GCSE in Switzerland for international students
-
In 2023: 37 IB average, 43 highest point, 100% pass rateSwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 9from 112250.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
School is in top 3 best bilingual boarding schools in French speaking part of SwitzerlandSwitzerlandLausanneCurrently watching: 7from 81000.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
One of the best only-girl school in EuropeSwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 8from 91500.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
In 2023 an average IB score was 35.2SwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 10from 55500.00 CHF / semesterApply with documents
-
School is in top 3 best bilingual boarding schools in German speaking part of SwitzerlandSwitzerlandZugCurrently watching: 9from 72800.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
In 2021 an average IB score was 38SwitzerlandSt. GallenCurrently watching: 9from 31000.00 CHF / termApply with documents
-
from 51500.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
Professional sports academy for skiing, snowboarding and hockeySwitzerlandSt. MoritzCurrently watching: 4from 57000.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
from 58000.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
from 55995.00 CHF / yearApply with documentsProgram namedateAgeFeesGCSE preparationLast booking 5 weeks agoAll year round13-14
Alternative destinations
Education information
Best schools in Switzerland for international students meet the needs of the most discerning parents, they teach and raise children excellently. Holders of a Swiss high school diploma have excellent chances of being admitted to the best universities, they know several languages ​​and have friends all over the world.
Upon graduation from such a secondary school in Switzerland, they issue a certificate of secondary education — GCSE (in the international version — iGCSE). Two years of high school give A-Levels. With such a diploma, your child will be admitted to UK universities without additional preparatory programs.
GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a certificate of general (incomplete) secondary education, receiving which completes the compulsory stage of school education. Only having passed the GCSE examinations successfully a student can continue his studies in the A-level or IB programs, without passing which it is impossible to enter the best universities of the world.
The standard GCSE programme lasts 2 years. The age of students is 14-16 years old.
The GCSE syllabus is structured as follows:
- The student takes 5 to 10 subjects in depth, several of which are required (English language, English literature, mathematics, science, and, in some schools, information technology and religious studies).
- The remaining subjects are chosen at the request of the student. The list of additional subjects depends on what the particular school has to offer, as well as the student's area of interest and future plans. The standard list usually includes foreign languages, social sciences, humanities, business, and arts.
The oldest school in Switzerland offering GCSE program is St. George's School in Clarence (Montreux), founded in 1927 to educate girls. Today, both girls and boys from 3 to 19 years old are taught here, and the reputation of this educational institution is impeccable.
Importance of a foreign language proficiency when entering Swiss schools
Going to study abroad, the child must be fluent in one of several languages: English, French or German at a conversational level. Upon admission to best schools and colleges with GCSE, knowledge of at least one official language by a foreigner will already be required.
What are the benefits of getting an education in a secondary school in Switzerland for foreign students?
First of all, it is the high quality of education. Graduates of Swiss schools, largely due to good language preparation, easily enter almost any European university.
What difficulties may foreign students face in secondary educational institutions?
When entering Swiss schools immediately, children may have difficulty understanding teachers due to local dialects. To avoid this, they are encouraged to take special preparatory courses before starting their studies.
What is GCSE in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, the term GCSE isn't as commonly used as it is in the UK. The Swiss education system is decentralized, with the 26 cantons each having their own educational department, determining curriculum, school year timetable, and teaching methods. However, there is a national harmonization to ensure equal educational levels across the cantons.
Switzerland often excels in international education rankings, like the PISA assessment, surpassing the OECD average for educational quality and performance. Education is compulsory for children aged 4 or 6 until around 15. Most attend public schools, but many foreigners opt for elite private schools, known for their cultural and linguistic diversity and flexible programs.
What GCSE Stands for in Switzerland
GCSE, an acronym predominantly used in the UK, stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. While the Swiss system doesn't exactly have a GCSE equivalent, they have a rigorous educational structure that ensures students are well-prepared for university and future endeavors.
What GCSE Means in Switzerland
While GCSEs are not a native concept in Switzerland, top GCSE schools in the country provide an internationally recognized curriculum. Students aiming to pursue this curriculum in Switzerland often aim for these elite private institutions.
Phases of Schooling in Switzerland
-
Elementary Education: Lasts for 4-6 years and focuses on standard subjects. One notable feature is the emphasis on multilingualism.
-
Secondary Education: Split into two stages. The compulsory stage lasts 3-4 years, with a wide range of subjects. After this, students can choose to continue their studies in a technical/vocational route or aim for university preparation at a high school (Baccalaureate schools).
-
Higher Education: Based on the Bologna Accord, higher education in Switzerland is divided into Bachelor's (4 years) and Master's programs (2 years).
Which subjects have been gaining popularity among students recently?
While I can't speak for everyone, we've noticed a growing interest in environmental sciences and digital fields, like coding. For instance, digital marketing was a hot job in 2021, so we've started offering courses in business and digital marketing through the IBCP.
Top GCSE Schools in Switzerland
-
Brillantmont in Lausanne
-
The Institut Rosenberg in St. Gallen
-
Pre Fleuri in Villars
-
La Garenne International School in Villars-sur-Ollon
Applying to GCSE Swiss Schools
For international students aiming for GCSE programs in Switzerland, requirements often include a certain age limit, transcripts of school marks from previous years, and an English test conducted by the school. Preparations for entrance may start as early as 1-2 years before admission. Command of the English language, especially academic English, is vital.
Costs and fees to Study GCSE in Switzerland
While public school education is free, the cost of private education varies. GCSE tuition fees at top institutions can range from $35,000 to $50,000 annually. These schools offer a pathway into the global education system and serve as a preparation for the A-level program and university entrance.
Switzerland's commitment to excellence in education is evident, whether through its unique multilingual programs or the high quality of its institutions. The country's fusion of local and international curricula ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the global stage.
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2024
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
5 | MPW London |
6 | CATS Cambridge |
7 | Kensington Park |
8 | DLD London |
9 | King's College St Michael’s |
10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
11 | Chelsea Independent College |
12 | MPW Cambridge |
13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
14 | CATS London |
15 | St Clare's Oxford |
16 | Bishopstrow College |
17 | CATS Canterbury |
18 | Bellerbys London |
19 | Ealing Independent College |
20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
21 | Abbey Manchester |