Switzerland’s population is becoming increasingly educated. At the same time, younger women are more likely than men to have a higher education or university degree.
Among people aged 65 and over, 16.6% of women and 37.1% of men in Switzerland last year had a higher vocational education or university degree, the Federal Statistical Office saidExternal link on Monday. Among 25- to 34-year-olds the leading genders are reversed, with 54.4% of women and 50.25% of men having such a qualification.
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When Swiss universities led the way in gender equity
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In the late 19th century, young women from all over the world came to Switzerland to study. For some, the road to success was bumpy.
The fact that women have made up for educational deficits is particularly clear in the case of university degrees, according to the statistical office. Last year 9.9% of women and 19.55% of men aged 65 and over had a university degree. Among 25- to 34-year-olds the rates were significantly higher at 41.5% for women and 34.95% for men.
However, this doesn’t translate into better salaries for women: Switzerland ranks among the worst European states when it comes to the gender income gap. Women in Switzerland earn 43.2% less than men and draw less pension due to higher rates of part-time work.
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Why more women than ever are doing PhDs in Switzerland
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Women are catching up to men when it comes to pursuing doctoral degrees.
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Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
An atomic ‘tick-tock’ with Swiss technology heads to space to test the Einstein effect
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On Monday, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the ACES set of atomic clocks to measure the effect of gravity on the passage of time.
Swiss Guard swearing-in ceremony postponed following Pope Francis death
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The swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, which usually takes place on May 6 each year, has been postponed to a date to be announced next autumn.
Swiss medical device maker Ypsomed to sell diabetes business
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Bern-based injection device manufacturer Ypsomed announced on Tuesday that it was selling its diabetes-related activities.
Award-winning Swiss author and scholar Peter von Matt dies aged 87
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The Alemannic writer and former professor of German literature Peter von Matt died on Monday in Zurich at the age of 87, following a long illness.
Swiss foreign minister spoke with Iranian counterpart about US dialogue
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi about the current dialogue between the US and Iran.
Swiss foreign minister appeals for cohesion and dialogue at Expo in Japan
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis called for cohesion and dialogue at the opening of the Swiss National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on Tuesday.
Switzerland postpones launch of emergency number for domestic violence victims
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The launch of the “142” emergency number, which aims to help victims of domestic violence in Switzerland, has been postponed to May 2026.
Swiss wage gap between genders remains bafflingly wide
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The pay gap between men and women in Switzerland has increased slightly, amounting to hundreds of francs per month on average.
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