International schools in Zurich, Geneva and Zug: how to choose
Public, bilingual or international: what each path leads to, what schools officially charge, and when to apply. No rankings, just the facts to decide with.
In short
Start with the diploma your child will need, then the language they will learn in. Swiss public school is free and local-language; most international schools in this guide teach in English and charge roughly CHF 28,000–40,000 a year for 2026–27. Most accept applications all year, but apply by February for August.
Should your child go to a public, bilingual or international school?
Public school is free, close to home and teaches in German or French, with extra language lessons for newcomers. Bilingual private schools mix the local language with English and often lead to the Swiss Matura. International schools teach in English towards the IB, British or American qualifications, at a fee.
The right choice depends mostly on how long you plan to stay and where your child will study after school. A family here for two or three years, with a child who will return to an English-language system, usually weighs things differently from a family settling for good.
Public school is free, and your address decides the school (zh.ch, checked ) (City of Zurich, checked ). Children who don’t speak the language get support lessons or reception classes (see below). It is the most direct route into Swiss life and the Swiss Matura.
Private schools, bilingual or international, need cantonal approval if children complete compulsory schooling there. Each canton publishes a list of approved schools: Zurich (opens in a new tab), Geneva (opens in a new tab) and Zug (opens in a new tab) (zh.ch, checked ) (ge.ch, checked ) (zg.ch, checked ). Check a school is on it before you commit.
Three paths at a glance
| Aspect | Public school | Bilingual private | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | German (Zurich, Zug) or French (Geneva) | Local language and English | Mainly English |
| Cost | Free | School fees | School fees |
| School place | Allocated by address | Apply to the school | Apply to the school |
| Leads to | Swiss Matura or apprenticeship | Often Swiss Matura, sometimes IB | IB, British or American qualifications |
| Best fit | Families settling long term | Staying longer, keeping English | Short stays or English-language plans |
How do the IB, British, American and Swiss curricula differ?
The IB runs from age 3 to 19 in four programmes and ends with the IB Diploma. British schools follow the English National Curriculum to GCSEs and A levels. American programmes lead to a High School Diploma, often with Advanced Placement courses. The Swiss Matura is the local university-entrance qualification.
The International Baccalaureate has four programmes: the Primary Years Programme (ages 3–12), Middle Years Programme (11–16), and the Diploma and Career-related Programmes (16–19) (IBO, checked ). Switzerland has 53 IB World Schools (IBO, checked ). Not every IB school offers all four; ask which ones run at the campus you’re considering.
Examples in this guide, listed alphabetically and chosen only to illustrate each curriculum:
- Collège du Léman (Geneva): IB Diploma and Career-related Programme, American High School Diploma, French Baccalaureate and Swiss Maturité (Collège du Léman, checked ).
- Geneva English School: English National Curriculum to GCSEs and A levels (Geneva English School, checked ).
- Institut Montana Zugerberg (Zug): bilingual primary and secondary school, a Swiss Gymnasium track and an international track (Institut Montana, checked ).
- Inter-Community School Zurich: all three core IB programmes, PYP, MYP and Diploma (ICS Zurich, checked ).
- International School of Geneva (Ecolint): IB Diploma at all three campuses; IGCSE and Swiss Maturité at its La Châtaigneraie campus in Vaud (Ecolint, checked ).
- International School of Zug and Luzern: IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes (ISZL, checked ).
- SIS Swiss International School Zürich: bilingual German and English on the cantonal curriculum, bilingual Matura and IB Diploma (SIS, checked ).
- Zurich International School: IB Diploma and Advanced Placement courses, with a bilingual English–German pathway for ages 3–11 (ZIS, checked ).
Many international schools belong to the Swiss Group of International Schools, a not-for-profit association of member schools (SGIS, checked ). Membership is not a quality ranking, but the member list is a useful starting point.
