Types of training in Switzerland

Here is a comprehensive overview of all the types of training in Switzerland, divided into five main categories, so that you can fully understand the education system and continuing education opportunities in the country.

1. Initial training

For young people leaving compulsory education (around 15-16 years old)

-> Vocational training (CFC / AFP)

• CFC – Federal Certificate of Competence (3-4 years)
  Dual training (vocational school + training company). Examples: pharmacy assistant, polymechanic, commercial employee.
• AFP – Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate (2 years)
  Aimed at young people who are struggling at school or need a shorter training programme. Option to progress to a CFC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
• Very common in Switzerland: two out of three young people follow the vocational path.

-> Secondary school education

• Gymnasium school leaving certificate: gives access to universities (HEU).
• More theoretical and academic orientation.
• Is done in gymnasiums or secondary schools for 3 or 4 years depending on the canton.

2. Tertiary education

For persons who have completed initial training

-> Universities of applied sciences (UAS)

• Higher professional education (Bachelor's/Master's degree)
• Strongly rooted in practical experience: compulsory internships, applied projects.
• Examples: engineering, social work, health, business economics.

-> Universities (HEU)

• Cantonal universities, EPFL (Lausanne), ETHZ (Zurich).
• More theoretical, academic or scientific orientation.
• Offers: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Doctorate.
• Examples: law, psychology, political science, physics, literature.

-> Teacher training colleges (HEP)

• Prepare for teaching (primary school, secondary school, etc.)
• Programme adapted to the desired level of education.

-> Higher education institutions (HEIs)

• Non-university higher vocational training.
• Examples: technician ES, educator ES, hotel manager ES.
• Vocational training, often on-the-job, duration: 2 to 3 years.
• Highly sought after by people with a CFC.

3. Continuing education

For adults, employees, executives or those undergoing retraining

-> CAS / DAS / MAS (postgraduate courses)

• CAS Certificate of Advanced Studies (10-15 ECTS, approx. 6 months)
• DAS : Diploma of Advanced Studies (30 ECTS, approx. 1 year)
• MAS Master of Advanced Studies (60 ECTS or more, 1.5 to 2 years)
• Often offered by universities of applied sciences or universities, on a part-time basis for working adults.
• Examples: CAS in project management, MAS in HR, DAS in taxation.

-> Tailor-made training courses, short or customised

• Languages, IT, communication, negotiation, leadership, etc.
• Flexible duration: from a few hours to several weeks.
• Examples: training courses offered by OSAM Formations, language schools, chambers of commerce.

-> Internal company training courses

• Coaching, team building, workshops, e-learning.
• Organised internally or outsourced to specialist service providers.

-> Career change / public programmes

• ORP / OFPC / AI / AIJE : offer training courses to job seekers.
• Aim to return to work or adapt to new market requirements.
• Examples: English lessons, job search techniques, training in a new profession.

4. Non-formal and self-directed learning

Training outside official frameworks

-> MOOCs and online platforms

• Free or paid online courses (Coursera, edX, Udemy, OSAM, etc.)
• Not always officially recognised, but very useful in practice.

-> Workshops, boot camps, coaching

• Accelerated training on a specific topic: web development, public speaking, digital marketing, etc.
• A very practical approach.

-> Self-taught learning

• Reading books, watching videos, following tutorials, experimenting.
• Useful for developing personal or professional skills.

5. Higher vocational training with federal recognition

To validate a professional specialisation or become a manager

-> Federal certificate

• First level of higher vocational education.
• Enables you to become specialist in a field.
• Example: human resources specialist, finance and accounting specialist.
• Generally requires a CFC (Certificate of Professional Competence) + professional experience.

-> Federal diploma

• Higher level than the certificate.
• Provides access to positions in senior managers or freelancers.
• Example: qualified chartered accountant, director of a medical-social institution.

Recognition of foreign qualifications

Please contact the following authority for further information:

• SEFRI : State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.