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INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universität/Université/Università (University)
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH)/Ecole
Polytechnique Fédérale (EPF) (Federal Institute of Technology (FIT))
Fachhochschule/Haute Ecole spécialisée (University of
Applied Sciences)
Pädagogische Hochschule/Haute Ecole pédagogique
(School for Teacher Education)
Höhere Fachschulen/Ecole Professionnelle supérieure
(Advanced Vocational College)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Maturitätszeugnis/Certificat de Maturité
Berufsmaturität/Maturité professionnelle/Maturità
professionale
Fachmittelschulausweis/Certificat d'école de culture
générale, Fachmaturitätszeugnis/Certificat de maturité spécialisée
Fähigkeitzeugnis/Certificat de capacité/Attesto di
capacità
Bachelor
Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplôme de haute école spécialisée
Lehrdiplom für die Sekundarstufe I/ Diplôme d'aptitude
à l'enseignement secondaire I
Primarlehrer-Diplom/Certificat d'Aptitude à l'Enseignement
Primaire
Diplom/Diplôme or Lizentiat/Licence
Eidgenössisches Diplom/Diplôme Fédéral
Lehrdiplom für die Sekundarstufe II/ Diplôme
d'aptitude à l'enseignement secondaire II
Master
Master of Advanced Studies
Doctorat/Doktorat
Diplôme de Spécialité
Habilitation
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 7
Age of exit: 15
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of school providing this education:
Primary
school (Primarschule)
Age level from: 7
Lower Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Lower
secondary school/Sekundarschule (Secondary I)
to: 15
Certificate/diploma awarded: In some cantons "lower
secondary shool leaving certificate"
Academic Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Academic
upper secondary school/Maturitätsschule (Secondary II)
Age level from: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Maturitaetszeugnis/Certificat de
Maturité/Baccalauréat/Attestato di Maturità/Matura
Vocational Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Vocational
matura schoo/Berufsmaturitätsschule (Secondary II)
Age level from: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: Professional Baccalaureate
Vocational Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Vocational
school/Berufsfachschule (Secondary II)
Age level from: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: After 2
years: Eidgenössisches Berufsattest/Attestation fédérale de formation
professionnelle/Certificato federale di formazione practica. After 3-4 years:
Fähigkeitszeugnis/Certificat de Capacité/Attesto di Capacità/Federal
Certificate of Competence
School education:
Compulsory education lasts for nine years and consists
of primary and lower secondary education (secondary I). Primary education lasts
from four to six years depending on the Canton. Lower secondary education lasts
from three to five years depending on the Canton. Upper secondary education
(secondary II) is not compulsory and varies in length from three to four years.
There are two main types of upper secondary schools: academic schools
(Maturitätsschulen) and vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen). Academic upper
secondary schools prepare students for entry to Universities and Teacher
Training Schools; vocational secondary schools prepare students for a wide
range of occupations and Higher Vocational Schools (Höhere Fachschulen) as well
as Universities of Applied Sciences (if combined with the Professional
Baccalaureate) .
Higher education:
In Switzerland, the higher education system at
University-level consists of ten cantonal Universities, two federal Institutes
of Technology and seven Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), as
well as the recently founded Schools for Teacher Education and many Advanced
Vocational Colleges. Private universities only offer postgraduate studies.
There is no numerus clausus for subjects studied at University, except for
Medicine at the German-speaking Universities. Studies in Medicine, Dentistry,
Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemistry and Surveying must follow national
requirements and are regulated by the Federal Government.Since the transfer of
Advanced Vocational College, HTL (technology), HWV (economics) and HFG
(design), etc. to Universities of Applied Sciences, Switzerland has a dual
university system with two types of university : Universities and Universities
of Applied Sciences including Schools for Teacher Education, UAS Schools of Art
and Design, UAS Schools of Music and UAS Schools of Theatre. Studies at the
Universities of Applied Sciences last for 3 to 4 years and are related to the
specific profession and its environment. The Swiss Universities and
Universities of Applied Sciences are introducing graduate study courses based
on the Bologna Model. Some Universities have already changed their system, but
others are still in the process of doing
so. The implementation of the Bologna Reform is coordinated by the Rectors'
Conference of the Swiss Universities and the list of the converted courses is
available on its website (www.crus.ch). As for the Universities of Applied
Science, the conversion is coordinated by the Conference of the Universities of
Applied Sciences (www.kfh.ch) and must be implemented as from the academic year
2005/06. The former one-stage system
will continue to exist until 2010 at the latest or disappear as soon as
all the Swiss universities and Universities of Applied Sciences use the new
system.
