Study in English, French, German or Italian
  Private Educational Institutions in Switzerland predominantly teach in English.
  Some   
  educational   
  programs   
  are   
  also   
  taught   
  in   
  one   
  of   
  the   
  country’s   
  main   
  official 
  languages (German, French or Italian). 
  The  
  schools  
  running  
  the  
  private  
  educational  
  market  
  in  
  Switzerland  
  include  
  some  
  of  
  the 
  most  
  famous  
  and  
  oldest  
  in  
  the  
  country.  
  Great  
  efforts  
  are  
  made  
  to  
  maintain  
  the  
  quality 
  standards  
  of  
  the  
  schools  
  which  
  attach  
  their  
  names  
  to  
  the  
  traditional  
  Swiss  
  quality  
  brand. 
  In  
  Switzerland  
  about  
  200,000  
  pupils,  
  students,  
  and  
  apprentices,  
  from  
  a  
  wide  
  variety  
  of 
  regions  
  within  
  the  
  country  
  and  
  from  
  over  
  100  
  other  
  countries  
  are  
  educated  
  in  
  private 
  schools. 
  The  
  private  
  schools  
  &  
  universities  
  of  
  Switzerland  
  offer  
  a  
  wide  
  variety  
  of  
  different  
  courses. 
  Ranging    
  from    
  language    
  studies,    
  hospitality,    
  and    
  hotel    
  management    
  programs,    
  to 
  Commercial management courses for BBA, MBA, Executive MBA and DBA degrees. 
  Study  
  fees  
  are  
  notably  
  higher  
  than  
  public  
  schools,  
  and  
  the  
  academic  
  entry  
  prerequisites 
  can  
  vary  
  greatly  
  from  
  institution  
  to  
  institution.  
  Meaning  
  that  
  it  
  is  
  up  
  to  
  the  
  student  
  to 
  investigate which school they wish to attend. 
  By   
  definition,   
  private   
  schools   
  &   
  universities   
  are   
  totally   
  independent   
  of   
  the   
  Swiss 
  government.  
  Verification  
  of  
  their  
  educational  
  standards  
  is  
  usually  
  conducted  
  by  
  various 
  external accreditation bodies and not the Swiss government. 
  However,  
  degrees  
  from  
  distinguished  
  private  
  schools  
  &  
  universities  
  hold  
  a  
  lot  
  of  
  weight  
  in 
  international  
  industries.  
  As  
  seen  
  in  
  the  
  hotel  
  industry,  
  Switzerland  
  has  
  a  
  long-standing 
  tradition,   
  forming   
  a   
  high   
  percentage   
  of   
  the   
  world’s   
  top   
  hotel   
  managers.   
  The   
  most 
  prestigious  
  of  
  these  
  schools  
  have  
  been  
  operating  
  for  
  over  
  100  
  years,  
  their  
  exemplary 
  standards  
  and  
  already  
  well  
  established  
  reputations  
  gain  
  them  
  recognition  
  and  
  respect 
  among the world’s leading hotel groups.
  Although  
  the  
  expected  
  level  
  of  
  command  
  of  
  English  
  may  
  vary  
  depending  
  on  
  the  
  school 
  and,   
  above   
  all,   
  the   
  study   
  program   
  or   
  course,   
  the   
  usual   
  average   
  English   
  language 
  requirement  
  you  
  will  
  be  
  required  
  to  
  have  
  to  
  study  
  in  
  Europe  
  is  
  550  
  points  
  (paper-based 
  TOEFL  
  test),  
  or  
  213  
  points  
  (computer-based  
  TOEFL  
  test),  
  or  
  79-80  
  points  
  (internet-based 
  TOEFL  
  test),  
  or  
  5.5  
  -  
  6.5  
  score  
  in  
  the  
  IELTS  
  test.  
  If  
  you  
  have  
  not  
  taken  
  either  
  the  
  TOEFL  
  or 
  IELTS  
  tests  
  and  
  you  
  would  
  like  
  to  
  prove  
  your  
  level  
  of  
  knowledge  
  of  
  English  
  with  
  other 
  exams,  
  you  
  will  
  need  
  to  
  prove  
  you  
  have  
  a  
  level  
  of  
  command  
  of  
  English  
  corresponding  
  to 
  the B1/B2 level (intermediate).
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  The  
  SIEPS  
  Educational  
  Database  
  includes  
  some  
  of  
  the  
  most  
  significant,  
  internationally 
  recognised and oldest private international schools and universities in Switzerland.
  Their  
  excellence  
  is  
  guaranteed  
  by  
  the  
  various  
  accreditation  
  levels  
  and  
  quality  
  labels  
  they 
  have earned. 
 
 
  SIEPS  
  helps  
  students,  
  parents,  
  schools  
  and  
  universities  
  come  
  closer  
  together  
  by  
  providing 
  an Educational Database comprised of:
  •
  A  
  quality  
  oriented  
  list  
  of  
  some  
  of  
  the  
  oldest  
  and  
  most  
  prestigious  
  private  
  schools  
  and 
  universities in Switzerland
  •
  Including their respective educational programs offered
  •
  A complete list of accreditation agencies
  •
  An exhaustive list of affiliation bodies
  •
  A list of degrees and what they mean to you
 
 
  Accreditation  
  is  
  a  
  type  
  of  
  voluntary  
  quality  
  assurance  
  process  
  under  
  which  
  educational 
  programs  
  are  
  evaluated  
  by  
  an  
  external  
  non-governmental  
  body  
  to  
  determine  
  if  
  applicable 
  standards are met. If this is the case, the agency grants an accredited status. 
  Accreditation   
  is   
  not   
  permanent.   
  It   
  must   
  be   
  maintained.  
  A   
  school   
  has   
  to   
  demonstrate 
  during  
  a  
  regular  
  review  
  process  
  that  
  it  
  has  
  developed  
  and  
  grown,  
  not  
  just  
  maintained  
  the 
  status quo. 
  Accreditation  
  also  
  permits  
  an  
  evaluation  
  on  
  an  
  international  
  level  
  regarding  
  recognition  
  or 
  equivalency of the degree you receive.
 
