Understanding Swiss Education System
Today, we have the information about the Swiss Education System for you! You could look at the infographic down below or the description in the table. Let’s see the differences. Are they the same as us or not? Now, It’s time to scroll down.
Original Source: grafik_bildung_e (educa.ch)
Description Table
| Levels | Ages | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory education | ||
| Kindergarten | 4 y/o | Kids will learn through play-based learning, and each canton has its own criteria. |
| Primary education | 4-8 y/o | Kids start to learn basic Mathematics and teachers will teach other basic subjects to kids, too. Kids will learn social manners, During the age of 4-8, they will learn together, so it is called the first learning cycle. |
| Lower secondary education | 9-11 y/o
(13-15 years old) |
This level of education is also known as “gymnasium.” It is when students start to learn their mother language, and the English language as well. Most of them speak at least two languages. Students will also study mathematics and science. The grades are from 1 to 6. At the end of each year, students have to take the examination for promoting them to the next year. |
| Optional education/ Non-compulsory education | Years | |
| Upper secondary education |
4-6
|
Vocational courses are popular for students in Switzerland. Normally, it takes 2-4 years for studying. |
| Baccalaureate schools are considered high schools. Students will study the same subjects as lower secondary education, but it will be advanced and upgraded. It also has additional subjects including Laws and Economics for students. The grade criteria are the same as the lower secondary education. It normally takes 3-6 years for learning until graduation. | ||
| Upper secondary specialized schools | 3 | Baccalaureate schools are considered high schools. Students will study the same subjects as lower secondary education, but it will be advanced and upgraded. It also has additional subjects including Laws and Economics for students. The grade criteria are the same as the lower secondary education. It normally takes 3-6 years for learning until graduation. After they finished all subjects, they have to choose 6 subjects for testing. If students pass all the tests, they will get the certificate and they can pursue the next degree at the tertiary level. |
| Tertiary | ||
| Bachelor’s degree | 3 | Students can choose to study in a specific course according to their interests. |
| Master’s degree | 2 | Students must be graduated with a bachelor’s degree. |
Source: Education in Switzerland: Here’s What You Need To Know (studyinginswitzerland.com)
Related Vocabulary:
- Compulsory Education
- Kindergarten
- Primary education
- Upper secondary education
- A vocational school
- A Baccalaureate school
- Upper secondary specialized schools
- Tertiary education
- University
- Institute
- Public School
- Private School
- Equivalent
- Lower secondary education
- Certificate
- Bachelor Degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD
- Undergraduate
- Diploma
So, this is all for today! Have a good day everyone. If you are interested in studying abroad in Switzerland Click Here for more info.