Curricula compared
| Curriculum | Ages | Final qualification | Taught in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) | 3–19 | IB Diploma or Career-related certificate | English, some bilingual |
| British | Reception to Year 13 | GCSEs, then A levels | English |
| American | Kindergarten to Grade 12 | High School Diploma, often with AP courses | English |
| Bilingual Swiss | Kindergarten to Matura | Swiss Matura, sometimes IB | Local language and English |
| Swiss public | 4–15 or later | Swiss Matura or apprenticeship | German or French |
Will an IB diploma get your child into a Swiss university?
Yes, if the subject mix and score are right. Swiss universities generally ask for six specific IB subject groups, three at Higher Level including maths or a science, and at least 32 of 42 points. ETH Zurich and EPFL ask for 38 points with specific Higher Level subjects.
The Swiss Matura gives direct access to Swiss universities (swissuniversities, checked ). For the IB Diploma, swissuniversities lists the conditions for 2026–27 (swissuniversities, checked ):
- Six subjects: first language, second language, mathematics, a natural science (biology, chemistry or physics), a humanities or social science subject, and an elective.
- At least three subjects at Higher Level, one of them mathematics or a natural science.
- At least 32 of 42 points, not counting bonus points, at most universities.
- ETH Zurich asks for 38 points and Higher Level maths; EPFL asks for 38 points with maths, physics and another science at Higher Level.
This matters in Year 11, when subject choices are made. If a Swiss university is a real option, check the choices against the current swissuniversities list before your child commits.
-
Most universities
32 / 42
IB points at least, without bonus points.
-
ETH and EPFL
38 / 42
IB points, plus specific Higher Level subjects.
-
Higher Level
3 subjects
including maths or a natural science.
How does public school work in Zurich, Geneva and Zug?
In Zurich and Geneva, children who are four by 31 July start school that August, free of charge, with language support for newcomers. Zug is different: kindergarten becomes compulsory for children who turn five by the end of February, and compulsory schooling lasts ten years rather than eleven.
Zurich
Compulsory school lasts eleven years, starts with two years of kindergarten and is free (zh.ch, checked ) (zh.ch, checked ). Children who move to a Zurich commune have the right and duty to attend, and newcomers are entitled to German as a Second Language (DaZ) lessons, with intensive start courses or reception classes in some places (zh.ch, checked ). The City of Zurich offers free school counselling in English (City of Zurich, checked ); see our Zurich page.
Geneva
Every child who is four by 31 July and lives in Geneva must be enrolled in primary school. Non-French speakers join a regular class and spend half their time in a reception class (ge.ch, checked ); at lower secondary level they start in reception classes (ge.ch, checked ). School is compulsory to 15 and education or training to 18 (ge.ch, checked ). See Genève.
Zug
Kindergarten is compulsory for children who turn five by 28 or 29 February, with an optional year before it (zg.ch, checked ). Compulsory schooling lasts ten years, and newcomers get beginner German classes of 8–10 lessons a week (zg.ch, checked ). The cantonal school inspectorate is the first contact for families arriving from abroad (zg.ch, checked ). See our Zug page.
Nationally, most cantons start school at four with a 31 July cut-off, but some in central and eastern Switzerland use a different date (ch.ch, checked ). German or French lessons outside school help children settle faster; see language schools.
Public school in three cantons
| Canton | School starts | Compulsory | Language support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich | Age 4 by 31 July | 11 years, from kindergarten | German as a second language (DaZ) |
| Geneva | Age 4 by 31 July | School to 15, training to 18 | Reception classes (classes d’accueil) |
| Zug | Kindergarten compulsory if 5 by end of February | 10 years | Beginner German classes, 8–10 lessons a week |
What do international schools in Zurich, Geneva and Zug cost?
At most of the example schools below, 2026–27 tuition for primary grades is about CHF 28,000–33,300 a year, rising to CHF 36,500–40,300 in the final years. One-off fees of CHF 1,500–5,500 usually come on top, plus lunches, transport and trips. Public school is free.
Every figure below comes from the school’s own fee page, checked on 24 September 2026. Fees change each year, so treat them as a guide and check the current schedule before you apply:
- Collège du Léman: day school, 2026–27 (Collège du Léman, checked ).
- Geneva English School: 2026–27, plus a refundable CHF 3,000 deposit (Geneva English School, checked ).
