GCSE in Switzerland for international students

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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).

Arnold I. Szepesi

Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business School

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.

• Brillantmont in Lausanne

• The Institut Rosenberg in St. Gallen

• Pre Fleuri in Villars

• La Garenne International School in Villars-sur-Ollon

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.