Main laws/decrees governing higher
education:
Decree: Bundesgesetz über die
Berufsbildung vom 13 Dezember Year: 2002
Concerns: All profesional training
Decree: Bundesgesetz über die
Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschulen (ETH-Gesetz)
Year: 1991
Concerns: The two Federal Institutes of Technology in Zürich and
Lausanne
Decree: Bundesgesetz über die
Fachhochschulen (Fachhochschulgesetz, FHSG) Year: 1995
Concerns: Universities of Applied Sciences
Decree: Bundesgesetz über die
Förderung der Universitäten und über die Zusammenarbeit im Hochschulbereich
(Universitätsförderungsgesetz, UFG) Year: 1999
Concerns: Universitäre Hochschulen, providing for their
coordination
Decree: Richtlinien für die
koordinierte Erneuerung der Lehre an den universitären Hochschulen der Schweiz
im Rahmen des Bologna-Prozesses (Bologna-Richtlinien)
Year: 2003
Concerns: Canton and Federal Universities
Decree: Richtlinien für die Umsetzung
der Erklärung von Bologna an den Fachhochschulen und den Pädagogischen
Hochschulen Year: 2004
Concerns: Universities of Applied
Sciences and Schools for Teacher Education
Academic year:
Classes from: Oct to: Jul
Languages of instruction: French,
German, Italian
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Professional people extend their general education,
upgrade their professional skills and/or qualify in organization and leadership
which are necessary for a career at Advanced Vocational Colleges. Studies last
for two to three years and lead to a final diploma. Under the new law on
professional training, the Federal Administration is now responsible for the
areas of Health, Social Studies and Arts. New minimum requirements are being
elaborated for the recognition of educational courses and post-graduate studies
at the Universities of Applied Sciences. Some of the Advanced Vocational
Colleges are being converted into Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) but
studies leading to professional diplomas will still be carried out at Advanced
Vocational Colleges. The transfer began in 1997/1998 together with a quality
improvement process.
University level studies:
University level first stage: Basic
studies/Diploma studies/Bachelor studies:
Universities:
The first period of long-cycle study is essentially devoted to broadly-based
studies. It takes 2 to 6 semesters and generally ends with intermediate examinations
called Vordiplomprüfungen, Akzessprüfungen, Demi-licence or Propädeutika
(medicine), depending on the subject and the university. Universities of
Applied Sciences: Undergraduate studies last from 6 to 8 semesters and
culminate in the award of a Diploma. Leading to a Bachelor's degree, the first
stage provides fundamental academic education and teaches methodical academic
thinking. At the Universities of Applied Sciences, the Bachelor courses also
focus on profession and practice. The Bachelor's degree is the pre-condition
for going on to study for a Master degree. The Bachelor's degree also enables
the graduate to enter a profession.
University level second stage: Main
studies/Master studies:
The second period (main studies) is devoted to in-depth study, often with some specializations. After a further 4 semesters, a Lizentiat/Licence is conferred in Arts, Law and Science. A further 5 semesters are required for the Diploma/Diplôme in Engineering. In Medicine, a total of 10 semesters is required, whereas in Dentistry, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine, a total of 12 to 12 semesters is needed. An online Doctor in Nursing program can also lead to a Master degree, the second stage deepens and/or broadens knowledge of a subject and should include some research. The conditions for admission to Master studies must still be clarified.
University level third stage: Postgraduate
studies:
Shorter
postgraduate courses leading to the award of a Certificate or a Diploma are
offered by Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. They are usually
part-time courses and have a vocational orientation. Meanwhile, some
Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences are also offering further
training via advanced Master programmes (at least 60 credits) to be known as
MAS (Master of Advanced Studies). The Doctorate in Switzerland is regarded as a
stage of postgraduate education. It is awarded by the 10 cantonal universities
and the two Federal Institutes of Technology in areas of study such as Arts,
Education, Science, Engineering, Theology, Law, Economics, and Medicine. The
duration of study varies. In Science, the Doctorate may take a further two to
five years and in Engineering between two and four years. In Law, Economics and
Social Sciences, it may take from one to three years in the German-speaking institutions
and up to four years in the French. The defence of the Doctoral thesis
(Doktorpruefung/Examen de Doctorat) may be viva voce or candidates may have to
sit for an oral and a written examination or have to pass two written
examinations and three oral examinations in the chosen major and minor
subjects.
