Education in Switzerland

The Confederation and the Cantons shall, within the scope of their powers, jointly ensure the high quality and accessibility of the Swiss Education Area. (Art. 61a of the Swiss Federal Constitution, Cst.).

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI deals with various files concerning grants. Part of SERI’s remit includes the provision of federal subsidies to the cantons for grants and student loans to Swiss students. SERI also coordinates and funds the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists for foreign students wishing to study at a Swiss university or conservatory. Finally, SERI is responsible for awarding scholarships for postgraduate studies at the European University Institute in Florence and the College of Europe Bruges and Natolin campuses

The Swiss system of vocational and professional education and training (VPET system) not only prepares young people for entry into the labour market, it also paves the way for the next generation of skilled workers and managers. Training is closely correlated with the needs of the labour market and formally anchored within the education system at both upper-secondary and tertiary level. Moreover, there are many different continuing education and training courses to sustain lifelong learning. These courses enable adults to gain new skills and reorient their careers if desired.

Switzerland offers a wide and varied range of higher education programmes.