Studying in European countries has always been one of the popular choices. The advantages of developed economy and high teaching quality attract more and more international students to continue their studies, among which Switzerland is one of the popular countries. Come with me to see the Swiss study abroad education system.

The decentralized government system in Switzerland has a long history, which is also reflected in Swiss education. In Switzerland, primary and secondary schools are the responsibility of the cantons, while universities and higher vocational training schools are the joint responsibility of the Federation and cantons.

The education system in Switzerland is divided into primary education, secondary education and continuing education. Primary education and junior high school education are nine years, which belong to the compulsory education stage. After the completion of compulsory education, students can enter the high school education stage. More than half of the students will choose some practical vocational training for no more than four years.

The stage of continuing education includes university education and higher vocational training. Switzerland has universities providing general higher education and universities of applied science and technology. Technical schools and higher technical schools provide higher vocational training, and students can obtain vocational qualification certificates and higher vocational diplomas after graduation.

1 preschool education

Preschool or kindergarten education is mostly funded by the community. The regulations vary from state to state, and children have the right to choose one or two years of preschool education.

2 Primary education

Children aged 4 or 5 can go to kindergarten for free. This is not compulsory education, but it is extremely beneficial to children. Children aged 6 or 7 must receive six years of compulsory primary education. Usually, children will go to school locally, but in some small villages, a school may accommodate children from many places. In this case, students can take the arranged transportation to and from school.

3 Junior high school education

Students aged 12- 16 can enter junior high school. In most states, according to students' ability, this stage can be divided into two levels: the first level of junior high school education teaches students basic knowledge and prepares them for future professional life, and the second level of education teaches students deeper knowledge. Some high school education can only be carried out after students complete junior high school education and study deeper courses.

Each state is responsible for the curriculum, and teaches one official language (German, French, Italian or Latin Romance), mathematics, history, geography, science and two foreign languages.

4 high school education

High school education in Switzerland is all vocational education, but almost all students complete this education stage through apprenticeships or staying in school.

Apprenticeship education in Switzerland includes field training for specific occupations, which lasts for 3-4 years, and the training time in each field is different. Apprentices work in the company, and at the same time, they also study theory in specialized schools in the same field as the company (65438+ 0 to 2 days per week). This perfect combination of sufficient theoretical knowledge and direct work experience enables apprentices to find suitable job opportunities after successfully completing the training.

After completing the training course and passing various examinations, apprentices can obtain a Federal Qualification Certificate (CFC) to prove their working ability in the chosen occupation, such as proving that they are mechanics, clockmakers, IT experts, experimental assistants, administrators or other qualified practitioners. After obtaining a federal competency certificate and completing an extra year of study, students can take the vocational diploma exam. After passing these exams, students can enter the University of Applied Science and Technology.

Another choice for students is to continue studying in professional middle schools. These schools provide students with more in-depth vocational education in the fields of medical care, social services, education, information exchange and art.

Students must complete grammar school (college or college preparatory course) before entering ordinary universities, applied science universities or polytechnics. The study time is 3-4 years, which varies from state to state, but it is full-time study. There are many kinds of grammar schools, with different emphasis on language, mathematics, science, business, economy, law, art and fine arts.

5 University education

National universities offer a large number of courses in the following fields: law and criminology, economics and political science, medicine, chemistry and health, social science and social work, linguistics and literary studies, information and communication technology, history and archaeology, humanities and art history, natural science and mathematics, computer science and communication, sports science and human movement, and theological and religious studies.

The Federal Institute of Technology offers a large number of courses in the following fields: mathematics and natural sciences, engineering and architecture, computer science and communication, and other courses. There are two federal polytechnics in Switzerland, which enjoy world reputation and participate in many international R&D projects.

The University of Applied Science and Technology offers practical courses in the following fields: engineering and information technology, architecture, engineering construction and planning, chemistry and life sciences, agriculture and forestry, commerce, management and service, medical treatment, social work, design, art, music, drama, applied psychology and applied linguistics.

Top universities, universities of applied science and technology, polytechnics and many private companies in Switzerland actively participate in cutting-edge research activities, attracting scientists from all over the world. This situation has won fruitful results for Switzerland. In terms of population, Switzerland ranks first in the world in terms of per capita Nobel Prize winning rate and per capita patent number.

6 Postgraduate education

There are many famous graduate education institutions in Switzerland, offering master's courses in many fields. In addition, national universities and universities of applied science and technology have excellent postgraduate courses in natural science and business.

7 Adult education

Adult education in Switzerland attracts people of all ages who want to continue their studies and improve their education level. Private schools and institutions offer a large number of courses in a range of fields, such as languages, business skills, computers and the Internet. These courses are usually in the evening, so full-time workers can also attend.

International schools and private schools

Switzerland has more than 400 private schools and educational institutions, many of which are favored by foreign students for the following reasons:

(1) The school teaching plan conforms to American, British, French or other international standards.

(2) The teacher-student ratio in schools is low, so students receive more attention than students in public schools.

(3) Private schools are often relatively small educational institutions, where students can board and participate in various cultural and sports activities.

There are many private schools in Switzerland offering courses in French, German, English, Italian and Spanish. Foreigners considering sending their children to private schools in Switzerland can find a lot of detailed information about the teaching plan, admission criteria and teaching language in the Guide to Private Schools in Switzerland published by the Swiss Confederation.