Boarding schools in Switzerland  - education information

Switzerland is known for mountains and lakes, banks, innovations, watches and chocolate. Swiss education is considered one of the best in the world. Public schools have a good reputation, and the boarding schools in Switzerland and international day schools are exceptional and among the best internationally.

There are four official languages in the country – German, French, Italian and Retro-Romansh. Also, almost the entire population speaks English fluently. Multilingualism also extends to the secondary education system – in almost all schools in Switzerland, children learn two or three foreign languages. You can hone your knowledge outside of school, communicating with the residents of the country. The teaching itself can be in English, German, French or Italian. It depends on which program of study the student chooses.

The boarding schools in Switzerland today are deservedly considered the world's leaders in the quality and effectiveness of education, and education in a secondary school in Switzerland is highly valued and is very prestigious.

TOP boarding schools in Switzerland – reasons for studying

  • High reputation

The boarding schools in Switzerland, although expensive compared to other countries, are famous for their very high reputation and academic excellence. The foreign students come from all over the world to study in a truly international and safe environment.

  • Wide choice

The foreign students are offered various educational programs of studying.

  • High academic standards

  • Perfect location

Switzerland's location in the heart of Europe makes it an ideal place to explore different cultures and learn languages. Thanks to the four official languages, common borders with Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, as well as the high internationality of the population, Switzerland helps students become citizens of the world.

  • Outdoor adventures.

Schools in Switzerland for foreign students – characteristics of educational programs

The students study in multinational environment. Such atmosphere contributes to significant improvement of language skills. Moreover, classes are conducted in English, French, German. The number of students in one classroom does not exceed 15 persons. Below the list of offered studying programs is provided:

  • International Baccalaureate, IB – the program includes 4 stages:

  • Primary Years

  • Middle Years

  • Diploma 

  • Career-related.

The IB program is designed for students aged 16-19 and durates for two years. 6 disciplines are studied compulsory: language, literature, sciences, Mathematics, arts, societies. For student’s attention various courses are offered with bias on studying of discipline group. Additionally, international students can pass courses in philosophy, service program and write 4000-word essay.

  • A-level, IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

IGCSE is a British program, which is equivalent to school grades 10 and 11.  The students study various disciplines, namely Mathematics, English, humanities and sciences. After passing IGCSE course, the international students can enrol on A-level program, which provides in-depth studying of preferred subjects. The certificate of A-level is accepted by ranking universities, located in Great Britain, North America and European countries. 

  • High School Diploma and Advanced Placement

If a foreign student wants to receive an American certificate, it is better to pass high school diploma program. This course stipulates the intensive preparation for successful passing of College Board SAT exams.

High schools in Switzerland – enrolment requirements

The choice of school depends on the university in which country the child plans to continue his studies in the future. If the foreign students is aiming at universities in England, choose an educational institution with an Anglo-American or British section. If in German – the road to schools working under the Abitur program, etc. Due to the high demand for the boarding schools in Switzerland, it takes 1-2 years to start preparing for admission. Given that there are quotas for the admission of children from a certain country, it is better not to delay the submission of documents – applications are considered as they arrive.

Depending on the specific school in Switzerland, the requirements for applicants may vary, but the main ones are:

  • Knowledge of the main language of teaching at an above-average level

  • Report cards for the last 1-3 years with good grades

  • Characteristics for the child

  • Medical certificate.

Some schools may conduct interviews, ask to take language exams or exams in academic subjects (such as mathematics). Sometimes the foreign students need to take an IQ test.

Boarding schools in Switzerland – tuition fee

The cost of studying in boarding schools in Switzerland depends on the specific educational institution and the chosen educational program. The fee fluctuates from $40,000 to $100,000. Most schools have scholarships for students who show excellent academic results – this allows you to significantly reduce the cost of education.

Meals are organized on the principle of full board and include only environmentally friendly products. Many schools can boast cuisine worthy of the best restaurants in the world. The living conditions for students are also gorgeous. As a rule, students live in single rooms with all amenities. The dormitories of some schools are similar to the best hotels in the world.

The best boarding schools in Switzerland – TOP5

Obersee Bilingual School

  • Mixed form of studying

  • Day school, language of instruction – English and German

  • Age of students: 0-18

  • Offered programs: Matura, International Baccalaureate.

College Alpin Beau Soleil

  • Mixed form of studying

  • Type of accommodation: boarding

  • Age of students: 11-18

  • Offered programs: IGCSE, International Baccalureate (French/English/Bilingual), High School Diploma, Brevet.

La Côte International School Aubonne

  • Mixed form of studying

  • Day school, language of instruction – English and French

  • Age of students: 2-18

  • Offered programs: ENC, IPC, MYP, IGCSE, IBDP, Maturité Suisse.

Montreux International School

  • Mixed form of studying

  • Type of accommodation: day and boarding basis, language of instruction – English

  • Age of students: 16-19

  • Offered programs: International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Career-related Programme (CP),  IBCP in Business and Hospitality in partnership with Swiss Education Group schools and an IBCP in Business and Digital Marketing.

Brillantmont International School

  • Mixed form of studying

  • Type of accommodation: day and boarding basis, language of instruction – English

  • Age of students: 13-18

  • Offered programs: British IGCSE, AS, A Level and US High School Graduation Diploma with SAT.