 
  Bachelor  
  of  
  Business  
  Administration  
  (BBA)?,  
  Master  
  of  
  Business  
  Administration  
  (MBA)?, 
  Executive  
  MBA  
  (EMBA)?,  
  Master  
  in  
  International  
  Business  
  (MIB)?  
  Master  
  in  
  International 
  Diplomacy?
  Which  
  educational  
  program  
  is  
  best  
  for  
  me?  
  What  
  is  
  the  
  difference?  
  How  
  can  
  I  
  quickly 
  compare  
  educational  
  programs  
  offered  
  by  
  private  
  schools  
  and  
  universities  
  in  
  Switzerland? 
  Even  
  better,  
  how  
  can  
  I  
  print  
  out  
  a  
  list  
  of  
  private  
  schools  
  and  
  universities  
  in  
  Switzerland  
  that 
  match my specific requirements?
  The  
  degrees  
  offered  
  by  
  schools  
  and  
  universities  
  the  
  world  
  over  
  may  
  be  
  the  
  same  
  but  
  not 
  all  
  educational  
  approaches  
  to  
  obtain  
  that  
  degree  
  are  
  the  
  same!  
  Each  
  private  
  school  
  or 
  university  
  in  
  Switzerland  
  offers  
  their  
  specific  
  tailored  
  made  
  approach  
  to  
  education.  
  This 
  approach  
  is  
  expressed  
  in  
  the 
  way  
  they  
  adapt  
  their  
  educational  
  curriculum  
  in  
  order  
  to  
  meet 
  their own respective standards of excellence. 
 
 
  An  
  academic  
  degree  
  is  
  a  
  college  
  or  
  university  
  diploma,  
  often  
  associated  
  with  
  a  
  title  
  and 
  sometimes  
  associated  
  with  
  an  
  academic  
  position,  
  which  
  is  
  usually  
  awarded  
  in  
  recognition 
  of  
  the  
  recipient  
  having  
  either  
  satisfactorily  
  completed  
  a  
  prescribed  
  course  
  of  
  study  
  or 
  having  
  conducted  
  a  
  scholarly  
  endeavour  
  deemed  
  worthy  
  of  
  his  
  or  
  her  
  admission  
  to  
  the 
  degree.
  Understanding  
  what  
  degree  
  is  
  right  
  for  
  you  
  can  
  be  
  a  
  daunting  
  task!  
  To  
  this  
  effect  
  SIEPS 
  has   
  made   
  available   
  an   
  exhaustive   
  list   
  of   
  degrees   
  offered   
  by   
  private   
  schools   
  and 
  universities in Switzerland. Browse and learn! 
   
 
 
  An affiliation is not an accreditation process, but merely an association with another entity. 
  The  
  main  
  advantage  
  of  
  affiliation  
  bodies  
  is  
  that  
  they  
  often  
  incorporate  
  an  
  international 
  network  
  of  
  partners,  
  associates,  
  business  
  networks  
  and  
  professionals  
  in  
  various  
  industries 
  and  
  therefore  
  offer  
  interesting  
  opportunities  
  for  
  students  
  to  
  enter  
  the  
  “real  
  world”  
  and  
  the 
  international job market through their affiliates worldwide.
  Affiliation  
  bodies  
  can  
  also  
  include  
  a  
  select  
  and  
  alumni  
  group  
  of  
  dedicated  
  professionals 
  or researchers that have affiliates in your area of interest for further study application.
 
 
  
International Schools
  An    
  international    
  school    
  is    
  a    
  school    
  that    
  promotes    
  international    
  education,    
  in    
  an 
  international    
  environment,    
  either    
  by    
  adopting    
  a    
  curriculum    
  such    
  as    
  that    
  of    
  the 
  International   
  Baccalaureate,   
  Edexcel   
  or   
  Cambridge   
  International   
  Examinations,   
  or   
  by 
  following a national curriculum different from that of the school's country of residence.
  Many  
  career  
  driven  
  parents  
  consider  
  international  
  schools  
  for  
  their  
  children  
  to  
  help  
  ease 
  the  
  transition  
  between  
  institutions  
  when  
  moving  
  country.  
  Others  
  parents  
  wish  
  simply  
  to 
  install in their children a strong sense and understanding on globality from an early age. 
  Studies  
  have  
  shown  
  bi-  
  and  
  multilingual  
  studies  
  increase  
  a  
  child’s  
  mental  
  flexibility  
  and 
  overall  
  play  
  a  
  positive  
  role  
  in  
  their  
  academic  
  success.  
  Not  
  to  
  mention  
  the  
  necessity  
  of  
  a 
  second, or even third language in today’s competitive global arena. 
  Most  
  Swiss  
  children  
  go  
  to  
  state  
  (public)  
  schools.  
  However,  
  there  
  are  
  also  
  more  
  than  
  20  
  bi- 
  or  
  multilingual  
  international  
  schools  
  in  
  Switzerland,  
  some  
  of  
  them  
  private,  
  some  
  under 
  federal  
  control.  
  Most  
  of  
  them  
  offer  
  the  
  International  
  Baccalaureate  
  plus  
  several  
  other 
  programs leading to country- specific university entrance qualifications. 
  As   
  of  
  January   
  2015,   
  the   
  International   
  Schools   
  Consultancy   
  (ISC)   
  listed   
  Switzerland   
  as 
  having  
  105  
  international  
  schools.  
  ISC  
  defines  
  an  
  'international  
  school'  
  in  
  the  
  following 
  terms:
     
  "ISC   
  includes   
  an   
  international   
  school   
  if   
  the   
  school   
  delivers   
  a   
  curriculum   
  to   
  any 
  combination  
  of  
  pre-school,  
  primary  
  or  
  secondary  
  students,  
  wholly  
  or  
  partly  
  in  
  English 
  outside  
  an  
  English-speaking  
  country,  
  or  
  if  
  a  
  school  
  in  
  a  
  country 
  where  
  English  
  is  
  one  
  of  
  the 
  official  
  languages,  
  offers  
  an  
  English-medium  
  curriculum  
  other  
  than  
  the  
  country’s  
  national 
  curriculum  
  and  
  is  
  international  
  in  
  its  
  orientation."  
  This  
  definition  
  is  
  used  
  by  
  publications 
  including The Economist.
   
