Centralised route

The Swiss matura exam: the independent route.

An official, federally centralised route to obtain a gymnasial matura certificate equivalent to that of a recognised gymnasium — without attending one.

In brief

A federal exam open to all.

The Swiss matura exam is jointly organised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Swiss Matura Commission (SMC). It allows candidates to obtain a federally recognised gymnasial matura certificate without having attended a recognised gymnasium.

It is particularly suited to adults changing careers, students from private preparatory schools, self-taught candidates and anyone wishing to access university education without the classic gymnasium route.

2×Sessions per year (spring and autumn)
< 60%Demanding pass rate
∞No age limit to register
= Certificate equivalent to a recognised gymnasium
Organisation

Sessions and registration.

The Swiss matura exam takes place twice a year, typically in spring (May–June) and autumn (October–November). Exact dates and registration deadlines are published by SERI.

How to register?

  • Register with SERI within the set deadlines (usually several months before the session)
  • Submit a complete application: personal details, prior education, identity documents
  • Pay the examination fees set by SERI
  • Choose your examination subjects in accordance with the regulation requirements

Examination venues

The exam is held at several centres across Switzerland. French-speaking candidates generally sit the exam in Bern or at a centre in the French-speaking region.

Key deadlines

Registration for the spring session typically closes in the autumn of the previous year. For the autumn session, registration takes place in spring. Check the SERI website for current exact dates.

Partial subjects

It is possible to sit the exam subject by subject and spread examinations across several sessions. This approach allows for progressive preparation, particularly suited to candidates who are working at the same time.

Official SERI information →
Programme

Examination subjects.

The Swiss matura exam covers the same areas as the standard gymnasial matura. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of all subjects required by the regulation.

  • First language (French, German or Italian depending on the region)
  • Second national language
  • Third language (generally English)
  • Mathematics
  • Biology, chemistry, physics
  • History and geography
  • A specific subject of the candidate's choice
  • A written and oral matura thesis
Examination hall
Preparation

How to prepare effectively?

🏫

Private preparatory school

The most structured route. Private schools offer complete or partial programmes with courses adapted to adults (evenings, weekends, intensive formats). They know the exam requirements and effectively support candidates.

📖

Self-study

Possible, but demanding. The candidate must master the entire programme independently. This route requires very high personal discipline and suits highly autonomous profiles who already have solid foundations.

🎯

Hybrid preparation

Some candidates combine private tutoring, e-learning and school preparation for specific subjects. A flexible approach suited to those who already have a good grounding in certain areas.

The pass rate is below 60%

The Swiss matura exam is known for its high level of demand. Support from a serious preparatory school significantly increases your chances of success. Sitting the exam without structured preparation is rarely a good strategy.

Recommended school

Preparing with quality support.

Collège Pierre Viret in Lausanne offers comprehensive preparation for the Swiss matura exam. Small classes, personalised support and hours adapted to working adults.

  • Evening classes and intensive formats available
  • Personalised support by experienced teachers
  • Preparation for all subjects of the Swiss exam
  • Guidance for the matura thesis
Visit pierreviret.ch →
Students at Collège Pierre Viret
Private school · Vaud · Lausanne

Collège Pierre Viret

Preparation for the gymnasial matura and the Swiss exam. Small classes, personalised support.

pierreviret.ch →

Compare with the gymnasium route?

See our comparison of the two official pathways to find the one that fits your situation.

Compare pathways Adult learners