School and Education
The education system in the Canton of Zug offers many opportunities for children, young people and adults. From school to vocational training, higher education or diploma recognition: here you will find key information and advisory services.
Education System
The Swiss education system enables continuous personal development. «Vocational education and training» (apprenticeship) is particularly important. It provides a basis for further training and can lead to higher education at a university.
In Switzerland there are three consecutive levels of education:
Compulsory education (Volksschule: Kindergarten, Primarschule und Sekundarstufe I)
Vocational education and training or baccalaureate schools (Sekundarstufe II)
Universities of applied sciences, universities, and professional education (Tertiärstufe).
The state is responsible for all three levels. Responsibilities are shared between the federation, cantons, and municipalities. For this reason, schools and school systems may differ from canton to canton.
Links:
Amt für gemeindliche Schulen / Further information (DE)
Compulsory education in Canton Zug lasts ten years and begins when a child is four years old. Parents can be fined if their children are absent from school without excuse. Newcomers up to the age of 16 have the right to attend compulsory school. Those arriving later can obtain information about other options at the Career Information Centre (Berufsinformationszentrum, BIZ) of the Office for Career Guidance (Amt für Berufsberatung).
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The vast majority of young people continue their education after compulsory education. Most choose vocational education and training (apprenticeship, Lehre), which provides access to professional education. Those who obtain a vocational diploma (Berufsmaturität) may go on to study at a university of applied sciences. About 20 percent of young people obtain a baccalaureate at a baccalaureate school (Gymnasium, Kantonsschule, or Maturitätsschule), which grants direct access to universities.
Scholarships (Stipendien) allow induviduals with little means to go to school or to obtain professional training. Scholarships provide financial support for education following compulsory education. Foreign residents of Canton Zug might also be eligible for scholarships depending on the student's or parents' citizenship and type of permit. Additional information is provided by the Office for Career Guidance (Amt für Berufsberatung).
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Compulsory Education
Compulsory schooling provides children with a basic education that prepares them for further studies. Public schools are free of charge.
Links:
Amt für gemeindliche Schulen / Further information (DE)
Diagram "Beginning of School – Entry into Compulsory Kindergarten" (DE)
Municipalities are responsible for public schools. Parents can register their child through the local municipality or directly with the school administration.
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Compulsory education consists of three consecutive levels:
1 year of kindergarden (Kindergarten).
6 years of primary school (Primarschule). Children with special needs or skills receive additional support.
3 years of lower secondary school (Sekundarstufe I)which includes different school types (Realschule, Sekundarschule, Werkschule) with varying performance requirements.
Non-German-speaking children receive special support at all levels.
Public education is free. Boys and girls are taught together and the curriculum is religiously neutral. Approximately 95 percent of children and adolescents attend public schools. Private schools do exist, however, parents are generally responsible for the tuition fees.
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Schools are required to inform parents about everyday school life and about their child’s performance. For this reason, schools hold parent-teacher meetings, parents’ evenings and information events. Attendance is usually compulsory.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their child attends school regularly. If a child cannot attend (e.g. due to illness), parents must inform the school. They are also responsible for ensuring their child completes homework. By regularly checking schoolwork and showing interest, parents can effectively support their child.
For families unfamiliar with the Swiss education system, special information events are available, often in languages other than German.
Questions regarding school should first be directed to the teacher. Teachers are also the first to contact parents if they have concerns about a child. In general, it is important that parents maintain close communication and cooperation with teachers.
In cases of psychological or social difficulties, the school psychological service (Schulpsychologischer Dienst) offers free support for children and their parents.
Links:
Kanton Zug / Contact and information regarding the school psychological service
Vocational Education and Training and Baccalaureate Schools
Following compulsory education, most young people choose vocational education and training (apprenticeship, Lehre). Someone wishing to study at a university generally needs to obtain a diploma from an upper secondary school. This is also possible through vocational education and training.
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A good education and professional prospects are highly valued in Switzerland. Performance during compulsory education strongly influences future opportunities. After compulsory education, young people have various paths to prepare themselves for professional life. Without further education, it is difficult to find a good job. The cantonal Career Information Centre (Berufsinformationszentrum, BIZ) of the Office for Career Guidance (Amt für Berufsberatung) offers young people and their parents free counselling on education and training.
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After compulsory education, most young people choose vocational education and training (apprenticeship, Lehre). In an apprenticeship, they acquire practical skills in a company while also attending a vocational school. There are more than 250 professions to choose from. Apprenticeships last between two and four years. Young people must apply for an apprenticeship independently and should begin searching during the last two years of compulsory school. Schools provide support and parents’ involvement is also important. The BIZ offers young people various services and free counselling.