 
 
  
International Business Schools
  An  
  International  
  Business  
  School  
  is  
  a  
  university-level  
  institution  
  that  
  confers  
  degrees  
  in 
  business  
  administration  
  or  
  management.  
  Such  
  a  
  school  
  can  
  also  
  be  
  known  
  as  
  school  
  of 
  management,  
  school  
  of  
  business,  
  school  
  of  
  business  
  administration,  
  or,  
  colloquially,  
  b-
  school  
  or  
  biz  
  school.  
  An  
  International  
  Business  
  School  
  teaches  
  topics  
  such  
  as  
  accounting, 
  administration,     
  strategy,     
  economics,     
  entrepreneurship,     
  finance,     
  human     
  resource 
  management,     
  information     
  systems,     
  international     
  business,     
  logistics,     
  marketing, 
  organizational   
  psychology,   
  organizational   
  behavior,   
  public   
  relations,   
  research   
  methods 
  and real estate among others.
  In   
  addition   
  to   
  teaching   
  students,   
  many   
  International   
  Business   
  Schools   
  run   
  Executive 
  Education  
  programs.  
  These  
  may  
  be  
  either  
  open  
  programs  
  or  
  company-specific  
  programs. 
  Executives   
  may   
  also   
  acquire   
  a   
  MBA   
  title   
  in   
  an   
  Executive   
  MBA   
  program   
  within   
  an 
  International   
  Business   
  School.   
  Many   
  International   
  Business   
  Schools   
  seek   
  close   
  co-
  operation with companies.
  There  
  are  
  3  
  main  
  accreditation  
  agencies  
  for  
  International  
  Business  
  Schools  
  in  
  the  
  United 
  States.  
  ACBSP,  
  AACSB,  
  and  
  the  
  IACBE.  
  In  
  Europe,  
  the  
  EQUIS  
  accreditation  
  system  
  is  
  run  
  by 
  the EFMD - The Management Development Network.
 
 
  
International Hotel Management Schools
  Hospitality  
  management  
  is  
  the  
  study  
  of  
  the  
  hospitality  
  industry.  
  A  
  degree  
  in  
  the  
  subject 
  may  
  be  
  awarded  
  either  
  by  
  a  
  university  
  college  
  dedicated  
  to  
  the  
  studies  
  of  
  hospitality 
  management  
  or  
  a  
  business  
  school  
  with  
  a  
  relevant  
  department.  
  Degrees  
  in  
  hospitality 
  management    
  may    
  also    
  be    
  referred    
  to    
  as    
  hotel    
  management,    
  hotel    
  and    
  tourism 
  management,  
  or  
  hotel  
  administration.  
  Degrees  
  conferred  
  in  
  this  
  academic  
  field  
  include 
  BA,   
  Bachelor   
  of   
  Business   
  Administration,   
  BS,   
  BASc,   
  MS,   
  MBA,   
  and   
  PhD.   
  Hospitality 
  management   
  covers   
  hotels,   
  restaurants,   
  cruise   
  ships,   
  amusement   
  parks,   
  destination 
  marketing organizations, convention centers, and country clubs.
  In  
  Switzerland,  
  hospitality  
  and  
  tourism  
  management  
  curricula  
  follow  
  similar  
  core  
  subject 
  applications  
  to  
  that  
  of  
  a  
  business  
  degree,  
  but  
  with  
  a  
  focus  
  on  
  hospitality  
  management. 
  Core   
  subject   
  areas   
  include   
  accounting,   
  administration,   
  finance,   
  information   
  systems, 
  marketing,    
  human    
  resource    
  management,    
  public    
  relations,    
  strategy,    
  quantitative 
  methods, and sectoral studies in the various areas of hospitality business.
 
 
  
International Boarding Schools
  A  
  boarding  
  school  
  is  
  a  
  school  
  at  
  which  
  most  
  or  
  all  
  of  
  the  
  students  
  live  
  during  
  the  
  part  
  of 
  the  
  year  
  that  
  they  
  go  
  to  
  lessons.  
  The  
  word  
  'boarding'  
  is  
  used  
  in  
  the  
  sense  
  of  
  "bed  
  and 
  board,"  
  i.e.,  
  lodging  
  and  
  meals.  
  Some  
  boarding  
  schools  
  also  
  have  
  day  
  students 
  who  
  attend 
  the institution by day and return to their families in the evenings.
  Many  
  independent  
  (private)  
  schools  
  are  
  boarding  
  schools.  
  Boarding  
  school  
  pupils  
  (a.k.a. 
  "boarders")  
  normally  
  return  
  home  
  during  
  the  
  school  
  holidays  
  and  
  often  
  weekends,  
  but  
  in 
  some  
  cultures  
  may  
  spend  
  most  
  of  
  their  
  childhood  
  and  
  adolescent  
  life  
  away  
  from  
  their 
  families.   
  In   
  Switzerland,   
  boarding   
  schools   
  comprise   
  various   
  grades,   
  most   
  commonly 
  grades  
  seven  
  or  
  nine  
  through  
  grade  
  twelve—the  
  high  
  school  
  years.  
  Other  
  schools  
  are  
  for 
  younger  
  children,  
  grades  
  two  
  through  
  eight.  
  A  
  military  
  school,  
  or  
  military  
  academy,  
  also 
  features military education and training.
   
