After the matura

The gymnasial matura opens every door.

Universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, universities of applied sciences, studies abroad — no other Swiss upper secondary diploma provides such broad access to tertiary education.

Guaranteed access

Direct access to Swiss universities.

The main strength of the gymnasial matura: it opens general, unrestricted access to all Swiss university-level institutions without additional entrance exams. This is a guarantee enshrined in federal law.

Regardless of which canton awarded your matura — Geneva, Vaud, Bern, Zurich or Ticino — you can enrol at any Swiss university.

  • Universities of Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Zurich, Basel, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Lucerne
  • EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne)
  • ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
  • Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
  • University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Students in a university lecture hall
Scientific excellence

EPFL and ETH Zurich: accessible with the matura.

Switzerland's two Federal Institutes of Technology rank among the world's best universities. The gymnasial matura is the direct and preferred route of admission to their programmes.

EPFL Lausanne

Engineering, architecture, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry and life sciences, technology management. The gymnasial matura is the standard admission requirement for Swiss applicants.

ETH Zurich

Engineering, natural sciences, architecture, systems, civil engineering, computer science. Consistently ranked in the global top 10, ETH Zurich is directly accessible with the Swiss matura.

Most popular fields of study

Medicine (subject to numerus clausus), law, economics, humanities, computer engineering, natural sciences and architecture are among the most sought-after programmes by Swiss matura graduates.

Important nuances

Some programmes apply a numerus clausus (medicine, veterinary science, psychology). Access is guaranteed but not always immediate when demand exceeds capacity.

Beyond universities

Teacher training, UAS and other institutions.

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Universities of Teacher Education

The gymnasial matura is a prerequisite for universities of teacher education, which train primary and secondary school teachers. Some cantons impose additional requirements depending on the teaching level targeted.

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Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)

UAS accept the gymnasial matura (often combined with practical experience depending on the programme). A bridging exam is not required for matura holders.

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Art and design schools

University-level art schools are open to gymnasial matura holders. A portfolio or aptitude test is generally required in addition to the diploma.

International mobility

Studying abroad.

The Swiss gymnasial matura is widely recognised internationally. It is regarded as the equivalent of the French Baccalauréat, the Austrian Matura or the German Abitur.

  • FranceAccess to French universities via the international procedure (equivalent to the Bac)
  • Germany & AustriaDirect recognition at most universities
  • United KingdomAccepted by universities, often with grade or subject conditions
  • United States & CanadaValued in applications, often combined with SAT or TOEFL
  • Scandinavian countriesGenerally favourable recognition

Always check with your target institution, as each country and university has its own admission criteria.

Students in a lecture hall
Long term

Perspectives as ambitious as you are.

The gymnasial matura is not an end in itself — it is the starting point of an academic journey that shapes a long-term professional career.

Swiss and international employers recognise the academic rigour it implies. Graduates who hold a university degree after the gymnasial matura access senior positions in virtually every sector.

Some accessible fields

  • Medicine, pharmacy, dentistry
  • Law, political science, international relations
  • Engineering, computer science, architecture
  • Economics, finance, management
  • Humanities and social sciences, psychology
  • Teaching, academic research
  • Natural sciences, environment

Find the right path for your matura.

Whether you are a student or an adult learner, we can help you identify the right school and preparation.

Find a school Pathways