University level fourth stage: Medical
specialization, Professorship qualification (Habilitation):
Doctors in Medicine and Dentistry (in the field of
Orthodontics) wishing to specialize may prepare a Diplôme de spécialité after
practical work lasting between five and seven years as assistant Physicians.
Doctors in Medicine add FMH (Foederatio Medicorum Helveticorum) after their
professional title. Doctors in Dentistry are given the title Kieferorthopäde
SSO/Spécialiste SSO orthodentie after four years' postdoctoral study and an
examination. These specializations are currently being revised. The
Habilitation is the highest academic Degree and is only awarded in German-speaking universities in
main fields. After submitting a thesis (Habilitationsschrift), candidates must
give a public lecture. The Habilitation qualifies for a Professorship.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and
primary/basic school teachers
Situation
in September 2005: The training of
pre-primary/basic school teachers is carried out in 16 Schools for
Teacher Education (Universities of Applied Sciences) except in one canton where
they are trained at the University. The Schools for Teacher Education and the
University offer the following degree
courses:- Lehrerin/Lehrer für die Vorschulstufe/Enseignant/Enseignante du degré
préscolaire (pre-school teachers): Teaching legitimacy for pre-school only.-
Lehrerin/Lehrer für die Vorschulstufe und die
Primarstufe/Enseignant/Enseignante des degrés préscolaire et primaire
(pre-school and primary school teachers): Teaching legitimacy from pre-school
education up to the 2nd, 5th or 6th primary classes.- Lehrerin/Lehrer für die
Primarstufe/Enseignant/Enseignante du degré primaire (primary school teachers):
Teaching legitimacy from the first up to the fifth or sixth primary classes.
Training of secondary school teachers
The pedagogical training of lower-secondary-school
teachers and upper secondary schools teachers is mainly carried out at Schools
for Teacher Education (Universities of Applied Sciences) and in some cases at
Universities.But for all lower secondary teachers, training in the scientific
subjects takes place in universities. Upper secondary school teachers must
generally first obtain a Lizentiat/Licence or a Diplom/Diplôme and complete
their studies at a School for Teacher Education (Universities of Applied
Sciences) or at a University College of Education (Universities). The diplomas offered are: - Lehrerin/Lehrer
für die Sekundarstufe I/Enseignant/Enseignante du degré secondaire I (lower
secondary school teachers): Teaching legitimacy from the 5th, 6th or 7th up to
the 9th class; training in two to four (Stufenlehrkraft/enseignant généraliste)
or at least five (Fächergruppenlehrkraft/enseignant semi-généraliste) subjects.
- Lehrerin/Lehrer für die Sekundarstufe I und für
Maturitätsschulen/Enseignant/Enseignante du degré secondaire I et des écoles
préparant à la Maturité (Lower and upper secondary school teachers): Teaching
legitimacy from the 5th, 6th or 7th up to the 12th (upper secondary) class.
These degree courses are mainly offered in the French-speaking part of
Switzerland. - Lehrerin/Lehrer für Maturitätsschule/Enseignant/Enseignante des
classes préparant à la Maturité (upper secondary school teachers): Teaching
entitlement for usually 2 subjects at academic upper secondary schools. The
name of the different teacher categories can vary from canton to canton;
however, each name can be assigned to the overall list above.
Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
There are distance education study centres of the Fern
Universität Hagen in Brig, Berne and Pfäffikon, the Centre Romand
d'Enseignement à distance (CRED) in Sierre and the Open University in Geneva.
The creation of a virtual campus is being organized.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Staatssekretariat für Bildung und Forschung
SBF/Secrétariat d'Etat à l'Education et à la Recherche SER (State Secretariat
for Education and Research)
Head: Charles Kleiber, State Secretary
Hallwylstasse 4
3003 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3229691
Fax: +41(31) 3227854
EMail: info@sbf.admin.ch
WWW: http://www.sbf.admin.ch
Role of governing body: Within the
Federal Department of Home Affairs, the SER is the federal government's
specialized agency for national and international matters concerning general
and university education, research, and aerospace.
Schweizerischer Wissenschafts- und Technologierat -
SWTR/Conseil Suisse de la Science et de la Technologie - CSST (Swiss Science
and Technology Council)
Head: Susanne Suter, President
Administrative officer: Bernhard Nievergelt
International relations: Max Salm
Inselgasse 1
3003 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3230048
Fax: +41(31) 3239547
EMail: swtr@swtr.admin.ch
WWW: http://www.swtr.ch
Role of governing body: Advisory
body of the Federal Council for science, research and technology policy
composed of top scientists from Switzerland and abroad.
