TOP-5 important things you need to know about education in Switzerland

Most parents seek to enable their children to learn the best education systems. For the decision to send the child to study in Switzerland, an additional bonus is living in a country with excellent ecology and a high standard of living. In this article SMAPSE experts will look at TOP-5 most important things you need to know about studying in Switzerland.

This country has been famous for centuries for the tastiest chocolate in the world, luxury watches, winter resorts and beautiful mountains, but few people know that graduates are Nobel laureates, famous researchers, and influential people around the world. This is not surprising, because the best teachers who apply effective and modern principles and teaching methods are involved.

Foreign students often ask themselves: “How to enroll in foreign school or university ?” - Yes, the organization process is complex and lengthy, but definitely worth it. The impeccable quality of education, a variety of educational programs, the development of additional skills and the study of foreign languages - all this is available for any student in Switzerland. Among the world elite and prominent figures, there is a large percentage of graduates of schools and universities in Switzerland.

TOP-5 important things you need to know about education in Switzerland

1. In Switzerland, international educational systems are distributed on a par with national. The programs GCSE, A-Level, High School Diploma, Advanced Placement, Abitur, International Baccalaureate are popular here. Another advantage of Swiss education is the ability to choose the language of instruction: English, German, French, Italian. Most schools support a bilingual system, which is often a decisive factor in Switzerland's favor when choosing a country to study: this is where you can combine an academic program, for example, with learning English and French.
2. Upon admission to the university, a foreign applicant will need to confirm a high level of knowledge of a foreign language in which he wishes to continue his studies (usually a certificate with the results of a language exam).
3. The average cost of studying in Switzerland is not cheap: the ranks are kept at the level of the USA and England, but the reviews of graduates confirm the fact that it is worth it. After graduation, top international companies are happy to invite them to work, many students decide to start their own business.
4. The school year in Switzerland begins from mid-August to September - a similar scatter is associated with the fact that each canton has the right to independently set a date for the start of the school year. Preparing for school is recommended one year before the start of the program or course.
5. Public schools in Switzerland are available for foreign students permanently residing in the country with their parents. For other foreign students, boarding schools are offered, that is, private schools in Switzerland with full-board accommodation, where students not only study, but also live on campus with classmates.

Education in Switzerland for foreign students: requirements and prices

Swiss schools, when entering foreign students, often require the presentation of the results of a language exam, depending on the language of instruction chosen. The list of linguistic tests:

• English - TOEFL / IELTS
• Italian - CELI
• French - DELF / DALF
• German is DSH.

A common practice is to go through an additional interview with a representative of a Swiss school, take a test on a specific subject or write a motivation letter.

The cost of studying in Swiss schools for foreign students varies from 17,000 CHF to 54,400 CHF / per semester. Usually included in the price:

• educational program
• accommodation
• full board meals
• use of the entire infrastructure of the school campus.

Additional expenses:

• visa fees and services
• consular fee (paid at the embassy)
• round-trip flights, transfer
• medical insurance
• pocket personal money
• excursions, travels
• payment of additional circles.

Requirements for admission to universities in Switzerland differ: for example, in the French-speaking and Italian parts of the country, for admission it is enough to provide a certificate of secondary education and pass the entrance exam for foreign students. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, this is no longer enough - other students can enter a university only if one of the following conditions is met:

• completion of several courses at a university in your country
• passing the international preparatory program
• graduation from a swiss school.

Each of the universities has a long history, teachers value traditions, but the principles of education are formed under the influence of modern educational trends.

Popular destinations in Switzerland for higher education:

• tourism
• hotel business
• banking
• finance.

These areas are especially developed in Switzerland: there is no doubt that the higher education received here will not be equal - teachers use teaching methods that help to get to work immediately after graduation.

Free linguistic lessons are often organized in schools, since in Switzerland a large percentage of foreign students, the Government takes care of maintaining a high level of knowledge of state languages. Some schools offer paid language courses, which can also be combined with basic studies.

Swiss schools use modern teaching methods and principles, teachers have good command of communication with foreign students, easily find a common language with them, and increase children's readiness for learning, taking into account the peculiarities of education. With the youngest students in primary school, education is carried out in the game - so they are happy to immerse themselves in school and engage in extracurricular activities.

Admission to the best schools in Switzerland on the example of Ecole International La Garenne

As an example, let’s take a look at the enrollment requirements and tuition fees at the private school of École International Le Garenne.

Documents required for admission:

• medical certificate with translation into English and French
• grades sheet for the last year
• recommendations from the director and teachers of the last place of study
• return ticket.

Cost of education:

Prices for additional services:

In addition to academic studies, students lead an active lifestyle, have time for entertainment, play sports - all thanks to the developed infrastructure of the school campus. For an additional fee (490 CHF / term), ballet, karate, ice skating or choreography classes with professional trainers are offered.

“What are the requirements for entering a school or university in Switzerland ?” - this question worries every student who wants to study abroad, and when contacting SMAPSE, experts will tell you all. Every day, SMAPSE employees help foreign students leave to study at international educational institutions around the world, and a nice bonus is the absence of a fee for admission. The best international schools and universities of Switzerland cooperate with SMAPSE under partnership agreements.