Moving to Switzerland - Finding a School

The Swiss education system

How do you best become integrated into the Swiss education system?

Schoolchildren who have come from abroad and want to be integrated into the Swiss education system must work very conscientiously so that they can quickly join the appropriate class for their age. The communes have therefore set up integration, introductory or reception classes.

Children and under-16s who come to Switzerland from abroad and have trouble keeping up with the classes on account of language difficulties can attend an integration class for a maximum of one year before they attend a regular class. The aim of the integration classes is to help children and teenagers with their languages and help them integrate more easily into Swiss life. After that the children and teenagers will be taught in the regular classes.

Finding a school

If you are looking for a school for your child in pre-school, primary or lower secondary level, we recommend as a general rule that you get in touch with your home commune or contact the school in question directly. 

If you visit a school, take along your residence permit and health insurance certificate if you can. 

For any other schools or colleges (grammar school, university, etc.), you need to contact the educational institutions directly yourself.

If you require further information on the conditions of admission to the various schools in the Swiss education system, you can contact the schools in question directly.

Private schools

Respected for their tradition, academic achievement and their high teaching standards, private schools have a good reputation that extends far beyond national borders. But quality comes at a price! If you want your children to go to this kind of school, we strongly recommend that you first make enquiries as to their reputation, whether they belong to an official association and their rates and compare the information received with that of other private schools. 

The website of the Swiss Federation of Private Schools will be very helpful in this respect.

International schools

If you want your son or daughter to attend an "international" school (such as the French school, the German school or the English school), it would be best for you to contact your country's diplomatic representation in Switzerland. 

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.