Institutions

Find the school that suits you.

Public gymnasium, recognised private school or private preparatory school for the Swiss exam — every profile has its ideal institution. Here are our recommendations.

Understand before you choose

Two types of institution, two objectives.

🏛️ Gymnasium or recognised school

Awards the gymnasial matura certificate directly upon completion of the programme. Recognition is granted by the canton and validated by the CDPE. These are cantonal gymnasiums and certain recognised private schools.

→ Suited to students entering after lower secondary school

📚 Preparatory school for the Swiss exam

Prepares students for the Swiss matura exam organised by SERI. The school does not award the certificate itself — the centralised exam validates the qualification. These schools are often better suited to adults and non-standard profiles.

→ Suited to adults, career changers, self-directed learners

For a detailed explanation of the difference → Pathways

Recommended institutions

Our recommendations.

Classes at Collège Pierre Viret, Lausanne
Preparatory school · Vaud · Lausanne

Collège Pierre Viret

Collège Pierre Viret in Lausanne offers comprehensive preparation for the Swiss matura exam and the gymnasial matura. Small groups, personalised support, hours adapted to working adults (evening classes, intensive formats). Specialised in adult pathways and professional career changes.

  • Preparation for the Swiss matura exam
  • Evening classes and intensive programmes
  • Guidance for the matura thesis
  • Small groups, individual follow-up
Visit pierreviret.ch →
Your institution

Your school here

Do you run a recognised gymnasium or a school preparing for the gymnasial matura? Join this reference guide and reach thousands of candidates searching for an institution.

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Your institution

Your school here

This guide is open to serious schools preparing for the gymnasial matura or the Swiss exam. Contact us to discuss how to be listed.

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Public sector

Cantonal gymnasiums.

Public gymnasiums are the most accessible institutions for obtaining the gymnasial matura. They are funded and recognised by the cantons and award the certificate directly upon completion of the programme.

Each canton has its own gymnasiums with local characteristics: available options, programme duration, admission requirements. Conditions can vary considerably from one canton to another.

Official SERI list →
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How to find a cantonal gymnasium?

SERI publishes the complete list of institutions whose gymnasial matura programme is federally recognised. Each canton also has its own information on admission requirements.

📅

Registration deadlines

Enrolment in public gymnasiums generally takes place during the final year of compulsory schooling. Deadlines vary by canton — enquire early.

Due diligence

How to verify an institution's status?

Before enrolling in a private school presenting itself as offering a "matura", always verify its status. There is a fundamental difference between a recognised school and a preparatory school.

  • Consult SERI's official list of recognised matura programmes
  • Ask the school whether it awards the certificate itself or whether students sit the SERI centralised Swiss exam
  • Check whether the school is authorised by SERI to prepare students for the Swiss exam
  • Be wary of vague wording such as "diploma equivalent to the matura"

⚠️ Beware of misleading names

Only programmes recognised by the CDPE or the SERI Swiss exam give access to Swiss universities. A "baccalaureate" or "matura diploma" issued by an institution without official recognition has no legal value for university admission.

Are you a serious institution?

This guide is open to recognised gymnasiums and schools preparing for the Swiss exam. Contact us to join our reference list.

Contact us Pathways