• Upper-secondary level

    Within the Swiss education system, upper-secondary level is situated between compulsory education and tertiary level. It includes:

    Dual-track VET programmes
    Two-year VET programmes for the Federal Certificate, three- or four-year VET programmes for the Federal VET Diploma, including preparation for the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB) as well as transitional options that prepare for a VET programme;

    School-based VET programmes
    Trade schools, commercial schools

    Upper-secondary schools
    Baccalaureate schools, specialised schools
    Competences vary from one canton to another. In some cases, the same office supervises upper-secondary level education: Office for Upper-Secondary Education and Training (Canton of Bern).

    Interesting Links

    Related Glossary Entries

    Vocational education and training (VET)VET programmes impart the abilities, knowledge and competences required to work in an occupation. Learning generally takes place in three different…
    VET officeThe cantons are responsible for implementation of the Federal Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act (VPETA, SR 412.10). In most…
    Tertiary levelTertiary level follows upper-secondary level within the education system. Swiss tertiary level is divided into two sectors: the higher education…