Switzerland Education System – History, Levels, University, Program

Switzerland, or the Swiss Confederation, is a relatively small country in Central Europe. In addition to its incredible natural beauty, Switzerland has one of the top education systems in the world. It is well known for its exceptional international education system, in addition to having a liberal government, a high standard of living, safety, and beautiful scenery. While living in a safe country, international students can discover a totally new culture and amazing natural beauty.

The Swiss government requires that children begin their schooling at age six. The Swiss education system is divided into three parts. Primary education, secondary education, which includes middle and high schools, and tertiary education, which includes higher education.

Switzerland is the country with one of the highest demands for international degrees. It consistently has a high position in the global education rankings.

History of Education in Switzerland

The history of education in Switzerland extends far back. In the middle of the 15th century, schools were largely founded. The first Swiss university was established in 1460 which had chemical and medical studies. In the early 15th century, Pope Pius II granted permission for the University of Basel. It is the oldest university in Switzerland. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a number of Swiss names were well-known in the field of education. With the wave of liberalism in the 19th century, education received more attention in Switzerland. In different cantons, compulsory school attendance was established in 1850.

Level of Education in Switzerland

One of the best education systems in the world is found in Switzerland. The nation is in ninth place out of 65 nations, according to an evaluation of educational standards in 15 years. Swiss education is a bit different than other nations. There are a total of 26 cantons that have primary responsibility for its education. Each canton has its own way of controlling the educational section. The three components of the Swiss educational system are as follows: Primary education, secondary education which includes middle and high schools, and lastly tertiary education which includes higher education.

Pre-Primary Education

Primary education is the first stage of education level in the Swiss education system. However, children are sent to pre-primary schooling in Switzerland in most of the cantons. Pre-schooling is not required in the Swiss educational system. Many children nonetheless go before beginning primary school. In several cantons, starting kindergarten before primary school is encouraged vastly. Both private and public pre-schooling is available in Switzerland. Amongst them, public or government-based kindergartens are free for all children.

Primary education

Primary education makes up Switzerland’s second level of education. In Switzerland, children start kindergarten at age six. This is mandated by federal law and lasts for approximately six years. Depending on the cantons, primary school lasts till grade five, six, or seven.

In each canton, the education system varies in curriculum, holidays, and other details. Additionally, students learn music, art, physical education, health, and the humanities.

Secondary Education in Switzerland

Secondary schools in Switzerland is divided into lower and upper divisions. Lower secondary education is mandated since they are designed for children between the ages of 11 and 15. However, following this, students can choose whether or not they want to continue their studies in an upper-secondary institution or not. Lower secondary schooling starts at the age of 11 or 12. Some cantons may elect to hold their own final exams and award their own certificates once a student completes their lower secondary school, typically at the age of 15 or 16.

After finishing lower secondary schooling, in upper secondary schooling, students have to choose a route because upper secondary education in Switzerland is divided into general education and vocational institutions. Upper secondary schooling is controlled by both the federal government and the cantons. In Switzerland, there are three different types of upper secondary schools, including vocational education and training centers, Baccalaureate institutions, and specialized upper secondary schools.

Tertiary Education

Switzerland is home to more than 20 universities, including public and private and international institutions. Switzerland’s largest university, University of Zurich. The majority of universities lay a great emphasis on their students’ in-depth research and study. In Switzerland’s higher education, there are three levels of degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral.

Language in Switzerland

Students are taught in the local tongue; it also varies from canton to canton. However, English is covered in all curricula. Depending on the language region, German, French, Italian, or Romansh is the language of teaching. In the majority of cantons, children acquire at least two additional languages while attending public school.

Most Popular Universities in Switzerland

If you are an international student and looking for a university to further your study, Switzerland can be the perfect option. According to the World University Rank, the following Switzerland institutions are among the best:

Popular Programs in Switzerland

Distance Learning in Switzerland

One of the easiest ways for you to improve your skills and experience is through Distance Learning in Switzerland. Online education is one of the educational methods that students use the most nowadays. It is a technique that allows you to continue learning without moving from one place to another. You can complete your work just by sitting in front of a laptop. You can obtain one of the most distinguished degrees available in Swiss online education. You only need an effective internet connection to study distance learning in Switzerland.

Best Online Universities in Switzerland

Best Areas for International Students in Switzerland

FAQs

Is education in Switzerland free?

Swiss public education is free; however, no other financial aids or scholarships are available for schooling.

How is Swiss student life?

International students in Switzerland are allowed to work for 15 hours per week during the semester and even they are allowed to work full-time during the semester break.

Is Switzerland a nice place for visitors from other countries?

Expats in Switzerland benefit from a wonderful work-life balance, top-notch education and healthcare, great housing, and amazing natural scenery.

Is English spoken in Switzerland?

English and Portuguese are the two non-national languages that are most often spoken.

Is Switzerland’s education system good?

Some of the top international schools in Europe are located in Switzerland. It is renowned for having very high academic standards.

Conclusion

The foreign degrees offered by the Swiss educational system are well-known. Despite the fact that some students might perceive Switzerland’s cost of living to be a bit high but when you take into account the entire sense of success you will feel after receiving your degree, it is rewarding.

Switzerland’s educational standards are steadily rising and getting better day by day. The increase in students applying to Swiss universities is primarily due to the increasing quality and high demand among foreign students.

Hopefully, you now have a thorough understanding of Swiss education. You now know why Switzerland has the best educational system in the world. Many prestigious universities, including ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, are located in Switzerland. Swiss universities provide a top-notch education at a reasonable cost. It will be an excellent choice for Bangladeshi students. For details, you are requested to go through our “Study in Switzerland with Scholarship” article.