Swiss boarding schools: parents' questions

Some schools take boarders from age 6 to 8 (such as Chantemerle or Institut Montana), but most families choose boarding between 11 and 15. Before 11, we generally recommend a small family-run school or a 5-day format with weekends at home.

There is no absolute "best boarding school", only the best one for your child. A large international school offers an impressive network and facilities; a family-run school offers closer support and a reassuring setting. The right choice depends on your child's personality, independence and academic goals.

With 5-day boarding, students go home every weekend — ideal for families living in Switzerland or a neighbouring country. With 7-day boarding, students also stay at weekends with supervised activities, which suits families living further away.

Depending on the school: the Swiss maturité (direct access to Swiss universities such as EPFL or UNIL), the French baccalauréat, the International Baccalaureate (IB), British IGCSE and A Levels, or an American curriculum. The choice mostly depends on where and which university your child aims for.

Generally between CHF 50,000 and CHF 100,000 a year for tuition and boarding, and over CHF 100,000 for the most prestigious schools. For example, Chantemerle lists CHF 51,500 for 5-day boarding and CHF 59,500 for 7-day boarding in 2026/27. See our boarding school fees page for details.

Often: an enrolment deposit, uniforms, school material, insurance, exam fees, study trips, private lessons (ski, music) and airport transfers. We help you get a complete estimate before you commit.

Add up tuition and boarding, registration fees and deposit (often refundable), health and accident insurance, uniforms and supplies, school trips, optional activities (skiing, riding, music), pocket money and travel home for the holidays. Depending on the school and options, these extras often add 10–20% to the listed fee. Always ask the school for a written list of all costs.

Some schools offer scholarships or discounts (early enrolment, siblings, academic merit). They are limited and should be requested early; we can ask the schools on your behalf.

Ideally 9 to 12 months before the school year, especially for the most sought-after schools. Mid-year admissions are still possible when places remain.

Usually: the last two years of school reports, an interview with the student and family (on site or by video), level tests (language, mathematics), then an admission offer. We prepare the application with you and organise the visits.

No. Many boarding schools teach in English or offer intensive French classes. Some, like Chantemerle, also run language immersion programmes. We take this into account in our selection.

Students from the EU and EFTA don't need a visa but must register with the local commune. Other students must apply for a visa and a residence permit for study, using the enrolment certificate issued by the school. Processing times vary by country: allow several weeks.

For non-EU/EFTA students, the school issues an enrolment certificate. The family then applies for a visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Usually required: passport, school certificate, proof of payment or financial means, insurance and parental consent for a minor. On arrival, the student registers with the commune and receives a residence permit. EU/EFTA students need no visa but also register with the commune. Rules and timelines vary by canton and nationality: always check with the school and the consulate.

Lessons in the morning and early afternoon, sport or activities, supervised study, shared meals and a supervised evening. The routine is structured, with free time and weekend outings.

Swiss boarding schools have education teams present day and night, an infirmary and a dedicated adviser for each student. In small family-run schools, the leadership personally knows every child.

By phone and video call at times set by the school, with regular reports and parent-teacher meetings. Families are welcome at events and on exeat weekends.

The first weeks are often an adjustment period that staff know well. If difficulties persist, we discuss it with the school and, if needed, help you find a better-suited school.

Talk about it early and positively, visit the school together if possible and meet a staff member. Help them build independence before term: managing belongings, getting up on time, handling pocket money. Agree in advance on a call routine, neither too frequent nor too rare.

A valid passport or ID card, a visa if needed, the enrolment certificate, vaccination record, medical file and prescriptions, proof of health and accident insurance, signed parental authorisations and an emergency contact near the school.

Follow the school's list (uniform, sports kit). Pack warm, waterproof clothes for the Swiss winter, walking shoes, a Swiss plug adapter (type J), a few comforting personal items, and label every garment with your child's name.

Anyone living in Switzerland must in principle be insured. Some schools include cover; otherwise you need a policy, or an exemption if your foreign insurance offers equivalent cover. Check this with the school before arrival.