Living in Switzerland - Educational System

Some 153 000 children between the ages of 4 and 6 – that is, 98.5% of children in this age group – attended nursery school (pre-school level) in 2006. Of these, nearly 9% were enrolled in unsubsidised private schools. Compulsory schooling lasts for nine years and includes a primary and a secondary cycle (secondary level I) in all cantons. Attendance is compulsory and free of charge for all children, whether Swiss or foreign. The municipalities ensure that all children can attend their local public school or one nearby. The schools directorate of each municipality (or the municipal administration if there is no schools directorate) can provide information on general schooling matters (e.g. admission, regulations or transport). A total of 850 000 pupils were enrolled in compulsory schooling in 2006, 3.4% of them in private schools.

The years of compulsory schooling are followed by secondary level II, at which there are two choices: (1) the general academic route in, for example, ‘Matura’ schools or specialised schools, or (2) vocational training. Some two thirds of children go on from compulsory schooling to vocational training (apprenticeship), while one third take the general academic route.

Tertiary level education comprises advanced vocational training, the universities and vocational schools with university status. In 2006/07 some 172 000 students were engaged in tertiary education.

Text last edited on: 04/2008

Source: European Union
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