Schweizerische Universitätskonferenz der Kantonalen
Erziehungsdirektoren - EDK/Conférence Suisse des Directeurs de l'Instruction
publique - CDIP
Head: Hans Ulrich Stöckling, President
Administrative officer: Hans Ambühl, Secretary-General
Zähringerstrasse 25
Postfach 5975
3001 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3095111
Fax: +41(31) 3095150
EMail: edk@edk.unibe.ch
WWW: http://www.edk.ch
Role of governing body: As part of
the federal education system, EDK promotes cooperation between the cantons, a
common policy and exchange of information and experience. Thus, it ensures a
minimal uniformity in structures and qualifications. At the same time, it is an
important platform for discussion on education and culture.
Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der
wissenschaftlichen Forschung/Fonds national de la Recherche scientifique (Swiss
National Science Foundation)
Head: Dieter Imbogen, President
Administrative officer: Daniel Höchli, Director
International relations: Jürg Pfister, Director
Wildhainweg 20
3012 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3082222
Fax: +41(31) 3013009
EMail: pri@snf.ch
WWW: http://www.snf.ch
Role of governing body: Acting on a
mandate issued by the Swiss Federal Government, the SNSF supports research
undertaken inside and outside universities and fosters young scientific
talents.
Schweizerische Universitätskonferenz SUK/Conférence
universitaire suisse- CUS (Swiss University Conference)
Head: Mario Annoni, President
Administrative officer: Nivardo Ischi, Secretary-General
Sennweg 2
3012 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3066060
Fax: +41(31) 3021792
EMail: cus@cus.ch
WWW: http://www.cus.ch
Role of governing body: As a joint
federal and cantonal organ, it is responsible for coordinating university
policies throughout Switzerland and can take decisions in some clearly defined
areas.
Rektorenkonferenz der Schweizer
Universitäten/Conférence des Recteurs des Universités suisses CRUS (Rector's
Conference)
Head: Jean-Marc Rapp, President
Administrative officer: Mathias Stauffacher,
Secretary-General/Generalsekretär
Sennweg 2
3012 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3066036
Fax: +41(31) 3066050
EMail: stauffacher@crus.ch
WWW: http://www.crus.ch
Role of governing body: Association
which promotes exchanges of information and cooperation between the Swiss
Universities.
Rat der Eidgenössisschen Technischen Hochschulen
(ETH-Rat)/Conseil des Ecoles polytechniques fédérales (Council of Swiss Federal
Institutes of Technology)
Head: Alexander J.B. Zehnder, President
Administrative officer: Sebastian Brändli, Secretary-General
ETH-Zentrum HAA
8092 Zürich
Switzerland
Tel: +41(44) 6322367
Fax: +41(44) 6321190
EMail: info@ethrat.ch
WWW: http://www.ethrat.ch
Role of governing body: Management
board of the ETH-sector, consisting of ETHZ, EPFL and their Research
Institutions.
Vereinigung Schweizerischer Hochschuldozenten
(VSH)/Association suisse des Professeurs d'Universités (APU) (Swiss Association
of University Teachers)
Head: Jürg Martin Fröhlich, President
Administrative officer: G. Kostorz, Secretary-General
Buchhalden 5
8127 Forch
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3020395
Fax: +41(31) 3020395
EMail: dwegenast@freesurf.ch
WWW: http://www.unine.ch/apu
Role of governing body: Promotes
teaching and research in Switzerland.
Organ für Akkreditierung und Qualitätssicherung der
Schweizerischen Hochschulen (Centre of Accreditation and Quality Assurance of
the Swiss Universities)
Head: Rolf Heusser, Director
Effingerstrasse 58
CH 3008 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3801150
Fax: +41(31) 3801155
EMail: info@oaq.ch
WWW: http://www.oaq.ch
Role of governing body: The purpose
of OAQ is to ensure and promote the quality of teaching and research at the
universities in Switzerland. It operates independently and bases its work on
international practices and research findings. It manages its own affairs under
the terms of its bylaws and has its own budget.
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher
education studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Berufsmaturität/Maturité professionnelle/Maturità professionale
For entry to: University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
Name of secondary school credential
required: Fähigkeitzeugnis/Certificat de capacité/Attesto di capacità
For entry to: Higher
vocational schools (Höhere Fachschulen)
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Maturitätszeugnis/Certificat de Maturité
For entry to: For all
universities
Alternatives to credentials: Zulassung
aufgrund von Vorbildung und Berufserfahrung/Accès sur dossier is a way of being
admitted to higher education on grounds of previous life and work experience.
