Open and flexible – the best conditions for your career thrill

The FVC basic training primarily focuses on practically-minded youths and adults and – in contrast to apprenticeships – leads to a federal diploma at secondary level II (sec II) with standardised skills throughout Switzerland. The FVC training offer provides an increasing proportion of young people with a certified, post-compulsory education with a diploma at sec II level. The training courses are based on independent professional profiles oriented towards the labour market, ensuring connection solutions to the three- and four-year basic professional training with Federal Vocational (VET) Diploma. They also provide the trainees with skills offering them good opportunities for long-term integration on the labour market.

The FVC basic training is part of the Swiss education system. It not only opens the door to higher qualification in the vocational training system (switch to a VET) but also, according to INSOS, offers practical training (PrT) graduates the possibility of acquiring a federal sec II level diploma.

→ Information on two-year basic vocational training courses

Basic vocational training with a Federal Vocational (VET) Diploma provides all the qualifications required to exercise a profession. Depending on the profession, a basic vocational training with a Federal Vocational (VET) Diploma runs for three or four years and culminates in a qualification procedure (generally with a final examination). The VET certifies that the holder has acquired the necessary skills in the corresponding profession. Holders of a VET are therefore ready for the labour market.

The training takes place in three places of learning: the teaching company, the vocational school and the cross-profession teaching centre. The teaching content for each profession is described in a training ordinance and a training plan. There are approximately 180 VET professions. Generally speaking, trainees spend a large part of their training time in a teaching company (dual basic vocational  training).

→ 3- or 4-year basic vocational training

The Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (BM) offers access to the first study cycle (bachelor) at a university of applied sciences without the need to take an exam. By means of an additional qualification (preparatory course), the door is also open to the academic universities.

The Federal Vocational Baccalaureate is intended for top-performing apprentices who want to extend their general education in addition to obtaining a basic vocational training. It can be completed either during or after a 3- or 4-year basic vocational training with a Federal Vocational Diploma.

BM1 – During the apprenticeship
The apprentices attend the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate classes during their basic vocational training. This means that they spend less time in the teaching company. This path is taken in consultation with the teaching company.

BM2 – After the apprenticeship
The apprentices attend the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate classes after their basic vocational training. They can opt for a full-time programme (generally two semesters) or an on-the-job programme (three to four semesters).

EBMP
The Federal Vocational Baccalaureate Examination (EBMP) offers people with the Federal Vocational (VET) Diploma the possibility of obtaining the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate following individual preparation for a central examination organised by the SERI, without previously attending the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate classes in a recognised education programme.

→ Federal Vocational Baccalaureate
→ Federal Vocational Baccalaureate Examination (EBMP)

To be admitted to a Swiss university, an academic baccalaureate is generally required. Thus can be obtained in two ways:
> by attending an academic upper secondary school recognised by the Confederation and the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education and taking the academic baccalaureate examination or
> by taking the examinations organised centrally by the Swiss Baccalaureate Commission (SBC)

→ Academic baccalaureate

The professional education institutions focus on a hands-on approach and the deepening of professional knowledge. The programmes run by the professional education institutions are strongly geared towards the world of work. They primarily focus on providing expertise in the relevant fields. The practical and theoretical teaching content is interlinked. It can be applied directly at the workplace. The courses can be followed as on-the-job training or on a full-time study basis. In the latter case, they also involve work placements. Altogether, the professional education institutions offer 52 different specialist training programmes. The PEI programmes are recognised at federal level and the titles are protected.

More information on admission, the different fields and the framework training plans can be found at

→ Swiss Conference of Professional Education Institutions
→ SERI list of vocational and professional qualifications

The Advanced Federal Professional Examination and Federal Professional Examination (also known as “master examinations” in the commercial and industrial sector) are geared towards people who have also acquired professional experience and who would like to deepen or broaden their skills. Anyone who passes the corresponding federal examination receives a title recognised at federal level (Federal Professional Examination: federal professional certificate; Advanced Federal Professional Examination: federal diploma). During the training, participants enhance their practical capabilities and theoretical knowledge. If both a Federal Professional Examination and an Advanced Federal Professional Examination are available in a given sector, the Advanced Federal Professional Examination generally sets higher requirements.

The Federal Professional Examination is an initial specialisation after the vocational education and training. The FPE prepares the holder for middle management positions and more demanding tasks. Training can also be provided to apprentices.

The Advanced Federal Professional Examination is an advanced specialisation. It qualifies professionals as experts in their professional field. It also prepares them to manage a company. After obtaining the federal diploma, the holder can take responsibility for training apprentices.

The Federal Professional Examination and Advanced Federal Professional Examination are prepared through evening or weekend classes. Admission to the examination requires practical experience. The AFPE and FPE are available in almost every professional field. A list is available at → SERI list of vocational and professional qualifications.

Source and further information

On the websites of the cantonal departments of education, e.g. Canton of Bern
State Secretariat for Education, Research and innovation (SERI)

Switzerland has three types of university: universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education and academic universities. The universities of applied sciences run practice-oriented degree courses and continuing education at university level. There are seven university of applied science regions In Switzerland with a total of about 60 universities of applied sciences and one private university of applied sciences recognised by the Confederation.

Admission → Recognised or accredited Swiss universities

raduates of universities of applied sciences support the economy, the cultural sphere and society. Students at universities of applied sciences include musicians, visual artists, physiotherapists, business economists, engineers, social education specialists and journalists. The list of specific professional activities is long and varied. All graduates from universities of applied sciences have one thing in common: their FH SWITZERLAND studies means that they are in a position to take up a demanding position in a challenging field of work either immediately after of even during their studies. Thanks to the application-oriented education, graduates of universities of applied sciences have the advantage of using theoretical knowledge with a view to the challenges of practical considerations.

Every two years, FH SCHWEIZ surveys graduates from all fields of study at universities of applied sciences. Specific emphasis is placed on questions concerning wages and employment relationships. In 2019, a FH SWITZERLAND graduate earned approximately 101,000 francs. Some 60 percent of FH SWITZERLAND graduates had a post at management level. These few figures show that studying at a FH SWITZERLAND offers excellent prospects.

→ FH SWITZERLAND wage study

Switzerland has three types of university: universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education and academic universities. The universities of teacher education prepare future teachers for a career in teaching. On the one hand, they address specialist and pedagogical training, placing value on an interdisciplinary approach. On the other hand, the prospective teachers are given educational training. Furthermore, this type of training also includes a high proportion of practical training. The link to research and development in the professional field is also important. Graduates of a university of teacher education can teach at different school levels ranging from kindergarten to secondary level II. Teacher training is currently offered at 13 universities of teacher education and four universities.

→ List of universities of teacher education in Switzerland

Switzerland has three types of university: universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education and academic universities. Academic universities primarily focus on fundamental research. They offer courses in fields such as mathematics, human medicine, IT, philosophy, history, archaeology and many more.

The basis is the bachelor’s degree. Anyone wishing to further their knowledge can then prepare a master’s degree. Many employers expect university graduates to have a master’s degree that qualifies them for their chosen profession.

Post-doc studies are also offered by academic universities: A doctorate prepares students for a research-oriented activity in the university and non-university fields.

Admission → Recognised or accredited Swiss universities