Switzerland has a robust system of higher education, combining highly-regarded academic universities with other institutions specialising in vocational training and further education. This section looks at the structure of higher education in Switzerland and offers some information and advice for anyone thinking of coming to study in Switzerland.
The higher education system in Switzerland
Much like the school system in Switzerland, higher education in Switzerland is streamlined and specialised, meaning that there is a great variety of higher education institutions, each with their own requirements and benefits:
- Universities, for people pursuing academic qualifications
- Universities of applied sciences, for people wanting to gain further vocational qualifications
- Evening schools and grammar schools, for people (often mature students) wanting to gain qualifications
Universities in Switzerland
There are now 11 universities in Switzerland, each funded and run by either the local canton, the Swiss government, or both. These institutions have a diverse range of subjects, allowing specialisation in the fields of arts, sciences, maths, and medicine.
Many of these universities rank highly in global rankings, with ETH Zurich being the first university outside of the UK and USA to break into the top 10 of the Times Higher Education list of best universities in the world. Courses can be taken at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, PhD and doctorate level, each being fully recognised by the international community, with many courses also being offered in English.
In order to attend a university in Switzerland, Swiss students are expected to provide a completed and highly scoring Matura from their gymnasium or have years of experience in their chosen subject through an apprenticeship. International students can apply using any recognised high school qualification, such as A levels, an IB diploma or SATs.
Universities of applied sciences
Due to the design of the Swiss school system, only a small proportion of Swiss citizens attend university. Instead, students pursue an apprenticeship for a significant part of their middle school career. Once this is complete, many choose to attend a university of applied sciences.
These schools develop the skills learnt during an apprenticeship and allow students to expand their skill set within their profession. Much of the teaching is based on professional skills. Although there are many different types of universities of applied sciences in Switzerland, some of the most common types are:
- Engineering schools
- Schools of business
- Schools of administration
- Schools of hospitality
- Schools of the arts
It is uncommon for expats to choose to attend a university of applied sciences, but courses can still be applied for. Upon graduation, students have the skill set to begin applying for higher-paid jobs in their field.
Evening school
A good alternative to a regular university of applied sciences is to attend an evening school. These schools offer the same curriculum as universities of applied sciences, with many institutions offering evening classes as well.
Evening schools are for people who want to gain the skills of a university of applied sciences but do not have the time to attend full- or part-time. This can be a good alternative, as the qualifications given at the end are the same.
Adult grammar school
The final category of higher education is an adult grammar school. These are schools that allow older people and mature students to study for a Matura. This might be because they want to attend university after a manual labour apprenticeship, or for adults who have come to Switzerland without extensive education. Once a course at an adult grammar school is complete, graduates may attend university.