  Some   
  Swiss   
  boarding   
  schools   
  offer   
  a   
  post-graduate   
  year   
  of   
  study   
  to   
  help   
  students 
  prepare  
  for  
  college  
  entrance,  
  most  
  commonly  
  to  
  assimilate  
  foreign  
  students  
  to  
  Swiss 
  culture and academics before college.
  The  
  Swiss  
  government  
  developed  
  a  
  strategy  
  of  
  fostering  
  private  
  boarding  
  schools  
  for 
  foreign  
  students  
  as  
  a  
  business  
  integral  
  to  
  the  
  country's  
  economy.  
  Swiss  
  boarding  
  schools 
  offer   
  instruction   
  in   
  several   
  major   
  languages   
  and   
  have   
  a   
  large   
  number   
  of   
  quality 
  educational facilities.
 
 
  
Exams and Diplomas in Switzerland
  International    
  schools    
  offer    
  students    
  either    
  nationally    
  or    
  internationally    
  recognised 
  qualification. 
  The  
  IB  
  and  
  GCE  
  (A  
  Levels)  
  are  
  both  
  internationally  
  recognised  
  and  
  are  
  almost 
  always prerequisites for entry into top universities.
  The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) 
  and GCE (A Levels)
  The  
  IGCSE  
  is  
  a  
  UK-based  
  qualification  
  administered  
  by  
  different  
  exam  
  boards  
  such  
  as 
  EDEXCEL,  
  OCR,  
  AQA,  
  WJEC  
  and  
  CIE.  
  It  
  is  
  equivalent  
  to  
  school  
  years  
  10  
  and  
  11.  
  IGCSE 
  requires  
  students  
  to  
  study  
  and  
  take  
  exams  
  across  
  a  
  range  
  of  
  subjects  
  including  
  Maths, 
  English,  
  Sciences  
  and  
  Humanities.  
  Students  
  who  
  complete  
  IGCSEs  
  have  
  the  
  option  
  of 
  studying  
  for  
  their  
  A  
  Levels  
  (GCE)  
  which  
  are  
  recognised  
  by  
  universities  
  in  
  the  
  UK,  
  North 
  America and Europe.
  The International Baccalaureate diploma (IB)
  The  
  International  
  Baccalaureate  
  originated  
  at  
  the  
  International  
  School  
  of  
  Geneva,  
  and 
  today   
  over   
  1,700   
  schools   
  in   
  over   
  120   
  countries   
  offer   
  this   
  diploma.   
  It   
  is   
  considered 
  equivalent   
  to   
  the   
  British   
  system   
  of  
  A   
  Levels,   
  and   
  caters   
  to   
  students   
  aged   
  16-19.  
  The 
  diploma  
  requires  
  students  
  to  
  study  
  six  
  subjects  
  within  
  two  
  years,  
  as  
  well  
  as  
  additional 
  academic courses in philosophy, creativity and service, and writing a final essay.
 
 
  
Types of International Education
  1.
  INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM
  a.
  International Curriculums, such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or International
  Primary and Middle School Curriculum (IPC, IMYC), is specifically designed to 
  capitalize on global awareness and development. It uses "units of inquiry", or themes, 
  to bridge different disciplines from the same basic topic. There is an emphasis on the 
  learning process rather than on factual repetition. These schools are often strong in 
  creative programs. The international approach emphasizes individual progression, so 
  students work to their ability, which accommodates student differences with 
  flexibility and tries to keep students within their age group.
  b.
  An International Business Curriculum, such as a Bachelor in Business Administration
  (BBA), a Master in Business Administration (MBA) or a Doctor in Business 
  Administration (DBA) prepares the student with the right tools for the international 
  world of business.
  The core courses in an International Business Curriculum cover various areas of 
  business such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and operations in 
  a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy.
  Accreditation bodies specifically for International Business Curriculum programs 
  ensure consistency and quality of education. Business schools in many countries 
  offer programs tailored to full-time, part-time, executive, and distance learning 
  students, many with specialized concentrations.
  c.
  An International Hotel Management Curriculum, Hospitality Management is the 
  study of the hospitality industry. A degree in the subject may be awarded either by a 
  university college dedicated to the studies of hospitality management or a business 
  school with a relevant department.
  Degrees  
  in  
  hospitality  
  management  
  may  
  also  
  be  
  referred  
  to  
  as  
  hotel  
  management, 
  hotel  
  and  
  tourism  
  management,  
  or  
  hotel  
  administration.  
  Degrees  
  conferred  
  in  
  this 
  academic  
  field  
  include  
  BA,  
  Bachelor  
  of  
  Business  
  Administration,  
  BS,  
  MS,  
  MBA,  
  and 
  PhD.
  Hospitality  
  management  
  covers  
  hotels,  
  restaurants,  
  cruise  
  ships,  
  amusement  
  parks, 
  destination marketing organizations, convention centers, and country clubs.
  2.
  NATIONAL CURRICULUM 
  The  
  National  
  Curriculum  
  structure  
  is  
  modeled  
  after  
  your  
  home  
  country.  
  It  
  could  
  help  
  to 
  ease  
  the  
  process  
  of  
  transferring  
  back  
  to  
  your  
  home  
  country,  
  whether  
  it  
  be  
  after  
  a  
  short  
  or 
  a  
  long  
  stay  
  in  
  Switzerland.  
  Insistence  
  on  
  language  
  of  
  instruction  
  proficiency,  
  or  
  a  
  mother 
  tongue  
  connection  
  to  
  the  
  language  
  in  
  the  
  family, 
  will  
  often  
  distinguish  
  national  
  curriculum 
  schools.   
  Nevertheless,   
  the   
  experience  
  will   
  be   
  adapted   
  to   
  accommodate   
  the   
  multiple 
  nationalities in the student body.
  Schools  
  with  
  a  
  national  
  curriculum  
  are  
  often  
  more  
  open  
  to  
  the  
  local  
  culture,  
  introducing 
  daily  
  instruction  
  in  
  the  
  local  
  language  
  in  
  parallel  
  to  
  the  
  home  
  country  
  program.  
  Students 
  in   
  these   
  programs   
  therefore   
  take   
  on   
  extra   
  academic   
  loads,   
  in   
  addition   
  to   
  their   
  core 
  program at home, that help them bridge to the local environment.
  Institutions  
  which   
  provide   
  national   
  curriculums,   
  often   
  place   
  some   
  emphasis   
  on   
  Swiss 
  integration  
  for  
  their  
  students.  
  Meaning  
  that,  
  they  
  provide  
  your  
  home  
  country  
  program 
  while   
  in   
  parallel   
  introducing   
  daily   
  instruction   
  in   
  the   
  local   
  language.   
  While   
  these 
  curriculums  
  are  
  academically  
  heavier  
  for  
  students,  
  they  
  also  
  help  
  bridge  
  their  
  integration 
  to the local environment.  
  3.
  BILINGUAL CURRICULUM
  The  
  interest  
  in  
  fully  
  bilingual  
  curriculums  
  has  
  considerably  
  increased  
  over  
  recent  
  years. 
  Studies  
  which  
  attest  
  to  
  the  
  positive  
  impact  
  bilingual  
  studies  
  have  
  on  
  a  
  student’s  
  ability  
  to 
  learn  
  and  
  assimilate  
  information  
  more  
  easily  
  are  
  at  
  the  
  forefront  
  of  
  these  
  developing 
  curriculums. 
  The  
  younger  
  the  
  student,  
  the  
  easier  
  it  
  is  
  to  
  adapt  
  to  
  a  
  bilingual  
  curriculum.  
  However,  
  the 
  bilingual  
  approach  
  to  
  learning  
  is  
  available  
  to  
  students  
  of  
  all  
  ages.  
  With  
  the  
  right  
  initial 
  dedication  
  while  
  the  
  student  
  acquires  
  the  
  basics  
  of  
  a  
  new  
  language,  
  anyone  
  can  
  fully 
  adapt to these pioneering curriculums; the benefits of which far outweigh the extra work. 
 
