Schools and education in Switzerland

In Switzerland, education is divided into three stages:

1. Compulsory schooling: primary school and secondary school I

2. Compulsory schooling is followed by secondary school II:

either initial vocational training (doing an apprenticeship)

or general education (high school, specialised school)

3. To continue studies: universities of applied sciences (UAS), tier-one universities, universities of teacher education (UTE) and vocational education (for a federal professional diploma, an advanced federal diploma or a professional education institution (PEI).

The state (the confederation, the cantons and the municipalities) is responsible for education. The confederation, the cantons and municipalities each have different responsibilities. For this reason, there are differences in the school systems from one canton to another.

Compulsory schooling and post-compulsory schooling (secondary school II) are free of charge.

Would you like to continue your education? Don’t have a big salary?

The canton can offer you financial assistance: a study grant or a student loan. This aid is used to pay part of the education costs.

Are you a foreign national? You too can receive a scholarship, subject to certain conditions.

The scholarships section of the Service de la formation postobligatoire (Post-Compulsory Schooling Service (SFP)) provides information on scholarships.

The Centre d'orientation scolaire et professionnelle et de psychologie scolaire (Centre for Educational and Vocational Guidance and School Psychology (COSP)) provides you and your children with information. It supports and advises you through the various stages of school, as well choosing a profession, studies and a career.