Swiss visa, maturité and boarding: your questions

No. A French student does not need a visa. They must, however, obtain a B EU/EFTA residence permit from the canton where they study, proving financial means and health insurance. Source: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

In principle yes, within 3 months of arrival. A foreign student can apply for an exemption if they have equivalent cover, for example their French cover. The application goes to the canton. Source: Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

The Swiss Embassy in France, in Paris, handles visa applications from non-Europeans living in France. For French families, the formalities mostly take place in Switzerland, after enrolment.

The Swiss maturité is prepared at a gymnasium in Switzerland, so the student moves to Switzerland, usually as a boarder. From Paris, we organise everything: first meeting, choice of school, video interview and enrolment. If your child needs to stay in Paris, an international school in Paris is usually the better option.

Yes, but there is no automatic equivalence with the bac. In France, the receiving institution (university, school, preparatory class) decides whether to recognise a foreign diploma, using its own criteria. A French or Swiss student holding the maturité applies for first year through Parcoursup, like other EU and Swiss applicants, without the prior admission request required for other countries. If a school asks, ENIC-NARIC France issues a “certificate of comparability” placing the maturité relative to French diplomas. Sources: service-public.fr and the French Ministry of Higher Education.

Yes, it is a common time to change systems. The gymnasium assesses the student's level, particularly in languages and maths, to place them in the right year.

Usually 3 to 4 years at a gymnasium. Some private gymnasiums also offer a shorter intensive maturité for motivated students.

Yes, subject to grade and subject requirements that EPFL reviews regularly. The federal maturité remains the most direct route. Always check the rules for the current year.

Often yes, with a caring setting and individual follow-up. The choice of school is then decisive.

Dates depend on the school and academic year. Check the school’s official calendar and confirm application deadlines and boarding arrival dates directly.

Some Swiss schools offer it; others prepare the Swiss maturité or the IB. We help you choose the right diploma.

Often yes, by video. We still recommend visiting the school before the start of term: check the complete journey and connections for your chosen date.

It depends on the plan. An international school in Paris suits a child who stays with the family and aims for studies in France or abroad with the bac or IB. The Swiss maturité suits a child aiming for a Swiss university and ready for boarding.

Yes, for a student who wants to stay in the bac system and close to family. Boarding places in Paris itself are limited, which is why it is worth also looking at Île-de-France, the regions or Switzerland. See also our page on private boarding schools in France.