STAGES OF STUDIES IN SWITZERLAND

Non-University Level:

Professional people extend their general education,upgrade their professional skills or qualify in organization and leadership which are necessary for a career at advanced Vocational colleges.Studies last for two to three years and lead to a final diploma.Under the new law on professional training,the Federal Administration is now responsible for the areas of Health,Social Studies and Arts.New minimum requirements are being elaborated for the recognition of educational courses and postgraduate studies at the universities of Applied sciences.Some of the Advanced vocational colleges are being converted into Universities of Applied sciences but studies leading to professional diplomas will still be carried out at Advanced Vocational colleges.

University level first stage:Basic studies:

Universities: The first period of long cycle study is essentially devoted to broadly based studies.It takes 2 to 6 semesters and generally ends with intermediate examinations called Vordiplomprufungen,Demi licence depending on the subject and the University.Universities of Applied sciences:Undergraduate studies last from 6 to 8 semesters and culminate in the award of a Diploma.Leading to Bachelors degree,the first stage provides fundamental academic education and teaches methodical academic thinking.At the universities of Applied sciences,the Bachelor courses also focus on profession and practice.The Bachelors degree is the precondition for going on to study for a Master degree.The Bachelors degree also enables the graduate to enter a profession.

University level second stage:Main studies

The second period is devoted to in depth study,often with some specializations.After further 4 semesters,a Lizential is conferred an Arts,law and Science.A further 5 semesters are required for the Diploma in Engineering.In Medicine,a total of 10 semesters is required,whereas in Dentistry,Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine,a totalis needed.leading to a master degree,the second stage deepens and broadens knowledge of a subject and should include somre research.The conditions for admission to master studies must still be clarified.

UsefulLinks:

      1.www.myswitzerland.com

      2.www.transworldeducation.com

      3.www.isyours.com