Tertiary Education

So you still want to learn?

After post-compulsory education or training resulting in a Matura, a Special or Professional Baccalaureate or an Advanced Federal Certificate, most people want to continue with their education or training, either straight away or after a short break.  Although not always the case, generally you need more than a Matura or an apprenticeship (basic or advanced federal certificate) to pursue a professional career.  For this reason, many Matura holders go on to study at university.  There are other ways into tertiary level education for the many people who have successfully completed an apprenticeship, so that they can improve their chances on the job market.

 

Tertiary level education has recently been restructured and enlarged in order to reflect economic and technological changes.  Tertiary level education can basically be divided into two areas:

 

University Education

  • Cantonal universities (10)
  • Federal Institutes of Technology (2)
  • Universities of Applied Sciences
  • Teacher Training Universities

 

Other Ways

  • Colleges of Higher Vocational education and Training
  • Exams of Higher Vocational Education and Training

 

Duration

Most courses are full-time of varying duration.

 

Costs

Tertiary level education is financed by the cantons and the federal government, therefore the cost of semester fees, teaching materials and excursions are relatively low.  What is of more importance is the cost of living.

 

Grants are available for tertiary level education if part of the applicant's first education.

 

For detailed information about individual courses and admission conditions, please contact the cantonal vocational and study advisory offices or the educational establishment directly.