3 best international colleges in Montreux 2024

Studying in Montreux for schoolchildren, and students is a great opportunity to get a high–quality and prestigious education in one of the best cities in Switzerland. For many decades, Swiss educational institutions regularly occupy the first places in various top lists and rankings, graduates of educational institutions receive prestigious diplomas and certificates, a large amount of knowledge and skills, because many doors to a happy and successful future open for them. Every year, a large number of foreign students from various countries seek to enroll in secondary and higher educational institutions, to take specialized courses.

Education in Montreux for students tops all the list of studying options. Graduates of Swiss educational institutions receive prestigious certificates, practice-oriented knowledge and versatile creative thinking. Thanks to such education, foreign students easily find decent jobs and fully realize their potential in adulthood.

Switzerland's calling card is the flexibility of the educational system: all internationally accepted programs operate in Montreux colleges, and higher education can be obtained in four languages. Education is based on the ideas of reform pedagogy – Steiner, Pestalozzi, Piaget — and assumes a comfortable environment for the development of students' abilities, much attention is paid to the personality of students.

Montreux, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, excellent ecological environment, and well-developed infrastructure, stands as a premier educational destination. Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, this European resort city has been a cultural hotspot for intellectuals, musicians, writers, and directors globally. Its vibrant scene of music festivals, concerts, and exhibitions adds to its appeal for students and visitors alike.

Educationally, Montreux is home to a range of schools, colleges, universities, and language centers, many of which rank among Switzerland's best. These institutions are known for their progressive teaching methods, personalized approaches, and focus on comprehensive development. They offer diverse programs based on Anglo-American, German, French, and Swiss educational systems, with diplomas that open doors to top universities and lucrative careers.

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What subjects have been most commonly chosen in recent years?

For the IB diploma course, it is English, French, mathematics, economics, history and biology.

Montreux's specialized private colleges offer a curriculum that includes unique disciplines like European and business etiquette, international meeting etiquette, table setting, menu planning, and the art of bouquet making. With experienced teachers and advanced teaching aids, these colleges provide flexible, customizable courses that let students achieve their goals while enjoying Montreux's unique atmosphere.

Emphasizing active lifestyles, these colleges often have facilities for sports and creative pursuits: fitness, karate, chess, ice skating, photography, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, swimming, football, basketball, volleyball, team sports, ballet, running, yoga, athletics, choreography, tennis, and gymnastics.

• Etiquette School Institut Villa Pierrefeu:

  • An elite institution for students aged 16 to 30.

  • Offers programs in international etiquette and language improvement.

  • Linguistic courses in French or English, with a bilingual option.

• Private School Institut Monte Rosa:

  • Ranked among Switzerland's top 5 family-type schools.

  • Educational programs for ages 6 to 19, including primary and secondary education, GCSE, A-Level, and language courses.

  • Located in a historic mansion with facilities for creative arts and technology.

• Surval Montreux School:

  • A leading institution for young women aged 11 to 21.

  • Programs include Foundation Year, American High School Diploma, IGCSE, A-Level, and summer language courses.

  • Offers additional opportunities in sports and horse riding.

To apply to universities in Montreux as a foreign student, there is no single standardized procedure due to decentralized management, and the process can vary depending on the institution. Here are the general requirements:

• Language Certificate: Proficiency in the regional language (Italian, German, or French) is often required, demonstrated by certificates like CILS, DAF/DSH, DELF/DALF. Some universities in Montreux may conduct their own language examinations. Additionally, a certificate of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) may also be required.

• Document of Previous Education: You need to provide documentation of your past education. Some Swiss universities might require additional tests for subjects not covered in your previous education.

• Recommendations and Personal Characteristics: Recommendations from teachers and a description of personal characteristics are often part of the application process.

• Interview: Some universities might require an interview with a university representative.

• Additional Two-Year Education: For German-speaking universities, there might be a requirement for an additional two years of education, which can be obtained at a college or university in your home country.

• Application to Colleges: The application process for colleges is generally easier. It involves providing a certificate of knowledge of the regional language, a document on previous education, recommendations, and personal characteristics​​.

It's important to note that the requirements can vary greatly, especially between public universities, which often have more stringent criteria. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific admission requirements of the university you are interested in.

Montreux's colleges provide an enriching educational experience, blending academic excellence with cultural and extracurricular activities, preparing students for success in various fields. The city's colleges stand out for their specialized programs and commitment to developing well-rounded, multilingual leaders.