diploma Programme, 45% — the Swiss Matura. Bilingualism is considered the norm here: most students speak 2–3 languages.
The average class size is 15–18 students. The teacher/student ratio is 1:5, which ensures a high level of individual attention for each student.
Perspectives
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz pays special attention to the academic achievements of its graduates. Graduates regularly gain admission to leading universities in Switzerland (Bern, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, and others), Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries around the world.
- The Swiss Matura certificate provides direct access to Swiss universities and higher professional schools.
- The International Diploma (Diploma Programme) is accepted by universities worldwide; admission to Swiss universities with an international diploma requires a minimum of 32 points and a higher-level subject in natural sciences or mathematics.
- Bilingual education (in German and English) significantly broadens graduates' university choices and career prospects. Most students leave school proficient in 2–3 languages.
The school has a College Counselling service that supports students through the university application process. Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the application.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz accepts students aged 12 to 19, from 7th to 12th grade. Admission to 12th grade is possible only in exceptional cases. Applications are generally considered no later than 11th grade.
To apply, the following must be provided:
- a completed application form with a photo,
- copies of the two most recent school reports,
- a student questionnaire.
Admission criteria include previous academic performance, teacher recommendations, and entrance examination results. Knowledge of German and/or English is required. The preferred entry point is the beginning of the academic year at the end of August.
Entrance examinations are held for admission to the day school (Privatgymnasium). A one-year German Intensive Year program is available for international students who do not speak German.
The interview and admissions test can take place in Zuoz or by video call. To guarantee a boarding place, applications should be submitted at least six months before school starts.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Students of the private school Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz.
We are the best friends, we write the "international" opinion about the best school in Switzerland Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz. Why did we leave to study far from home? We always like Switzerland and its nature. But the main thing is that you can be firmly confident in entering the leading European and foreign universities. We have been studying for 2 years. In addition to the studied language, we attend the department of professional preparation. At leisure, we took a great interest in tobogganing and skiing. Winter here is a delight! And we are proud of the student theater Zuoz Globe. We urge our fellow countrymen to follow our example and come to study in Switzerland!
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