 
  
An environment for success
  With  
  its  
  4  
  official  
  languages,  
  landscapes  
  of  
  immense  
  beauty, 
  varied  
  climates  
  and  
  cultures, 
  and  
  a  
  harmonious  
  political  
  environment,  
  for  
  sure  
  make  
  Switzerland  
  a  
  great  
  place  
  to  
  visit, 
  but they also make it an even better place to study!
  For  
  over  
  a  
  century,  
  Swiss  
  private  
  schools  
  -  
  offering  
  individualized,  
  innovative  
  and  
  high-
  standard   
  educational   
  opportunities   
  -   
  have   
  been   
  one   
  of   
  the   
  top-quality   
  products   
  of 
  Switzerland.
  Switzerland   
  is   
  part   
  of   
  the   
  global   
  community   
  and   
  maintains   
  a   
  worldwide   
  network   
  of 
  cooperations and partnerships in education and science.
  Switzerland   
  boasts   
  both   
  the   
  highest   
  number   
  of   
  registered   
  patents   
  in   
  all   
  European 
  countries and one of the highest numbers of Nobel Prizes pro capita in the world.
  Switzerland  
  ranks  
  among  
  the  
  world’s  
  15  
  largest  
  economies  
  and  
  hosts  
  20  
  Fortune  
  500 
  companies.
 
 
  
Educational Rankings
  In  
  1995  
  Switzerland  
  took  
  part  
  in  
  the  
  Trends  
  in  
  International  
  Mathematics  
  and  
  Science 
  Study  
  (TIMSS)  
  assessment.  
  TIMSS  
  is  
  an  
  international  
  assessment  
  of  
  the  
  mathematics  
  and 
  science   
  knowledge   
  of   
  fourth-   
  and   
  eighth-grade   
  students   
  around   
  the   
  world.   
  It   
  was 
  developed  
  by  
  the  
  International  
  Association  
  for  
  the  
  Evaluation  
  of  
  Educational  
  Achievement 
  (IEA)  
  to  
  allow  
  participating  
  nations  
  to  
  compare  
  students'  
  educational  
  achievement  
  across 
  borders.  
  In  
  1995,  
  Switzerland  
  was  
  one  
  of  
  forty-one  
  nations  
  that  
  participated  
  in  
  the  
  study. 
  They  
  did  
  not  
  participate  
  in  
  later  
  studies.  
  Among  
  8th  
  graders,  
  Switzerland  
  ranked  
  15th 
  overall, 8th in math and 25th in science.
  A  
  National  
  Center  
  for  
  Education  
  Statistics  
  (NCES)  
  study  
  that  
  used  
  the  
  TIMSS  
  assessment 
  among   
  12th   
  graders   
  found   
  similar   
  results.   
  The   
  Swiss   
  students   
  were   
  in   
  their   
  upper 
  secondary  
  education  
  and  
  were  
  attending  
  either  
  a  
  gymnasium,  
  general  
  education,  
  teacher 
  training  
  or  
  advanced  
  vocation  
  training.  
  In  
  math,  
  the  
  Swiss  
  scored  
  a  
  540  
  (the  
  average  
  score 
  was  
  500),  
  and  
  were  
  3rd  
  out  
  of  
  21.  
  Their  
  science  
  score  
  was  
  523,  
  which  
  was  
  8th  
  out  
  of  
  21.  
  In 
  physics,  
  they  
  scored  
  488  
  (the  
  average  
  was  
  501)  
  and  
  were  
  tied  
  for  
  9th  
  place  
  out  
  of  
  16.  
  The 
  advanced mathematics score was 533 which was 3rd out of 16.
  The    
  World    
  Economic    
  Forum's    
  Global    
  Competitiveness    
  Report    
  for    
  2010-11    
  ranked 
  Switzerland  
  as  
  first  
  overall.  
  Under  
  the  
  fifth  
  pillar  
  of  
  the  
  report,  
  Higher  
  education  
  and 
  training,  
  the  
  Swiss  
  had  
  a  
  score  
  of  
  5.79,  
  which  
  is  
  the  
  fourth  
  highest  
  among  
  all  
  the  
  countries 
  surveyed.
 