- Institut Montana Zugerberg: day school years 1–12, CHF 32,900–36,800; the page states no school year (Institut Montana, checked ).
- Inter-Community School Zurich: 2026–27; the final-year fee includes IB exam fees (ICS Zurich, checked ).
- International School of Geneva: 2026–27 (Ecolint, checked ).
- International School of Zug and Luzern: 2026–27; no application fee, sibling discounts or financial aid (ISZL, checked ).
- SIS Swiss International School Zürich: 2026–27, billed per semester (SIS, checked ).
- Zurich International School: 2026–27 (ZIS, checked ).
Are school fees tax-deductible?
Generally not. Zurich’s tax office states that school fees are not deductible as childcare costs (Zurich tax office, checked ). The federal childcare deduction, up to CHF 25,800 a year, covers third-party care of children under 14, such as daycare or after-school clubs, not tuition (ESTV, checked ). A tax adviser can check what your employer’s school allowance means for your tax.
Published tuition, 2026–27 (CHF per year)
| School | Grades 1–5 | Final years | One-off fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collège du Léman | 29,300 | 37,500 (G11–12, IB) | Application 500; admission 3,800 |
| Geneva English School | 28,700 (Y1–4) | 36,500 (Y12–13) | Application 250; registration 1,500; capital 4,000 |
| Institut Montana Zugerberg | 32,900–36,800 (years 1–12) | Included in range | Admission 5,500 |
| Inter-Community School Zurich | 33,300 | 40,300 (G11–12) | Application 500; capital fund 5,000 |
| International School of Geneva | 28,160 (classes 1–4) | 36,540 (classes 12–13) | Application 250; registration 2,500; capital 4,000 |
| International School of Zug and Luzern | 33,200 | 39,700 (G11–12) | Registration 5,000 |
| SIS Zürich | 13,190 per semester | 15,470 per semester (Gymnasium 3–4) | Enrolment 600 |
| Zurich International School | 32,800 | 39,700 (G11–12) | Application 500; infrastructure 5,000 |
From each school’s own fee page, checked 24 Sep 2026. Montana’s page states no school year. Lunch, transport and trips are extra.
When should you apply to an international school?
Most international schools accept applications all year, but places fill up for August. Two of our example schools recommend applying by February, and one sends offers from February to August. Expect to send two years of school reports and teacher references, and join a waiting pool if a grade is full.
There is rarely a hard deadline, but timing still matters:
- Zurich International School accepts students throughout the year but warns that spaces can be limited, and replies within about ten working days (ZIS, checked ).
- Inter-Community School Zurich suggests applying by February and runs placement assessments after acceptance (ICS Zurich, checked ).
- The International School of Geneva makes offers from February to the end of August (Ecolint, checked ).
- The International School of Zug and Luzern recommends applying by February for an August start and gives siblings priority if they apply by 1 February (ISZL, checked ).
Typical documents are two years of school reports, one or two teacher recommendations and your child’s passport; older students may need a set English level (ZIS, checked ) (ISZL, checked ). Apply to more than one school if your start date is fixed.
An application timeline for an August start
-
Autumn before
Shortlist and visit
Compare curricula, fees and transport.
-
By February
Apply
Reports, references, passport.
-
February–August
Offers or waiting pool
Keep a second option open.
-
On acceptance
Pay one-off fees
Registration or capital fund.
-
On arrival
Register at the commune
Public school places follow your address.
How do you choose the right school for your child?
Work backwards from where your child will study after school, then weigh language, how long you will stay, the commute and total cost. Visit at least two schools, ask the same questions at each, and check that the school appears on the canton’s list of approved private schools.
- Choose public school if you plan to stay long term and want your child to grow into Swiss life and the local language.
- Choose a bilingual school if you are staying longer but want English kept strong, or the Swiss Matura in two languages.
- Choose an IB school if your plans may change: the IB Diploma is recognised internationally and in Switzerland on set conditions.
- Choose a British or American school if your child is likely to continue in that system.
Questions to ask on a school visit
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When is an education adviser worth it?