It is intended for persons who do not fulfil the normal entrance requirements.
Numerus clausus/restrictions: There is no
numerus clausus either nationally or locally for subjects to be studied at
University except for Medicine in the German-speaking universities.
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: A foreign
student is a person enrolled at a higher education institution in Switzerland,
country of which he/she is not a permanent resident.
Quotas: Foreign applicants are
unlikely to obtain a place in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine if
they do not hold a Swiss School-Leaving Certificate and a residence permit.
There are also certain restrictions on the number of places available in
certain other subjects
Admission requirements: The basic
requirements for admission to a Swiss university are: a State-recognized Swiss
School Leaving Certificate, or a foreign equivalent. Each university makes its
own decision concerning admission.
Entry regulations: A valid
passport is sufficient for students from other West European countries.
Citizens of countries which require a visa should apply to the relevant Swiss
diplomatic representation abroad. Students wishing to spend more than three
months in Switzerland must apply for a residence permit, which must be
accompanied by a valid passport, a certificate of admission issued by the
University, and a certificate stating that the applicant has the necessary
financial resources to complete his/her studies.
Health requirements: All
universities require their registered students to join a recognized health
insurance scheme.
Language requirements: Adequate
knowledge of the language of instruction (German, French or Italian).
Recognition of studies &
qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System
of recognition/accreditation): The responsibility for higher education is
shared between 26 cantons and the Confederation. Each Swiss university
autonomously handles the question of academic recognition of both Swiss and
foreign School Leaving Certificates and Academic Diplomas. Foreign
School-Leaving Certificates are assessed according to the criteria adopted by
the Conference of the Rectors of the Swiss Universities. Those from signatory
States of the conventions on higher education of the Council of Europe entitle
holders to admission to Swiss universities. As far as admission to postgraduate
or Doctorate studies is concerned, the Academic Degrees Lizentiat/Licence or
Diplom/Diplôme are usually mutually and unreservedly recognized. Higher
education institutions are accredited by the Centre of Accreditation and
Quality Assurance of the Swiss Universities (OAQ) (http://www.oaq.ch).
Studies pursued in foreign countries
(bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
Swiss ENIC, Rectors' Conference of the Swiss
Universities (CRUS)
Head: Christine Gehrig, Responsable
Administrative officer: Eva Grob, Collaboratrice scientifique
Sennweg 2
CH - 3012 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3066041
Fax: +41(31) 3026811
EMail: christine.gehrig@crus.ch
WWW: http://www.crus.ch
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession
Services provided & students dealt
with: Provides information for foreigners on credential equivalences.
Special provisions for recognition:
For access to university level studies: The
recognition of foreign entrance qualifications and School Leaving Certificates
is the responsibility of individual institutions and their Faculties. They
alone are in a position to provide precise information on recognition of
foreign Certificates and Degrees.
For access to advanced studies and
research: Is the responsibility of the university, the higher education
institution or the Faculty.
For the exercise of a profession: For the
exercise of a non-regulated profession in Switzerland, the assessment of the
Diploma is the responsibility of the employer.
Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Convention
of the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the
European region (Nr. 165) - Lisbon Convention
Year of signature: 1997
Name of agreement: Convention
on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education
in the States Belonging to European Region
Year of signature: 1979
Name of agreement: European
Agreement on Continued Payment of Scholarships to Students Abroad
Year of signature: 1969
Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Academic Recognition of University Qualifications (Nr. 32)
Year of signature: 1959
Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to Universities
(Nr. 15)
Year of signature: 1953
Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of University Study (Nr. 21)
Year of signature: 1956
Name of agreement: European
Convention on the General Equivalence of Periods of University Study
Year of signature: 1990
Name of agreement: Principles
of Good Practice in Academic Recognation Procedures Passed by the Standing
Conference on University Problems of the Council of Europe
Year of signature: 1991
Name of agreement: Protocol to
the European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading to Admission to
Universities
Year of signature: 1964
Name of agreement: Recommendation
