The Swiss education system explained

A 3rd grade pupil at a Swiss high school takes a law and economics exam © Keystone / Gaetan Bally

Ever wondered how the Swiss education system works? Then this graphic is for you.

Swiss compulsory education, which includes kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary school, lasts for 11 years. After this, students typically choose between general education or vocational education and training, as shown below.

the Swiss education system Kai Reusser / SWI swissinfo.ch

In many cantons, students aged 14-15 face a big choice after lower secondary school. About two-thirds choose vocational trainingExternal link. They train on the job and attend vocational school 1-2 days a week. This system is highly regarded internationally and is known as the gold standard of vocational training.

People taking the vocational training route can also make a great and successful career. Former apprentices have risen to lead major banks or even the country – look at current Economics Minister Guy Parmelin.

University track

Some quarters pressure children to pursue the general education route for prestige reasons. Most pupils on this track attend a Swiss high school and take the Swiss Baccalaureate, which prepares them for university. High schools generally have tougher entry requirements. In some cantons, children can apply to high school earlier, around age 12, allowing them to complete both lower and upper secondary education at a high school.

Students can take the Specialised Baccalaureate in certain areas like healthcare, teaching, and the arts. This is a hybrid between academic and vocational education.

Swiss education after secondary school: Complicated but flexible

After this level, things get more complicated. But the system is flexible.

After vocational training and diplomas, you can move on to higher vocational training, as shown in the graphic. This is a Swiss speciality that is less known abroad. It provides advanced skills and management training.

From vocational to academic

If you do a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate, you can also go on to the university track. This gets you into the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, which is more industry-oriented. If you take an additional exam called “passerelle,” you can go to an academic university.

The general education track prepares you for university, but only the Swiss Baccalaureate gets you directly into any academic university in the country.

The Swiss system is flexible. As shown in the graphic (via the grey lines), you can move between vocational and general education with a bit of extra study to suit your career. This is what Emmen’s local councillor Brahim Aakti did. You can read more about his pathway in our 2019 archive article.

Edited by Virginie Mangin