Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons in terms of cantons (de: Kanton).
These states had independent sovereignty during the Confederacy period, each with its own territory, army, and currency until the establishment of a federal structure in 1848.
The Swiss cantons vary in size, with a minimum area of 37 square kilometres and a maximum of 7,105 square kilometres; The population ranged from 14,900 to 1,244,400.
Overview of education in the Swiss Confederation
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The education system in Switzerland is the responsibility of the cantons, so the educational procedures may vary from canton to canton. Public schools are funded by state taxes, so there is no additional cost to attend public schools. Children residing in Switzerland must attend a private or public educational institution. Compulsory education usually begins at the age of 6 and lasts for 9 years.
Kindergarten: Suitable for 4 - 6 years old, usually the first two years of primary school. This stage is mandatory in most states, but is not compulsory.
Elementary school: 6 to 12 years old. Elementary school consists of grades one through six.
Secondary school: 12 to 15 years old. The purpose of secondary school is to prepare children for their education later in secondary school. Compulsory education ends at the end of secondary school.
Secondary school education or above: 15 years old and above. Depending on the student's career plan, the secondary school level can be high school or 3 to 4 years of apprenticeship.
Introduction to junior and senior high school education in the Swiss Confederation
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In most states, lower secondary education is divided into two levels, depending on the ability of students:
Level 1: Teaches the basics and prepares for professional life.
Level 2: Teach deeper knowledge, expand your abilities.
Each state has its own curriculum, and all states have a unified curriculum that includes: one official language, mathematics, history, geography, science and two foreign languages.
Decide where to go to school based on academics, tests, and teacher recommendations: high school, vocational school, apprenticeship.
Regular High School: Directly into universities and polytechnics
Vocational high school and apprenticeship programs: Enter the workforce with a federal certificate of competency and pass the vocational diploma exam to enter the University of Applied Sciences
Normal schools: to train kindergarten and primary school teachers, can enter the normal university for further study
Most vocational high school students participate in apprenticeship programs and study while working. For example: mechanics, watchmakers, IT specialists, experimental assistants, administrative staff.
Introduction to Higher Education in the Swiss Confederation
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Further education at university
Normal schools: to train kindergarten and primary school teachers, can enter the normal university for further study
University Education:
Switzerland's top universities, universities of applied sciences, polytechnics and many private companies are actively involved in cutting-edge research activities, attracting scientists from all over the world.
- State University
- Federal Polytechnic University
- University of Applied Sciences
Two federal polytechnics:
- ETH Zurich
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédération de Lausanne
Seven state universities:
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Zurich
- University of Fribourg
- University of Neuschatre
Characteristics of education in the Swiss Confederation
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Language advantage: 1-2 official languages + English + others. Students usually master two or three languages.
Elite Standards: Aristocratic education with a strong focus on privacy. 25 Nobel laureates were born.
International characteristics: Students come from dozens or even hundreds of countries, the school stipulates that the number of people in each country does not exceed 10%, and accommodation is arranged according to the nationality.
Strong teachers: The teacher-student ratio is 1:6, and some schools can reach 1:2 or 1:4, and teachers can customize homework tasks and courses for each student.
All-round care: The school can provide students with psychological counseling, music therapy, speech therapy and other services on a regular basis.
High degree of diploma recognition: We can provide a variety of globally recognized programs such as international baccalaureate, French diploma, Swiss diploma, German diploma, Italian diploma.
Education is highly funded: about 8 percent of the federal government budget and about 25 percent of the state and municipal government budgets.
High national security: permanent neutrality, social stability.