An education adviser helps when you are choosing between several schools from abroad, face waiting lists or have a child with learning needs. Ask how they are paid, and whether any school pays them. For public school, the city and cantonal offices give first advice for free.
Advisers typically compare schools against your child’s needs, arrange visits and handle applications. Their independence varies, so ask whether they receive fees from schools and which schools they work with.
Free public advice exists too: the City of Zurich’s English-language school counselling (City of Zurich, checked ), Geneva’s primary school enrolment service (ge.ch, checked ), and Zug’s cantonal school inspectorate (zg.ch, checked ). For daycare before school age, see schools and childcare. Moving to Zug? Our cost of living in Zug guide covers childcare subsidies. For the rest of the move, see your first 90 days and international movers.
Schools and education advisers in Zurich
globegarden
Kitas & daycare · ZürichNetwork of 80+ daycare centres across Switzerland for infants to kindergarten age, with after-school and holiday care; English and German programme options.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS Zurich)
International schools · ZürichIB World School in Zumikon near Zurich for ages 2-18, offering PYP, MYP and IB Diploma, including bilingual diploma options.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Little Green House
Kitas & daycare · ZürichMultilingual daycare and school network with 11 sites in Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg and Zurich-Altstetten; care from about 4 months to school age, French/English environment.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Schools and education advisers in Geneva
International School of Geneva (Ecolint)
International schools · GenèveFoundation-run international school with three campuses in the Geneva area for ages 3-18; IB continuum with bilingual English/French options.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Little Green House
Kitas & daycare · GenèveMultilingual daycare and school network with 11 sites in Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg and Zurich-Altstetten; care from about 4 months to school age, French/English environment.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Rockmybaby Swiss
Nanny agencies · GenèveChildcare recruitment agency placing nannies and newborn care specialists with families in several Swiss regions; also recruits household and education staff and offers payroll.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Schools and education advisers in Zug
International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
International schools · ZugNon-profit IB World School for ages 3-18 with an early years to middle school campus in Baar and a high school campus in Hünenberg; offers PYP, MYP and IB Diploma.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Little Star Day School
Kitas & daycare · ZugBilingual German/English nurseries for children from 6 months to school entry, with four sites in Zug, Kilchberg and Zurich (Wollishofen, Sihlcity).
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?Rockmybaby Swiss
Nanny agencies · ZugChildcare recruitment agency placing nannies and newborn care specialists with families in several Swiss regions; also recruits household and education staff and offers payroll.
Listed from public information. The business hasn’t checked it yet.
Is this your business?What else do parents ask?
Are international schools in Switzerland free?
No. International and bilingual private schools charge fees; the examples in this guide publish 2026–27 tuition of roughly CHF 28,000–40,000 a year. Public school is free.
When should I apply to an international school in Zurich?
As early as you can. Schools accept applications all year, but grades fill up for August, so aim for February and keep a second option open.
Can my child go to a Swiss public school without speaking German or French?
Yes. Zurich and Zug offer German as a second language lessons and Geneva has reception classes, so newcomers join a school near home and learn the language there.
Does an IB diploma give access to Swiss universities?
Yes, on conditions: six set subject groups, three at Higher Level including maths or a science, and at least 32 of 42 points. ETH Zurich and EPFL ask for 38.
Are private school fees tax-deductible in Switzerland?
Generally not. Zurich’s tax office says school fees are not deductible as childcare costs; the federal childcare deduction covers care of children under 14, not tuition.
At what age do children start school in Zug?
Kindergarten is compulsory for children who turn five by the end of February, with an optional year before. Zurich and Geneva start at four, with a 31 July cut-off.
Do I need an education adviser to get a school place?
No. You can apply to schools directly, and public school is arranged through your commune. An adviser helps most when you are choosing from abroad or face waiting lists.
Sources
Last checked by the expat-services.ch editorial team
- ch.ch Kindergarten and compulsory education in Switzerland (opens in a new tab)
- Canton of Zurich Volksschule: eleven years, free of charge (in German) (opens in a new tab)
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- City of Zurich Information in English: school attendance and free counselling (opens in a new tab)
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