Education System

There are three consecutive levels of education in Switzerland:

• Compulsory education (Volksschule: Kindergarten, Primarschule and Sekundarstufe I)
• Vocational education and training, or middle school (Sekundarstufe II)
• Universities of applied sciences / universities, and professional education and training (Tertiärstufe)

Public authorities deal with education and training: the confederation, cantons and commune divide the tasks and responsibilities among themselves. This is why there are different schools and school systems in different cantons.

In Canton Basel-Stadt, compulsory education lasts 11 years. This means that children must attend school for 11 years. Schooling begins when the child is 4 years old. If your child cannot go to school, you must excuse your child. If children do not attend school without a valid reason, the parents can be fined.

Children up to the age of 16, who move to Basel, can attend compulsory schooling. Young people aged 16 years and above, who move to Basel, can go to the vocational information centre (Berufsinformationszentrum, BIZ). The BIZ provides information on what vocations and training the young people can do.

Young people undergo training after compulsory education. Many young people choose vocational education and training (apprenticeship, Berufslehre). This allows them to access higher vocational training and education in the future (höhere Berufsbildung). During or after their apprenticeship, they can do a federal vocational baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität). This qualification enables them to attend a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in the future. Around 20 percent of young people do a baccalaureate at school (gymnasiale Maturität). This allows them to study at university.

Scholarships (Stipendien) are available to people with little financial means to help them attend higher education or undergo vocational training. Those people then receive money for training after compulsory schooling. You also might be able to receive a scholarship if you come from another country and live in Basel-Stadt. But this depends on which country you are from and how long you have been living in Switzerland. The office for education and training grants (Amt für Ausbildungsbeiträge) in the cantonal administration can provide further information.