Europe
Switzerland: schools and universities
Switzerland has four national languages, and education is run mainly by the 26 cantons, so the language of teaching, the school year and the structure of secondary school all depend on where you live.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Language of teaching | German, French, Italian or Romansh, depending on the canton |
| School year | Mid to late August to late June or early July |
| Where international schools are | Around Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel and Zug |
| University entrance | The Swiss Matura or an equivalent foreign qualification |
| Federal institutes | ETH Zurich and EPFL in Lausanne |
Schools
International schools are concentrated around Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich and Basel, where many international organisations and companies are based. Fees are among the highest in Europe. Switzerland is also known for its boarding schools, mostly in the French-speaking west and the mountain resorts. Local state schools are free and of a good standard, and many younger expatriate children attend them and learn the local language.
Universities
Switzerland has cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and two federal institutes of technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL. Bachelor's degrees are mostly taught in German, French or Italian, with many more master's programmes in English. Tuition is low by international standards, but higher fees for students from abroad have been approved at the federal institutes, and the cost of living is high. A list of Swiss universities is a quick way to see which are in which language region.
Before you apply
- Check the language of teaching in the canton where you plan to live.
- Foreign school-leaving certificates are assessed against the Swiss Matura. Some need extra subjects or an entrance exam.
- Budget for rent and health insurance, which is compulsory for residents.
Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.