SwissCommunity

The Swiss schools abroad

19.12.2025 – Ruth von Gunten

Swiss schools abroad and their umbrella organisation currently have growing concerns about their future. The austerity measures proposed by the federal government are threatening their existence around the globe.

The 17 Swiss schools abroad recognised by the federal government are located on three continents in ten countries. They were originally founded by local Swiss communities abroad. Today, the Swiss Schools Act sets out the requirements for the recognition of these schools. The Federal Office of Culture is responsible for Swiss schools abroad within the Federal Administration and for calculating subsidy contributions. Each school is supported by a “patron” canton, which provides pedagogical advice and supervision.

The tasks of Swiss schools abroad include not only bilingual teaching based on the Swiss curriculum but also promoting Swiss culture and supporting ties between young Swiss citizens living abroad and their homeland. They are also intended to be multicultural meeting places.

Teaching in line with the Swiss curriculum – at a Swiss school in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: educationsuisse

Heinz Rhyn, educationsuisse president, says: “Those who attend a Swiss school abroad not only benefit from the quality of the school and the teaching according to the Swiss curriculum and requirements, but also learn several languages and get to know different cultures. Swiss values and broadening horizons, innovation and networking, building bridges and strengthening community – this is what pupils and students learn in Swiss schools in addition to acquiring academic skills. Swiss school qualifications are recognised at all levels. This means that those who graduate with a Swiss Matura can also study at Swiss universities.”

Since the founding of its predecessor organisation, the umbrella association educationsuisse has developed into a central interface in the school network and represents the schools’ interests vis-à-vis authorities and politicians in Switzerland. Its main tasks include promoting and connecting schools, advising and supporting graduates of these schools and, more generally, young Swiss citizens living abroad who are looking for post-compulsory education in Switzerland. educationsuisse is also the employer of Swiss teachers at Swiss schools in Europe.

Financed mainly by parental contributions, Swiss schools act as ambassadors for Switzerland in their host countries by imparting Swiss education and values and strengthening ties between Switzerland and other countries. This long-established presence would be jeopardised by the drastic reduction in subsidies, and decades of networking and development work would be undone.