Authored by Sandra Price

As more international families in Switzerland choose the British curriculum, a common question arises: can A-Levels lead to admission at Swiss universities such as ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich?

The answer is yes, provided students meet specific subject and grade requirements. Swiss universities recognise the academic strength of A-Levels, and with careful planning students can build an academic profile that meets the standards for admission.

At International School Zurich North (ISZN), students follow the British curriculum through to A-Levels. Through structured university guidance, families receive support in choosing subjects, understanding admission requirements and preparing successful university applications. You can learn more about the programme on our A-Levels page.

Understanding A-Levels

For families less familiar with the British curriculum, it helps to understand how A-Levels are structured and graded, since these qualifications form the foundation for Swiss university recognition.

The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level) is a two-year programme typically completed during Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12). The curriculum in the final year often overlaps with material taught in the first year of university, making A-Levels strong preparation for further academic study.

Most students study three or four A-Level subjects, selected according to their academic interests and university goals. Each subject includes multiple assessment components, with final examinations taking place at the end of the second year.

A-Levels are graded from A* (highest) to E (minimum pass).

  • Grades A, A and B* represent excellent to very strong achievement.
  • Grade C remains acceptable for many university programmes.
  • Grades D or E indicate a pass but usually fall below the level expected for competitive university admission.

Because A-Levels focus on a smaller number of subjects, they allow students to develop strong academic depth while preparing for specialised university study.

How Swiss Universities Recognise A-Levels

In Switzerland, international school qualifications are assessed according to recognition guidelines developed by swissuniversities, the umbrella organisation of Swiss higher education institutions.

Families can review the official recognition framework on the swissuniversities website.

Unlike some countries, Switzerland does not operate a centralised university admissions system. Each university evaluates foreign qualifications individually, using the national recognition framework as guidance.

This means that the final admission decision always rests with the university admissions office, although the swissuniversities guidelines provide clear expectations for students completing the British curriculum.

A-Level Requirements for Swiss University Admission

To be considered equivalent to the Swiss Maturität, students following the British system must demonstrate both academic depth and subject breadth.

According to swissuniversities guidelines, applicants must present:

  • Six independent general-education subjects
  • Three full A-Levels
  • Additional subjects taken at IGCSE level

For most Swiss universities, students must achieve A-Level grades of B, B and C, with Mathematics or a Natural Science included among the A-Level subjects.

ETH Zurich applies higher academic expectations. Applicants generally need:

  • Three A-Levels with grades of A or A*
  • Subjects including Mathematics, a Science and a Language

Further details can be found on the ETH Zurich admissions website.

This structure reflects Switzerland’s emphasis on a broad academic education combined with subject specialisation.

Swiss universities also require students to complete their secondary education within one consistent examination system, meaning students aiming for Swiss university admission normally follow the IGCSE and A-Level pathway.

Choosing the Right A-Level Subjects

Subject choices play an important role in preparing for Swiss university admission.

Most universities expect students to demonstrate competence across several academic areas, including:

  • Languages
  • Humanities or social sciences
  • Mathematics or natural sciences

Students planning to study engineering, natural sciences or other competitive programmes benefit from particularly strong preparation in mathematics and science subjects.

At ISZN, the university guidance team works closely with students when selecting IGCSE and A-Level subjects, helping them align academic choices with their intended university pathway. You can explore these options on our Upper Secondary webpage.

Applying to Swiss Universities with A-Levels

When students apply to Swiss universities, admissions offices review their academic qualifications in detail.

Universities typically assess:

  • Final A-Level examination results or predicted grades
  • Subject combinations
  • Compliance with swissuniversities recognition requirements

If an applicant’s qualifications do not fully meet recognition criteria, universities may require the ECUS examination (Examen Complémentaire des Hautes Écoles Suisses). Information about this examination is available on the ECUS website.

Some programmes, particularly medicine, may also require additional entrance or aptitude tests.

Language Requirements for Swiss Universities

Many Swiss university programmes are taught in German or French. Applicants must therefore demonstrate language proficiency, typically at C1 level.

Students who complete an A-Level in the required language can often fulfil these requirements through their school qualification.

General guidance on studying in Switzerland can be found on the Orientation.ch website, a national information platform for education pathways.

Most universities open their application period between January and April for admission in the following autumn semester.

Swiss Universities That Accept A-Levels

A-Levels are recognised by all Swiss public universities, including:

  • ETH Zurich
  • EPFL Lausanne
  • University of Zurich
  • University of Basel
  • University of Bern
  • University of Geneva

ISZN graduates have successfully gained admission to ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, as well as leading universities across the United Kingdom and Europe.

This demonstrates how the British curriculum can create a pathway that connects Swiss university opportunities with global higher education options.

A Pathway from ISZN to Swiss and International Universities

For families seeking an internationally recognised education that also keeps Swiss university options open, the A-Level pathway offers a strong and flexible route.

Through rigorous academics, thoughtful subject planning and personalised university guidance, students can develop the qualifications required for university study both in Switzerland and internationally.

To learn more, explore our A-Levels programme.