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Choosing a Swiss international school to access the world's best universities

By Antoine C.

Are you looking to open all the doors of higher education for your child?

Swiss international schools are now one of the best educational investments in the world.

Located in an exceptional setting, they combine academic excellence and international openness to prepare their students for the most prestigious universities.


The advantages of Swiss international schools

A world-renowned pedagogical approach

Swiss international schools apply teaching methods that set standards worldwide. They emphasize active learning, critical thinking, and student autonomy. This approach develops skills that all major universities are looking for: analytical skills, synthesis and creativity.

Small classes allow for personalized follow-up of each student. The teachers, often from the best international universities, adapt their pedagogy to the specific needs of each person. This individual attention makes all the difference when applying for a university.

Multilingualism as a competitive advantage

Mastering several languages is a major asset to enter the best universities in the world. Swiss international schools offer a naturally multilingual environment where English, French and often German come together on a daily basis.

This language immersion prepares you perfectly for international higher education. Whether your child is aiming for Harvard, Oxford, the Sorbonne, or ETH Zurich, they will have the language skills to excel in any academic environment.

Programs aligned with international standards

The curricula offered follow the most demanding standards: International Baccalaureate, British or American programs. These degrees are recognized by all prestigious universities and greatly facilitate the admission procedures.

The International Baccalaureate, which is particularly popular, develops a holistic approach to education. It combines academic excellence, community involvement, and personal development. Universities around the world recognize the quality of this training.

The school is perched above Montreux

Switzerland offers a wide range of renowned international schools

How these schools facilitate access to prestigious universities

Established university partnerships

Swiss international schools have special relationships with the world's best universities. These partnerships take the form of exchange programs, conferences with university professors and dedicated open days.

These direct connections make it much easier to apply. Guidance counselors know the admissions officers at many universities personally. They can thus effectively direct each student to the institutions that best match his or her profile.

Personalized support for students

Choosing a Swiss international school means benefiting from tailor-made support throughout the school career. From the second grade, the guidance counsellors work with each student to define his or her university and professional project.

This support includes:

  • Preparation for admission tests (SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Help in writing cover letters
  • Simulation of admission interviews
  • Coaching for oral presentations
  • The organization of internships and professional experiences

Exceptional admission rates

The figures speak for themselves: graduates of Swiss international schools have exceptional admission rates at prestigious universities. More than 95% of students enter their first or second choice of university.

This success can be explained by the quality of the preparation but also by the reputation that these institutions enjoy with universities. Admissions officers know the level of requirements of these schools and trust their recommendations.

School building

A Swiss international school can facilitate access to prestigious universities

Focus on the schools of excellence of Montreux Riviera

HIM Business School stands out for its connections with the international business world. This school trains future economic leaders through a program that combines academic theory and practical experience. Its graduates regularly join renowned institutions such as IE Business School in Madrid and the International University of Monaco.

Recognized in Switzerland as an École supérieureSwiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) holds a unique place in the international education landscape. Specializing in hospitality and management, it is also the academic partner of the University of Derby, providing pathways to British university degrees and a global network of opportunities.

Institut Monte Rosa offers a personalized pedagogical approach that is perfectly adapted to the needs of each student. This flexibility allows you to optimize the chances of admission to the university of your dreams. The school emphasizes personal development and academic excellence.

Haut-Lac International Bilingual School cultivates multicultural openness while maintaining high academic standards. This combination ideally prepares students for international academic environments. The school has excellent results for admission to Swiss, Anglo-Saxon and European universities.

Criteria for making the right choice

Adequacy with the higher education project

Choosing a Swiss international school requires you to think about your child's higher education project. Some schools excel in preparing for business studies, others in the sciences or liberal arts.

We must also consider the university system in question. Schools offering the International Baccalaureate are a great fit for European universities, while American programs make it easy to get into universities across the Atlantic.

The learning environment and the living environment

The Montreux Riviera region offers an exceptional setting for studying. Between Lake Geneva and the Alps, students benefit from a stimulating and secure environment. This quality of life contributes to personal development and academic success.

Modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technological equipment and comfortable living spaces create optimal learning conditions. This attention to the well-being of students is reflected in their academic performance.

Concrete results in terms of university placement

Before choosing a Swiss international school, carefully review the university placement statistics. The best schools regularly publish this data and do not hesitate to share the testimonies of their former students.

Also ask to meet recent graduates. They will be able to tell you how their school prepared them for the university challenges and share their experience with the admissions process.

Choosing a Swiss international school to gain access to the world's best universities is an investment in the future. These institutions offer much more than just academic preparation: they train global citizens who are ready to excel in any international academic environment.