Enrolling your child in an international school in Switzerland

The main programs

The choice of school program depends on your family plan: length of stay, planned return to your country of origin, continuation of university studies. Each program has its specificities and international recognition.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most widespread and flexible program: recognized by universities around the world, it is available from PYP (Primary Years Program, 3-12 years) to MYP (Middle Years Program, 11-16 years) and the Diploma Program (16-19 years). The British curriculum leads to GCSEs and then to A-Levels. The French program, approved by the AEFE, allows reintegration without examination into the French system. The American program offers the High School Diploma and AP courses.

The admission process

Most international schools have a selective admissions process which includes several stages: submission of the application file online, transmission of school report cards translated into English, assessment tests in English and mathematics, interview with the family and sometimes the child.

Places are limited and waiting lists are common, especially in renowned schools in the Lake Geneva region. Start the process 6 to 12 months before the desired start of the school year. Some schools like Ecolint or Collège du Léman have waiting lists of 1 to 2 years for certain levels.

• • Online file submission (form + documents)
• • School report cards from the last 2-3 years (translated into English)
• • Assessment tests: English, mathematics, sometimes logic
• • Interview with family and/or child
• • Letter of recommendation from current school
• • Non-refundable application fee (CHF 500 to 2,000)

Tuition fees

Tuition fees for international schools in Switzerland are among the highest in the world. They vary considerably by school, program and grade level. In addition to these costs, there are significant additional costs that must be budgeted for from the start.

Some international employers cover all or part of the tuition fees as part of the expatriation package. Check this possibility with your HR department before committing.

The best schools by region

Switzerland concentrates its international schools mainly around two poles: the Lake Geneva region (Geneva-Lausanne) and the Zurich region. Other cities also have great options.

Lake Geneva region: Ecolint (International School of Geneva, the oldest international school in the world, founded in 1924), Collège du Léman, La Châtaigneraie, Institut Le Rosey, Lycée français de Genève. Zurich region: Zurich International School (ZIS), Inter-Community School (ICS), Swiss International School (SIS). Basel: International School Basel. Bern: International School of Bern.

International school vs Swiss public school

The Swiss public system is of very high quality and free. It is particularly relevant if you are planning a long stay in Switzerland and want complete integration of your child. Teaching is provided in the language of the canton (French, German or Italian) and allophone children benefit from free language support courses.

The international school is especially relevant in three cases: short to medium-term stay (less than 5 years), desire for education in English, need to pursue a specific national program (French, British, American) to facilitate a return to the country of origin.