Matura schools: overview
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Matura schools are located in all cantons. Matura school education was completely revised in 1995. Since then, the Confederation and the cantons jointly regulate the Swiss-wide recognition of educational qualifications from matura schools. This is based on the Swiss Federal Council's Ordinance on the Recognition of Matura Certificates of 1995 and the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education's identical Regulations on the Recognition of Matura Certificates. In most cases, the cantons are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of matura schools. These schools must be recognised by the Confederation and by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK).
Duration
The structure and duration of the overall education through to matura vary according to the canton. Schooling from the primary level through to the obtaining of a matura certificate takes at least 12 school years in total. Enrolment in a matura school occurs in school year 9 (usually) or 10 (at the age of 13 / 14) and lasts for 4 years in most cases. In cases where the matura education lasts 3 years (enrolment in school year 10), preparatory matura education must take place in school year 9 in a performance-based group at advanced level. Certain German-speaking cantons also have matura schools in which enrolment already occurs after the primary level in school year 7 (Langzeitgymnasium, duration: 6 years). Most of the students attend public matura schools.
Further education
Matura schools prepare students for further education on the tertiary level, namely at a university. They do not provide vocational qualifications. After passing the matura examination, students attain a matura certificate at an average age of 19. This certificate is a prerequisite for admission to a cantonal university, Federal Institute of Technology or university of teacher education.
Matura schools for adults
Adults who wish to earn a matura certificate can attend a recognised matura school for adults (duration: at least 3 years) or take the Swiss matura examinations. The Swiss Matura Commission is responsible for organising the Swiss matura examinations. Preparation for the examination is facultative and can occur via a private matura preparatory school or self-directed study.
The structure and duration of the overall education through to matura vary according to the canton. Schooling from the primary level through to the obtaining of a matura certificate takes at least 12 school years in total. Enrolment in a matura school occurs in school year 9 (usually) or 10 (at the age of 13 / 14) and lasts for 4 years in most cases. In cases where the matura education lasts 3 years (enrolment in school year 10), preparatory matura education must take place in school year 9 in a performance-based group at advanced level. Certain German-speaking cantons also have matura schools in which enrolment already occurs after the primary level in school year 7 (Langzeitgymnasium, duration: 6 years). Most of the students attend public matura schools.
Further education
Matura schools prepare students for further education on the tertiary level, namely at a university. They do not provide vocational qualifications. After passing the matura examination, students attain a matura certificate at an average age of 19. This certificate is a prerequisite for admission to a cantonal university, Federal Institute of Technology or university of teacher education.
Matura schools for adults
Adults who wish to earn a matura certificate can attend a recognised matura school for adults (duration: at least 3 years) or take the Swiss matura examinations. The Swiss Matura Commission is responsible for organising the Swiss matura examinations. Preparation for the examination is facultative and can occur via a private matura preparatory school or self-directed study.
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