Apprentices may also obtain a vocational diploma (Berufsmaturität), either during their apprenticeship or afterwards.
Links:
Bundesverwaltung / All careers and training (DE)
berufsberatung.ch / Online tool for career search (DE)
BIZ / Information on finding an apprenticeship (DE)
EDK / Further information on the vocational education and training system
berufsberatung.ch / Information on education and occupations in Switzerland
Upper secondary schools (Mittelschulen) provide a broad general education and prepare students for studies at universities or universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen):
- Schools leading to a baccalaureate (gymnasiale Maturität) grant direct admission to universities.
- Schools leading to a specialised diploma (Fachmaturität) or vocational diploma (Berufsmaturität) grant direct admission to universities of applied sciences.
Universities of applied sciences are also open to students with a baccalaureate and universities can be accessed by students with a specialised or vocational diploma through an additional exam. In some cases, extra requirements may apply.
Links:
Kanton Zug / Further information (DE)
Young people who move to Canton Zug may, under certain conditions, take part in a bridging programme (Brückenangebot). This supports them in preparing for vocational education and training, helps them with career choices and with finding an apprenticeship. There are also bridging programmes for young people with little or no German knowledge, which prepare them for vocational training or for the job market. Interested persons should contact the Department for Bridging Programmes (Amt für Brückenangebote) or the BIZ.
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Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences
Switzerland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences. Questions concerning admission on the basis of a foreign diploma should be directed to the universities.
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Swiss higher education belongs to the tertiary level. It consists of universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Universities of applied sciences focus on practical teaching, while universities focus on theory. Both types of institutions are equivalent and follow the European Bologna system. Studies are completed with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, which are recognised throughout Europe.
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Admission requirements vary depending on the institution. A Swiss baccalaureate guarantees admission to higher education. Foreign baccalaureate diplomas are not always recognised. Applicants must contact the institution (university or university of applied sciences) directly for information concerning admission and required documents. In most cases, solid German skills are required, although some programmes are offered entirely in English.
Links:
Amt für Berufsberatung / Contact and further information (DE)
Swissuniversities / Recognition of foreign diplomas
Leaflet "Studying in Switzerland" (DE)
In addition to higher education, Switzerland also offers professional education (höhere Berufsbildung) as a popular route for further qualification. It enables professionals to specialize and deepen their professional knowledge as well as their leadership skills. Professional education builds on vocational education and training (apprenticeship) and does not require a baccalaureate.
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Bundesverwaltung / Further information (DE)
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Foreign diplomas and qualifications are not always valid in Switzerland. Under certain conditions, however, it is possible to have them officially recognised. Depending on the profession this process is mandatory.
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Individals holding a foreign diploma can have it recognised in Switzerland under specific conditions. Recognition confirms that a foreign qualification is equivalent to a corresponding Swiss qualification. For regulated professions (e.g. healthcare professionals, teachers, etc.), recognition is required in order to practise the profession. Different authorities are responsible depending on the occupation or qualification. Recognition procedures are subject to a fee. Additional information is provided by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (SBFI)).
Links:
Bundesverwaltung / Information on the recognition procedure for professional qualifications
berufsberatung.ch / Recognition of foreign diplomas
Bundesverwaltung / List of regulated professions (DE)
Kanton Zug / Career guidance (DE)
ask! / Further information (DE)
A validation process is not necessary for unregulated professions. However, it is possible to request that the level of qualification be determined. This process establishes the position of a foreign diploma within the Swiss education system and can be helpful when looking for employment. The national information centre for the recognition of foreign qualifications (Nationale Kontaktstelle für Diplomanerkennung) provides further information.
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Nationale Kontaktstelle für Diplomanerkennung / Contact and forms
Adults with work experience without a recognised qualification can obtain a Swiss qualification through vocational education and training (apprenticeship) or professional education (höhere Berufsbildung). The procedure depends on previous education, work experience and age. In all cases, good German language skills (level B1/B2 according to the CEFR) are required. The Cantonal Career Information Centre (Berufsinformationszentrum, BIZ) provides free advice and information. Obtaining a Swiss qualification improves employment opportunities and provides access to further education.
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Amt für Berufsberatung / Catch up on your vocational qualification
berufsberatung.ch / Information on vocational qualifications for adults (DE)
Reading, writing, arithmetic and computer skills are considered basic skills in Switzerland. Canton Zug offers various opportunities to improve these skills. Many courses are free of charge for residents with an education voucher, which can be downloaded online.
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Amt für Berufsbildung / Promoting basic skills (DE)