Joining Academia International School is simple and personal. Whether your child is entering our Secondary School, IGCSE-, or A-Level-programme, we guide families through each step of the admissions process with clarity and care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our Curriculum

At Academia, we follow the British curriculum with IGCSEs in Years 9–10 and International A Level in Years 11–12. Unlike the Swiss system, students choose their subjects based on their strengths and interests. All classes are taught in English.

Find out more about the educational path at Academia International School.

The differences between Swiss Matura, IB and International A Levels can be found in this overview.

In addition to core subjects like English, German, Maths and Sciences, we offer subjects such as Business, History, Geography, Art, Computer Sciences, Psychology and additional languages.

Depending on the campus and the students’ interests, the range of subjects may vary.

In the A-Level-programme, students focus on 3–4 individually selected subjects.

No. Many of our students join with varying levels of English. Our English Booster (English as an Additional Language) helps them integrate quickly and confidently.

Yes – German is a core part of our curriculum. Classes are offered at various levels depending on your child’s background. Native speakers are taught at first-language level.

Yes. Our students complete the internationally recognised IGCSE- and A- Level-exams. These qualifications are accepted by Swiss universities. A good German language certificate (e.g. B2–C1 or equivalent) and a thoughtful A Level subject combination are key.

Our in-house careers advisors support each student individually.

Alumni of Academia International School study at ETH, University of St. Gallen, Basel, Zurich and many other renowned universities in Switzerland and abroad.

“The staff at Academia are very supportive, clearly wanting students to succeed and have an enjoyable learning experience, while class contents are geared towards individual needs and getting ready for challenging and comprehensive exams. I am confident that this is a great preparation for further academic study in an international environment.”
Christiane J., mother of a student at AIS Zurich.

Requirements & Admission

    • Lower Secondary School (Years 7/8): Motivation and love of learning. A2 level in English and German expected.
    • IGCSE (Years 9/10): Solid academic foundation (upper level of Swiss Year 8) and English at B1+ level – or willingness to reach that level with support.
    • A Level (Years 11/12): Strong results in relevant subjects, independence and goal orientation. Students from our IGCSE programme move directly into the A Levels without exams if they meet the academic requirements. All other students go through a short assessment in the subjects chosen.

No. Instead of standardised testing, we offer a personal interview and insight days to get to know your child’s strengths.
If needed, short placement tests help determine the right academic level.

Yes – mid-year entry is possible, depending on availability and the student’s background. We recommend reaching out early to explore your options.

“Overall – this is a great school and we have been so pleased on how well prepared our children have become for university whether in Europe or in the United States.”
Mother of two daughters at AIS Basel

Admissions Process

  1. Non-binding consultation with the Head of School – on-site or online
  2. Insight days at the chosen campus
  3. Written application and contract signing

We guide you through every step – personally, clearly and without complications.

Just send us an email, call us, or use our online contact form.

“The teachers attach great importance to the fact that besides the specialized knowledge, the young people also learn how these subjects are put into practice.”
Parents of a son at AIS Zurich

Fees & Additional Costs

School fees vary depending on the campus and programme. You can find up-to-date information in our downloadable price list (PDF).

Some services are charged separately:

  • External examination fees (depending on subjects and exam board)
  • Clubs or extracurriculars that involve additional expenses (e.g. travel for international Model UN events).
    Students can do fundraising for these expenses.

“The attention to the needs of individual students and a world-class international environment are great benefits.”
Sanjeev Kumar, fathter of an A-Level-student at AIS Zürich

Let’s Connect

Would you like to learn more or find out if Academia International School is the right fit for your child?

We’d love to meet you and your family. Book a non-binding consultation today – by phone, email, or contact form.