Education to Switzerland

(Last updated: 12 Jul 2007)

Trends and opportunities

The market

Switzerland currently accounts for around 40 per cent of all English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) enrolments from Europe and this figure continues to grow. Despite Switzerland already having four national languages of its own (German, French, Italian and Romansch), there is recognition that knowledge of English is imperative.

The importance of English in tertiary education also continues to grow as the English language dominates most areas of research, publications and journals. The conversion to Bachelors and Masters degrees has begun in Switzerland in line with the Bologna Declaration. This together with the increased number of courses and degrees being taught in English makes the Swiss tertiary institutions more compatible partners for joint degrees, exchange programs and joint research.

Through globalisation, there is a growing pressure on young adults to have cultural awareness and experience rather than linguistic skill alone. This pressure, together with Australia’s favourable living costs and climate, make Australia a strong candidate as a study destination.

School attendance is compulsory between the ages of 6/7 and 16. To obtain a school-leaving certificate (maturity) for tertiary study, students must complete up to 12 or 13 years of schooling. Only 18-20 per cent of all Swiss citizens in total complete school with a maturity.

Vocational training constitutes a major part of the Swiss education system. After nine years of compulsory schooling, more than 75 per cent of Swiss students enter some form of vocational training. There is a heavy focus on vocational training in Switzerland over university education.

Tertiary institutions in Switzerland are publicly funded but there is little further assistance towards accommodation or living costs. Switzerland has two federal polytechnics, 10 cantonal universities and seven regional colleges of higher education, which offer tertiary degree-level vocational training. The Swiss universities offer three basic qualifications: a Bachelor Degree (Lizenz or License, minimium of eight semesters), which can then be built on for a Diploma followed by the Doctoral degree.

There has been an emergence of private universities (private business schools) in Switzerland, where fees begin at approximately A$20,000 per year.

Opportunities

Most Swiss students come to Australia to attend ELICOS. Higher education is the second most popular reason, followed by vocational training and attending school.

The best opportunities for Australia exist in the area of ELICOS, which is currently the strongest growth area. Despite being difficult to break into, the Swiss market for ELICOS has been and continues to be highly rewarding. Secondary schools have limited potential. Study Abroad is in the incubation stage and could grow if initial exchange programs are used to increase awareness.

There is also opportunity for joint ventures/degrees between universities and vocational education institutions due to their importance in the Swiss market.

Competitive environment

The UK, Ireland and Malta remain the main competitors for short-term ELICOS courses due to their geographical proximity to Switzerland. Canada and New Zealand are competitors on the basis of similar attractions and competitive prices.

Tariffs, regulations and customs

Industry standards

For English language colleges the Cambridge Certificates are essential and are the only recognised English certificates in Switzerland.

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

Consider the following points if you are interested in entering the Swiss education sector:

• Visit Switzerland to build up academic and exchange links. Relationship building is the key to success in this market.
• Take the time to meet with representatives or take advantage of promotional missions. Planning well in advance (at least one month) is advisable. 
• Encourage in-country representatives to visit you and your institutions in Australia. Quite often many of the agents have not been to Australia.
• Treat agents with respect at all times, Australian education providers do not have market strength in Switzerland.
• Print brochures and information in German, French and Italian, particularly for ELICOS.
• The most effective way to market your educational products in Switzerland is via an agent or representative.

Other points to take note of:

• Don't assume people know a great deal about Australia or the education system. 
• Don't focus on the leisure aspects (eg. sun, surf, etc) of Australia alone as selling points. While it is enticing for the students the parents (who are often funding the trip) seek assurance that their child will not be academically disadvantaged during their stay abroad.
• For the export of educational services, online methods are not highly established or desired in Switzerland. 
• There is no change in the canton control of education, which will always hinder uniform recognition.
• Avoid scheduling visits around European holidays such as Easter or during summer. Please consult with local representatives with regard to holiday dates.

Australia’s strengths:

• The Australian dollar remains a strong selling point in comparison with the UK and USA for long-term courses. The proximity of the UK, Ireland and Malta, however, is an attraction for students not wishing to travel far.
• Australia continues to be publicised favourably in Swiss TV and print media, although predominantly as a tourist destination.
• Joint activities, degrees and exchanges are invaluable for raising the profile of Australian education within Europe. While they may not produce instant revenue, the side benefits cannot be underestimated.
• Australia’s multicultural society and English language are strong selling points for Swiss seeking an educational and cultural experience while improving their language capabilities.
• Both Australian institutions and Swiss students would benefit greatly from increased bi-lateral degrees, exchange programs and research projects.

Links and industry contacts

Education-related resources

University of Bern - www.unibe.ch
Swiss Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - www.sacci.com.au
Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation - www.admin.ch

Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities - www.crus.ch
Sennweg 2
CH-3012 Bern
Tel: (41 31) 306 600
Fax: (41 31) 302 6811

CRUS is the Federal body responsible for informing Swiss on study options in Switzerland and abroad. They are also responsible for recommendations regarding recognition of foreign degrees.

Swiss Conference of the Cantonal Education Minister (EDK) - www.unibe.ch
University of Bern
Zaehringerstrasse 25
CH-3001 Bern
Tel: (41 31) 309 510
Fax: (41 31) 309 5110

The EDK is the national committee of the Cantonal Education ministers set up to look at federal reform an issues relating to the School system.

Government, business and trade resources for Switzerland

Location Switzerland - www.locationswitzerland.ch and www.seco.admin.ch 
Swiss Federal Statistical Office - www.admin.ch/bfs
OSEC Business Network Switzerland - www.osec.ch

BFA - Swiss Federal Aliens Office
Quellenweg 9
CH-3003 Bern-Wabern
Tel: (41 31) 322 2996
Fax: (41 31) 322 4493 

This Federal Ministry informs Swiss citizens on issues relating to living in foreign countries, whether temporarily or permanently. In particular they provide services and guidance for Swiss students wishing to study English abroad or complete an apprenticeship.

Contact details

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency, operating as a statutory agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.

Austrade assists Australian businesses contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment, internationally, and promoting and supporting productive foreign investment into Australia.

Austrade:

• Delivers services that assist Australian businesses initiate, sustain and grow trade and outward investment.
• Promotes Australia as an inward investment destination and, with the States and Territories, supports the inflow of productive foreign direct investment.
• Administers the Export Market Development Grants scheme.
• Undertakes initiatives designed to improve community awareness of, and commitment to, international trade and investment.
• Provides advice to the Australian Government on its trade and investment development activities.
• Delivers consular, passport and other government services in designated overseas locations.

A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is available.

More information

For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au

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