Education in Switzerland - SWI swissinfo.ch

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This content was published on

February 3, 2025 – 13:43

The Swiss education system is known for its eleven mandatory school years and its globally unique dual education system. After primary school, students are placed into different educational pathways based on their abilities. Whether vocational training or high school (Gymnasium) – both options can lead to a university. Discover here how the Swiss school system works, from elementary school to higher education institutions, and why it is considered one of the best in the world.

Overview of the Swiss education system
Primary and secondary schools
Vocational education and apprenticeships
Universities and higher education
Inclusive education
Studying or doing an apprenticeship in Switzerland
FAQ: Moving t o Switzerland for educational purposes
Special features of the Swiss education system

Overview of the Swiss education system

Primary and secondary schools

Primary school class 1c pictured during a double science and reading lesson at the schoolhouse Vinci, Public School Suhr, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland, on June 25, 2018. The Public School Suhr consists of kindergartens, primary schools and senior classes. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Inclusive schools: beneficial for all?

This content was published on

Jun 28, 2024

Inclusive schools, where children with disabilities are enrolled in regular schools, have been an issue of debate in Switzerland for several years.

Vocational education and apprenticeships

An apprentice

Apprenticeships in Switzerland

This content was published on

Sep 22, 2022

Pupils face an important choice at the end of compulsory: apprenticeships or high school.

Universities and higher education

Admission to Swiss universities

Switzerland’s excellent universities, technology institutes and research centres mean that the country’s education system is among the world’s best.

Inclusive education

Inclusive schools: beneficial for all?

This content was published on

Jun 28, 2024

Inclusive schools, where children with disabilities are enrolled in regular schools, have been an issue of debate in Switzerland for several years.

Studying or doing an apprenticeship in Switzerland

Fungai Mettler

You have your Swiss degree – now what?

This content was published on

Oct 3, 2018

How do foreign graduates from Swiss universities find jobs? Fungai Mettler from Zimbabwe gives tips on attracting employers’ attention.

FAQ: Moving to Switzerland for educational purposes

rows of dictionaries

Is Switzerland getting badder at English?

This content was published on

Nov 16, 2023

A global proficiency ranking claims that Switzerland is increasingly losing ground. But pinning down precise national scores is far from easy.

Special features of the Swiss education system

group of swiss pupils

Why are there no school uniforms in Switzerland?

This content was published on

Jan 6, 2020

A look into any Swiss school playground will tell you: there are no school uniforms. Unless of course you count jeans, hoodies and trainers. Why?

Snowboarders sur télésiège

Swiss schools stand by their ski camps

This content was published on

Jan 13, 2020

Despite some recent pushback, Swiss schools appear set to continue the tradition of ski camps for as long as there is enough snow.

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Education in Switzerland – SWI swissinfo.ch

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