Switzerland Pre-University/Vocational School Subjects

Core Subjects in Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The Swiss VET system emphasizes a dual-track approach, combining practical training in a company with theoretical instruction at a vocational school. This system allows students to gain real-world experience while simultaneously learning the necessary theoretical foundations.

General education subjects within VET are governed by the SERI Ordinance on the Minimum Regulations for General Education in Vocational Education and Training and a core curriculum. While the specific subjects aren't explicitly listed in readily available online resources, the curriculum covers language and communication, and societal topics such as ethics, identity and socialization, culture, ecology, politics, law, technology, and economics. Sports are also a mandatory component, with at least one lesson per school day.

In addition to general education, VET programs include career-specific studies. The content and objectives of these studies are defined by specific ordinances and education plans for each profession. These plans outline the required skills, knowledge, number of lessons, inter-company courses, and qualification procedures.

Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB)

The FVB program supplements the standard VET curriculum with advanced general education, providing a pathway to universities of applied sciences. The FVB curriculum includes core subjects such as the first national language, second national language, a third language, and mathematics. Specialized subjects are chosen based on the student's VET specialization and intended field of study at the university level. These specialized subjects include:

• Finance and accounting
• Design, art, and culture
• Information and communication
• Mathematics
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Economics and law

Supplementary subjects are also offered, typically complementing the specialized subjects. These include:

• History and politics
• Technology and environment
• Economics and law

Students completing the FVB program and passing a supplementary university aptitude test can also apply to traditional Swiss universities and universities of teacher education.