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Post-compulsory education
Upper secondary level
After compulsory education, adolescents transfer to upper secondary level and may choose between general education programmes (Baccalaureate schools or upper secondary specialised schools) and vocational education and training (VET) programmes.
The majority of adolescents enrol in vocational education and training (VET) after lower secondary level. The adolescents complete upper secondary level at the age of 18/19 and receive a corresponding certificate. More than 90% of young people complete an upper secondary level programme.
Various measures (individual support, case management etc.) have been taken in order to optimise the transition from compulsory level to upper secondary level. For adolescents who do not enrol immediately in upper secondary level after compulsory education, bridge-year courses are available as interim solutions.
Tertiary level education
At the tertiary level the Swiss education system offers a wide range of programmes which can be completed at universities or at professional education institutions.
Universities offer various academic or practice-oriented degree programmes. For access to a university institution, in general, a Baccalaureate or a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate is required, depending on the institution (access with other qualifications is possible). Switzerland has the following universities:
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universities: cantonal universities and Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH)
Tertiary level professional education enables (in particular) professionals who have completed vocational education and training (VET) to specialise and to enhance their skills and knowledge. Tertiary level professional education offers the following educational programmes:
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Federal Diploma of Higher Education and Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education Examinations
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Colleges of Higher Education diplomas