 
  
   Accreditation Agencies
  EDUCATIONAL ACCREDITATION.
  is  
  a  
  type  
  of  
  quality  
  assurance  
  process  
  under 
  which  
  services  
  and  
  operations  
  of  
  educational 
  institutions  
  or  
  programs  
  are  
  evaluated  
  by  
  an  
  external  
  body  
  to  
  determine  
  if  
  applicable 
  standards are met. If standards are met, accredited status is granted by the agency.
  In  
  most  
  countries  
  in  
  the 
  world,  
  the  
  function  
  of  
  educational  
  accreditation  
  is  
  conducted  
  by  
  a 
  government  
  organization,  
  such  
  as  
  a  
  ministry  
  of  
  education.  
  In  
  the  
  United  
  States,  
  however,  
  a 
  quality  
  assurance  
  process  
  exists  
  that  
  is  
  independent  
  of  
  government  
  and  
  performed  
  by 
  private  
  membership  
  associations.  
  The  
  U.S.  
  accreditation  
  process  
  developed  
  in  
  the  
  late 
  19th  
  century  
  and  
  early  
  20th  
  century  
  after  
  educational  
  institutions  
  perceived  
  a  
  need  
  for 
  improved    
  coordination    
  and    
  articulation    
  between    
  secondary    
  and    
  post-secondary 
  educational   
  institutions,   
  along  
  with   
  standardization   
  of   
  requirements   
  between   
  the   
  two 
  levels.
  Question: 
  Is accreditation necessary?
  Accreditation  
  is  
  a  
  status  
  granted  
  by  
  organizations  
  which  
  have  
  been  
  authorized  
  by 
  state  
  authorities  
  to  
  do  
  so. 
  Accreditation  
  is  
  a  
  highly  
  prized  
  designation 
  which  
  has  
  to  
  be 
  earned  
  by  
  the  
  accredited  
  schools.  
  Accreditation  
  is  
  your  
  guarantee  
  that  
  a  
  school  
  has 
  met certain minimum standards during a thorough review by a body of its peers.
  Answer:    
  Accreditation    
  implies    
  approval    
  of    
  a    
  school's    
  programs    
  and    
  their 
  implementation.   
  It   
  implies   
  ongoing   
  development   
  and   
  adherence   
  to   
  established 
  standards.   
  It   
  demonstrates   
  to   
  present   
  and   
  future   
  clientele   
  that   
  the   
  institution   
  is 
  serious  
  about  
  its  
  mission.  
  It 
  validates  
  a  
  school's  
  hard 
  work  
  and  
  progress  
  in  
  a 
  variety  
  of 
  important  
  areas.  
  Parents  
  should  
  ask  
  if  
  a  
  school  
  is  
  accredited  
  as  
  it  
  indicates  
  thatthe 
  school has undergone a rigorous program of peer review. 
  APPROVAL
  Approval  
  is  
  not  
  granted  
  just  
  because  
  a  
  school  
  applies  
  for  
  accreditation  
  and  
  pays  
  a  
  fee.  
   
  Look  
  at  
  the  
  process  
  by  
  which  
  hundreds  
  of  
  private  
  schools  
  have  
  achieved  
  accreditation  
  in 
  NEASC.   
  The   
  oldest   
  of   
  the   
  six   
  regional   
  accrediting   
  associations,   
  the   
  New   
  England   
   
  Association   
  of   
  Schools   
  and   
  Colleges  
  was   
  founded   
  in   
  1885.   
  It   
  now   
  claims   
  some   
  1,848   
   
  schools  
  and  
  colleges  
  in  
  New  
  England  
  as  
  accredited  
  members.  
  In  
  addition  
  it  
  has  
  over  
  92  
   
  overseas  
  schools  
  which  
  have  
  met  
  its  
  criteria.  
  The  
  Middle  
  States  
  Association  
  of  
  Colleges  
   
  and   
  Schools   
  lists   
  similar   
  standards   
  for   
  its   
  member   
  institutions.   
  These   
  are   
  serious,   
   
  exhaustive evaluations of schools, their programs and their facilities.  
  SCHOOLS MUST MAINTAIN ACCREDITATION
  Accreditation   
  is   
  not   
  permanent.   
  It   
  must   
  be   
  maintained.  
  A   
  school   
  has   
  to   
  demonstrate   
   
  during  
  a  
  regular  
  review  
  process  
  that  
  it  
  has  
  developed  
  and  
  grown,  
  not  
  just  
  maintained  
    
  the 
  status  
  quo.  
  The  
  Obligations  
  of  
  Affiliation,  
  for  
  instance,  
  of  
  the  
  North  
  Central  
    
  Association  
  of 
  Schools  
  and  
  Colleges  
  specifically  
  states  
  that  
  a  
  member  
  school  
  must  
    
  undergo  
  review  
  not 
  later  
  than  
  five  
  years  
  after  
  original  
  accreditation  
  was  
  granted,  
  and  
    
  not  
  later  
  than  
  ten  
  years 
  after each satisfactory review.
  STANDARDS
  The  
  word  
  “standards”  
  has  
  been  
  used  
  seven  
  times  
  so  
  far.  
  But  
  that's  
  what  
  accreditation  
  is  
   
  all   
  about:   
  standards,   
  high   
  standards,   
  uniform   
  standards.   
  Standards   
  are   
  important   
  to   
   
  parents who are investing in their child's future.
  The  
  question  
  every  
  parent  
  is  
  silently  
    
  asking  
  is  
  a  
  simple  
  "Is  
  it  
  worth  
  it?"  
  High  
  standards 
  reassure them that it is indeed worth it.
 