on the Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Education
Year of signature: 1993
Bilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign credentials
Name of agreement: Austria
Year of signature: 1993
Name of agreement: France;
Germany
Year of signature: 1994
Name of agreement: Italy
Year of signature: 2000
References to further information on
foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Studying in Switzerland
Author: Leander, Amherd; Tafani,
Tiziana
Publisher: Rectors'
Conference of the Swiss Universities
Year of publication: 2004
Title: Zur Regelung von
Anerkennungsfragen im Bereich des höheren Bildungswesens in der Schweiz &
im Europa
Author: Tremp, Marianne; Gehrig
Christine; Nägeli Rudolf
Publisher: Swiss ENIC
Year of publication: 1999
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
STA Travel/SSR-Reisen/SSR-Voyages
Ankerstrasse 112
CH-8026 Zürich
Switzerland
Tel: +41(58) 4504000
Fax: +41(58) 4504001
EMail: info@statravel.ch
WWW: http://www.ssr.ch
Category of services provided: Social and
welfare services
Services available to foreign Students: Yes
Studentenberatung/Conseil aux étudiants (all
universities)
Category of services provided: Academic and
career counselling services; Employment services
Services available to foreign Students: Yes
National student associations and unions
Verband der Schweizerischen StudentInnenschaften
(VSS)/Union Nationale des Etudiant/es de Suisse (UNES) (National Union of
Students in Switzerland)
Schanzenstrasse 1
CH-3001 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3821171
Fax: +41(31) 3821176
EMail: info@vss-unes.ch
WWW: http://www.vss-unes.ch
Health/social provisions
Social security for home students: Yes
Social security for foreign students: Yes
Foreign student social security provisions:
Foreign
students contribute to old-age and disability insurance schemes, if they intend
to stay in Switzerland after finishing their studies, if they are stateless or
have the status of refugees. Medical insurance is compulsory. Exempt from this compulsory
insurance are students who come to Switzerland on a mobility programme or who
come from a country where medical insurance is compulsory. In the latter case,
the coverage must be equivalent to that in Switzerland.
Special student travel fares:
By road: No
By rail: No
By air: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 20000 (Swiss
Franc)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 1000 (Swiss
Franc)
Maximum: 4000 (Swiss Franc)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 1000 (Swiss
Franc)
Maximum: 8000 (Swiss Franc)
Bodies providing information on student
financial aid:
Eidgenössische Stipendienkommission für ausländische
Studierende (ESKAS)
Hallwylstrasse 4
3003 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3232676
Fax: +41(31) 3233020
WWW: http://sbf.admin.ch/eskase.html
Deals with: Grants
Category of students: Governmental
scholarships for foreign graduate students.
Publications on student services and
financial aid:
Title: Schweizer Studienführer
Publisher: AGAB,
Düssendorf
Year of publication: 2001
Title: Study Abroad 2006-2007
Author: UNESCO
Publisher: UNESCO
Publishing
Year of publication: 2005
Title: Studying in Switzerland
Publisher: CRUS
Year of publication: 2005
Title: Swiss University
Qualifications/Schweizer Universitätsqualifikation/Qualifications
universitaires su
Publisher: Swiss ENIC
Year of publication: 2004
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities
Sennweg 2
CH-3012 Bern
Switzerland
Tel: +41(31) 3066044
Fax: +41(31) 3026811
EMail: iud@crus.ch
WWW: http://www.crus.ch
Participation of country in multilateral
or bilateral higher education programmes
Name of exchange programme: ISEP
Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO DA
VINCI (silent partner)
Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES-ERASMUS
(silent partner)
Name of exchange programme: YOUTH
(silent partner)
GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: In most
cantons, the 6-point scale is used: 6 = ausgezeichnet/très bien
(outstanding); 4 = genügend/suffisant
(pass); 3-2-1 = ungenügend/insuffisant (fail)
Highest on scale: 6=ausgezeichnet/très
bien (outstanding);
Pass/fail level: 4=genügend/suffisant
(pass)
Lowest on scale: 1=schlecht/mauvais
(fail).
Main grading system used by higher
education institutions
Full Description: There are
three numerical grading systems used by Universities: a 1-6 scale, a 6-1 scale
(sometimes, a 5-1 scale), and the 10-point scale.
Highest on scale: 6/1/10
Pass/fail level: 4/3(3)/6
(pass mark); 2(1)/6(5)/2 (fail mark)
Lowest on scale: 1/6(5)/1
Other main grading systems
The grading system for PhD and Doctorate is:
genügend/passable/rite (pass); ziemlich gut/assez bien/cum laude;
gut/bien/magna cum laude; sehr gut/très bien/insigni cum laude;
ausgezeichnet/excellent; summa cum laude.
NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Foreign students who do not intend to sit for
examinations, but wish to attend a Swiss University for a few terms, may attend
as Gaststudenten/Etudiants hôtes (occasional students).
Data for academic year: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities, Switzerland, November 2005
