Compulsory education in Switzerland spans 9 years: 6 years of primary schooling and 3 years of secondary schooling in various streams. Due to an excellent apprenticeship system, many school leavers go on to a 3-4 year apprenticeship ( Switzerland has the highest percentage of people in apprenticeships) which includes a significant segment of formal education. At completion of their apprenticeship, following another year of full-time education, these young people can sit the Vocational Baccalaureate which qualifies for entry into a University of Applied Sciences.

Those continuing formal education can, after 12 years of schooling, sit the Academic Baccalaureate examination which is required for entry into an academic university. Students with an Academic Baccalaureate who wish to enter a University of Applied Sciences must first absolve a one-year practical traineeship in that field of study.

Switzerland has adopted the Bologna system of a 3-year Bachelor and 2-year Master.  The programmes operate with the European Credit Transfer System. There are numerous professional schools offering certificates and diplomas in vocational fields.