 
  
   Affiliation Bodies and Recognition
  Many  
  schools  
  will  
  advertise  
  their  
  recognition  
  by  
  an  
  affiliation  
  with  
  Swiss  
  or  
  international 
  organisations,  
  mainly  
  in  
  the  
  United  
  Kingdom  
  and  
  the  
  United  
  States.  
  This  
  can  
  be  
  confusing 
  for  
  a  
  student  
  in  
  search  
  of  
  the  
  best  
  possible  
  school  
  and  
  more  
  precise  
  information  
  on  
  this 
  should be requested.
  An  
  affiliation  
  is  
  not  
  an  
  accreditation  
  recognition!
    
  Accreditation  
  is  
  not  
  affiliation!  
  Some 
  affiliation   
  bodies   
  are   
  accredited   
  but   
  an   
  affiliation   
  body   
  cannot   
  accredit   
  a   
  school   
  or 
  university!  
  This  
  confusing  
  but  
  important  
  difference  
  is  
  widely  
  abused  
  in  
  the  
  educational 
  industry worldwide and must be interpreted with the most acute attention.
  The  
  affiliations 
  with  
  organisations  
  and  
  other  
  schools  
  abroad  
  can  
  be 
  very  
  beneficial  
  as  
  they 
  may  
  enable  
  a  
  student  
  to  
  transfer  
  to  
  other  
  schools  
  without  
  loosing  
  any  
  credits.  
  Academic 
  recognition  
  and  
  acceptance  
  in  
  prestigious  
  universities  
  also  
  proves  
  excellence  
  in  
  teaching 
  and in the program of the school in question.
  Generally,  
  the  
  Swiss  
  Federal  
  authorities  
  (the  
  central  
  government)  
  do  
  not  
  "recognise"  
  any 
  private  
  school,  
  as  
  education  
  is  
  the  
  prerogative  
  of  
  the  
  Canton.  
  Therefore,  
  local  
  authorities 
  (cantonal   
  level),   
  ensuring   
  that   
  certain   
  standards   
  of   
  quality   
  are   
  respected,   
  may   
  grant 
  certain  
  forms  
  of  
  recognition  
  to  
  the  
  schools. 
  As  
  all  
  commercial  
  enterprises  
  in  
  Switzerland,  
  a 
  school  
  also  
  has  
  to  
  be  
  registered  
  in  
  the  
  commercial  
  registers  
  of  
  the  
  Canton.  
  This  
  is  
  not, 
  however,  
  an  
  official  
  recognition  
  of  
  the  
  school,  
  Remarks  
  such  
  as  
  "School  
  recognised”  
  or 
  “accredited  
  by  
  the  
  Swiss  
  Government  
  or  
  authorities"  
  are  
  thus  
  sometimes  
  misleading.  
  In 
  such a case, one should exert caution with that school.
  Likewise,  
  the  
  mentioning  
  "Swiss”  
  in  
  the  
  name  
  of  
  some  
  schools,  
  as  
  well  
  as  
  the  
  use  
  of  
  the 
  Swiss  
  cross  
  in  
  the  
  school's  
  logo  
  refer  
  strictly  
  to  
  the  
  geographical  
  location  
  of  
  the  
  school 
  and   
  has   
  no   
  association   
  whatsoever   
  with   
  an   
  official   
  recognition   
  of   
  that   
  school   
  or   
  its 
  diploma.
 
 
  
Alumni Association
  An 
  Alumni 
  Association
    
  is  
  an  
  association  
  of  
  graduates  
  or,  
  more  
  broadly,  
  of  
  former  
  students 
  (alumni).  
  In  
  the  
  United  
  Kingdom  
  and  
  the  
  United  
  States,  
  alumni  
  of  
  universities,  
  colleges, 
  schools  
  (especially  
  independent  
  schools),  
  fraternities,  
  and  
  sororities  
  often  
  form  
  groups 
  with alumni from the same organization.
  Alumni  
  associations  
  often  
  organise  
  social  
  events,  
  publish  
  newsletters  
  or  
  magazines,  
  and 
  raise  
  funds  
  for  
  the  
  organisation.  
  Many  
  provide  
  a  
  variety  
  of  
  benefits  
  and  
  services  
  that  
  help 
  alumni  
  maintain  
  connections  
  to  
  their  
  educational  
  institution  
  and  
  fellow  
  graduates.  
  In  
  the 
  US,  
  most  
  associations  
  do  
  not  
  require  
  its  
  members  
  to  
  be  
  an  
  alumnus  
  of  
  a  
  university  
  to 
  enjoy membership and privileges.
  Additionally,  
  such  
  groups  
  often  
  support  
  new  
  alumni,  
  and  
  provide  
  a  
  forum  
  to  
  form  
  new 
  friendships and business relationships with people of similar background.
  Alumni    
  associations    
  are    
  mainly    
  organised    
  around    
  universities    
  or    
  departments    
  of 
  universities,  
  but  
  may  
  also  
  be  
  organised  
  among  
  students  
  that  
  studied  
  in  
  a  
  certain  
  country. 
  In  
  the  
  past,  
  they  
  were  
  often  
  considered  
  to  
  be  
  the  
  university's  
  or  
  school's  
  old  
  boy  
  society 
  (or  
  old  
  boys  
  network).  
  Today,  
  alumni  
  associations  
  involve  
  graduates  
  of  
  all  
  age  
  groups  
  and 
  demographics.
  Some   
  alumni   
  associations   
  also   
  run   
  placement   
  services   
  for   
  students   
  who   
  have   
  just 
  graduated. This could be an important factor to finding your first job opportunity.
 
