Colleges of Higher Vocational Education and Training
Alongside vocational and higher specialised courses of study, colleges of Higher Vocational Education and Training are positioned in the non-university tertiary sector. They provide education in the fields of technology; hospitality; tourism and domestic science; business and economics; agriculture and forestry; health; social science and adult education; art and design, traffic and transport. The courses are designed to build competences that allow students to take on personal technical and management responsibilities. The Swiss Confederation is responsible for Colleges of Higher Vocational Education and Training.
Entrance Requirements
Students who wish to enrol at a Swiss college of further education must have a good command of the language of instruction. They must also have a diploma of the secondary level 2 and a professional experience. An aptitude test is also required. Swiss Abroad who have foreign educational qualifications should clarify the entrance requirements of the college of higher vocational education and training as they are entitled to make their own decision in such cases (there is no central admissions organisation).
Length of Study
Full-time courses at colleges of higher vocational education and training usually last two years, which is around 2,000 teaching hours. Sandwich courses last three years. A full-time course will often be supplemented with one or two practical semesters. The languages of instruction are the official national languages. Since 2005, besides in the official national languages, there are also courses held in English. Examinations are set during the semesters; final examinations and a dissertation complete the course. Students are awarded a college of higher vocational education and training diploma which is legally recognised throughout Switzerland.
Content
Middle-management level business people and people with line or general leadership responsibility can undertake courses at colleges of higher vocational education and training. These courses are very much practice-oriented and, for this reason college of higher vocational education and training graduates are much sought after on the job market.
Colleges of higher vocational education and training offer further education and post-graduate courses.
