At the end of the schooling there will be a finishing exam, the matura, that all students are required to pass to graduate. The exam will vary by canton, but on average students can expect to be tested on the following:
basic subjects (math, various sciences, history, geography, arts)
Switzerland is known for some of the best international schools in Europe. Although most of the schools have reputations for strict discipline, they are also known for their extremely high educational standards.
Schools in Switzerland for International Students
Whether you prefer a British school, American school, or even a Japanese education, the schools in Switzerland cover a large variety of languages and curricula for international students. German schools are the easiest to come by as are French schools, since French and German are two of the official languages of the country. You will find the greatest option for these schools in the French and German cantons. Religious schools are also possible such as Christian or Catholic schools.
Most international schools promote a bilingual program, but some even have trilingual ones. If language learning is of particular importance to your child, this is worth looking into. Teaching methods from across the globe can also be found if you plan on only staying in Switzerland for a short while.
International School Requirements and Admission
Switzerland has nearly 50 international schools spread throughout the country for you to choose from. Requirements vary and you can expect most to have waiting lists. While it is possible to enroll your student mid-year, it is more common to start at the beginning of the school year.
General requirements for international schools:
International school tuition fees average around 30,000–40,000 CHF (30,300—40,400 USD) per year. Fees may vary depending on the school and your child’s age.
Some of Switzerland’s Top International Schools
TASIS The American School in Switzerland
Best Universities for International Students in Switzerland
The most international university in Switzerland is Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI). Its student body is over 60% international with over 100 countries represented. Bachelor’s degrees are typically taught in the dominating language of the canton, although it is possible to find some bilingual programs. Masters programs are largely taught in English.
Some of the Best Universities for International Students in Switzerland
Because Switzerland has so many official languages, language schools are rife in the small country. Whether you want to learn French, German, Italian, or English, you are sure to find the right course for you no matter where you live. It is best to first become proficient in the dominant language of your canton as this will be the easiest way to acclimate to the local culture. Most business interactions in Switzerland are in English, but you may find that coworkers will want to speak in the canton’s primary language. Learning a few key words and phrases in the language of a neighboring canton will go a long way as well.
Language School Fees
Language school fees vary, but generally average around a couple hundred Swiss francs.
Gary Buswell Written by Gary BuswellShare
Study in Switzerland ConsultantFind out all you need to know about the Switzerland student visa, including who needs one and what the requirements are.
You may need a Switzerland student visa if you want to enroll in further or higher education in Switzerland. This guide explains the key aspects of this visa including information on what to do if you need one. Read up on everything you need to know about:
Study grants and scholarships in Switzerland
Appeals and complaints about student visas in Switzerland
Many overseas students are attracted to studying in Switzerland, with university courses available in four different languages. Around 26% of university students in Switzerland were foreign in 2020–2021.
University students in Switzerland
However, standards are high and getting into a Swiss university or higher education institution isn’t easy. You will need an offer for a recognized course. Additionally, you may need a Swiss student visa if you are coming from outside the EU.
However, standards are high and getting into a Swiss university or higher education institution isn’t easy. You will need an offer for a recognized course. Additionally, you may need a Swiss student visa if you are coming from outside the EU.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in Switzerland oversees all visas and immigration to the country, although much of the administration is done by the local cantonal migration offices.
Read more about higher education in our Guide to Swiss universities
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Who needs a student visa in Switzerland?
Residents from the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) do not need a visa to take up studies in Switzerland. You will only need to prove that you have been accepted onto a course with a registered institution. If you are staying in Switzerland for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Swiss residence permit from your local canton.
If you are not an EU/EFTA citizen, you will need a Switzerland student visa to study in the country. Residents of certain non-EU/EFTA nations can come to Switzerland for short study courses or training without a visa, as long as they don’t stay in the country for more than 90 days. You can find information on individual countries on the SEM website.
Read our Guide to visas and immigration in Switzerland
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Types of student visas in Switzerland