 
  
English language requirement to study in Switzerland
  The   
  English   
  language   
  requirement   
  to   
  Study   
  in   
  Switzerland   
  varies   
  between   
  different 
  programs  
  and  
  educational  
  institutions.  
  As  
  a  
  general  
  guide  
  line,  
  if  
  English  
  is  
  not  
  a  
  mother 
  tongue, schools require a minimum of: 
  •
  550 points (paper based TOEFL test)
  •
  213 points (computer-based TOEFL test)
  •
  80 points (internet-based TOEFL test) 
  •
  5.5 to 6.5 IELTS score
  These  
  test  
  scores  
  are  
  used  
  to  
  demonstrate  
  an  
  English  
  B1  
  /  
  B2  
  level  
  to  
  the  
  educational 
  institution you are interested in joining. 
  Should  
  your  
  test  
  results  
  not  
  meet  
  these  
  requirements,  
  it  
  is  
  prudent  
  to  
  contact  
  the  
  school 
  of   
  interest   
  before   
  deciding   
  to   
  not   
  apply.   
  Private   
  institutions   
  are   
  often   
  flexible   
  with 
  language   
  requirement   
  in   
  that   
  they   
  either   
  offer   
  you   
  an   
  opportunity   
  to   
  improve   
  your 
  language  
  skills  
  during  
  the  
  course  
  of  
  your  
  studies  
  or  
  provide  
  integrated  
  language  
  courses 
  for their students before entering the main program. 
 
 
  
How to apply for university studies in Switzerland
  The   
  first   
  step   
  after   
  having   
  identified   
  a   
  University   
  in   
  Switzerland,   
  is   
  submitting   
  your 
  application  
  form.  
  The  
  University  
  of  
  choice  
  will  
  cross  
  reference  
  your  
  application  
  against 
  their  
  entrance  
  requirements  
  to  
  see  
  whether  
  you  
  are  
  eligible  
  for  
  the  
  course  
  you  
  wish  
  to 
  peruse. An application made from a foreign student general consists of: 
  1
  .
  The  
  filled-in  
  application
    
  form  
  for  
  the  
  selected  
  study  
  program  
  or  
  course.  
  Most  
  schools 
  in Switzerland have online application systems.
  2
  .
  A recent passport-sized photo
  .
  3
  .
  A notarized copy of your foreign certificates
  .
  For  
  students  
  applying  
  for  
  undergraduate  
  (first  
  cycle)  
  courses,  
  a  
  notarized  
  copy  
  of  
  your 
  school leaving certificate is required.
  For   
  students   
  applying   
  for   
  graduate   
  (second   
  cycle)   
  courses,   
  a   
  notarized   
  copy   
  of  
  your 
  bachelor’s degree is required.
  For  
  students  
  applying  
  for  
  postgraduate  
  (third  
  cycle)  
  courses,  
  a  
  notarized  
  copy  
  of  
  your 
  master’s diploma is required.
 
 
 
  Administration Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Travel Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Useful Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Chemin des Bruyères 5 
  •
   CH-1007 Lausanne 
  • 
  Switzerland
  Tel: +41 (0) 21 616 00 11 
  • 
   
  • 
  Email: 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
Finding a suitable Private School or University in Switzerland
  For  
  international  
  students  
  finding  
  a  
  suitable  
  private  
  school  
  or  
  university  
  in  
  Switzerland  
  can 
  be  
  a  
  very  
  time  
  consuming  
  process.  
  Furthermore,  
  the  
  amount  
  of  
  degrees,  
  educational 
  programs,  
  diplomas,  
  entrance  
  requirements,  
  language  
  requirements,  
  accreditation  
  and 
  affiliation agencies, and what they all mean to you can be overwhelming! 
  THE ANSWER: SIEPS!
  SIEPS  
  recommends  
  educational  
  programs  
  of  
  only  
  those  
  private  
  educational  
  institutions 
  which  
  SIEPS  
  has  
  visited  
  and  
  with  
  which  
  SIEPS  
  has  
  drawn  
  up  
  a  
  collaboration  
  agreement 
  that  
  guarantees  
  transparency  
  with  
  regard  
  to  
  faculty  
  members,  
  class  
  size,  
  nationality  
  mix, 
  grading  
  system,  
  class  
  attendance,  
  recreational  
  activities  
  and  
  boarding  
  house  
  facilities  
  to 
  mention only a few examples.
 
 
  
International High Schools
  A  
  Secondary  
  School  
  or  
  a  
  High  
  School  
  is  
  both  
  an  
  organisation  
  that  
  delivers  
  level  
  2  
  junior 
  secondary  
  education  
  or  
  level  
  3  
  (Upper)  
  secondary  
  education  
  phases  
  of  
  the  
  ISCED  
  scale, 
  and  
  the  
  building  
  where  
  this  
  takes  
  place.  
  Level  
  2  
  junior  
  secondary  
  education  
  is  
  considered 
  to  
  be  
  the  
  second  
  and  
  final  
  phase  
  of  
  basic  
  education.  
  Secondary  
  schools  
  typically  
  follow 
  on  
  from  
  primary  
  schools  
  and  
  lead  
  into  
  vocational  
  and  
  tertiary  
  education.  
  Attendance  
  is 
  compulsory  
  in  
  most  
  countries  
  for  
  students  
  between  
  the  
  ages  
  11  
  and  
  16.  
  The  
  systems  
  and 
  terminology remain unique to each country.
 
 
  
International Junior Schools
  A  
  Junior  
  School  
  is  
  a  
  type  
  of  
  school  
  which  
  provides  
  primary  
  education  
  to  
  children,  
  often  
  in 
  the  
  age  
  range  
  from  
  8  
  and  
  12,  
  following  
  attendance  
  at  
  Infant  
  school  
  which  
  covers  
  the  
  age 
  range 5-7. 
  As  
  both  
  Infant  
  and  
  Junior  
  Schools  
  are  
  giving  
  Primary  
  Education  
  pupils  
  are  
  commonly 
  placed  
  in  
  a  
  unified  
  building  
  housing  
  the  
  age  
  ranges  
  of  
  both  
  Infants  
  and 
  Juniors  
  -  
  a  
  Primary 
  school.
 
 
  
Where to start? - The SIEPS Educational Database
 
 
  
By Reputation
 
 
  
By Accreditation
 
 
  
By Educational Program
 
 
  
By Degree
 
 
  
By Affiliation