Are you considering sending your child to a Swiss secondary school for a high-quality education? The quality of education in Switzerland is globally recognised, making the Swiss boarding school system a popular choice among many parents in Hong Kong who wish to provide their children with a solid foundation for university. However, before applying to a Swiss boarding school, it is important to thoroughly understand the tuition fees and admission processes. This article will help students and parents gain a comprehensive understanding of the relevant information.
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Swiss Secondary School System - Swiss Boarding School Education System
Swiss secondary schools are renowned for their high-quality education and multicultural environment, catering to students aged 12 to 18 [1]. Among them, Swiss boarding schools are the most distinguished part of the system. They not only offer a wide range of academic programmes and extracurricular activities but also provide students with the opportunity to experience boarding life, fostering holistic development. The Swiss boarding school system meets the needs of students from around the globe and helps them transition seamlessly to world-class universities. Below are the key features of the Swiss boarding school education system:
- Extensive Academic Programmes: Includes Swiss Matura, IB Diploma, IGCSE, A-levels, STEM, and more [2].
- Multilingual Environment: Languages include French, German, Italian, and English.
- Cultural Diversity: Students at Swiss boarding schools come from over 130 countries [3].
- Diverse Extracurricular Activities: Encompasses sports, music, arts, and drama.
- Small Class Sizes: An average of 10 students per class [4].
- State-of-the-Art Facilities and Safe Boarding Environment: Offers top-notch learning and living facilities, ensuring students' safety and comfort.
Swiss Boarding School Tuition Fees
Swiss boarding schools offer comprehensive curricula and advanced educational facilities. For international students, the annual tuition fees at Swiss boarding schools typically range from CHF 60,000 to CHF 140,000 (approximately HK$528,000 to HK$1,232,000) [4]. These fees generally include mandatory courses, accommodation, meals, regular extracurricular activities, and university counselling services.
However, similar to British boarding schools, Swiss boarding school fees usually exclude application fees, deposits, and additional service-related costs, such as individual tutoring and exam fees. Furthermore, students should also prepare for extra expenses such as insurance, travel, visa fees, medical expenses, and personal purchases.
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Swiss Boarding School Admission Process
Once students have decided which Swiss boarding school they wish to attend, they can begin the application process. The admission procedures may vary depending on the school’s specific requirements, and boarding places are often limited. Therefore, students are encouraged to submit their applications for the next academic year as early as possible. Generally, the Swiss boarding school admission process includes the following steps. For example, consider The American School in Switzerland (TASIS Switzerland) [5]:
Preparing Application Documents
After submitting the application, the school will only review eligibility once all required documents are received. It is crucial for students to gather and submit their application materials promptly to avoid missing out on places. Swiss boarding schools typically require international students to provide:
- Passport and passport-sized photo
- Academic transcripts from the past two years (some schools may require the past three years)
- Personal statement and reasons for application
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL / IELTS / CEPT, etc.)
- Academic aptitude test results or diploma test scores (if applicable)
- IB Diploma application form (for Year 11 entry and students intending to pursue the IB Diploma)
- Application fee
Preparing for Interviews and Entrance Exams
Some Swiss boarding schools, such as Aiglon College, may arrange online or in-person interviews (depending on the academic year of entry) after receiving the student’s application. These interviews assess the student’s abilities, personality, and adaptability. Additionally, some schools may include entrance exams as part of the admission process, which serve as a reference for evaluating the student’s suitability [6].
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Wait for Admission Notification
If a student is successfully admitted to a Swiss boarding school, it is advisable to pay the deposit and registration fee as soon as possible to secure the place. Additionally, studying in Switzerland requires a visa and a residence permit. Students are encouraged to apply for these immediately upon receiving their admission notification.
Studying at a Swiss Boarding School: Building a Strong Foundation for Further Education
Swiss boarding schools offer students a diverse range of international programmes and a unique boarding experience, enhancing their competitiveness for future academic pursuits. Before applying to study in Switzerland, students are advised to familiarise themselves with the tuition fees and admission processes of various Swiss boarding schools. Selecting the most suitable school should be based on the curriculum design and campus culture of each institution.
If you still have concerns about the Swiss boarding school system or the application process, feel free to contact us. We will provide you with more detailed information and tailored advice.
Reference:
1. AboutSwitzerland - Education
https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/bildung-wissenschaft/bildung.html
2. Swiss Premium Education - Boarding Schools in Switzerland
3. Expatica - Swiss Boarding Schools
https://www.expatica.com/ch/education/children-education/swiss-boarding-schools-103382/
4. Studying In Switzerland - Fees & Features: 12 Best Boarding Schools in Switzerland
https://studyinginswitzerland.com/boarding-schools-in-switzerland/
5. TASIS The American School in Switzerland - Applying to TASIS
https://www.tasis.ch/admissions/applying-to-tasis
6. Aiglon College - Admissions Process