Approximately two thirds of young people in Switzerland complete two, three or four years of vocational education after their compulsory schooling. This mainly takes place in a company or organisation that accepts apprentices, supplemented by one or two days at a vocational school, where teaching includes both specialised and general subjects. Students may, at the same time or subsequently, work towards obtaining a vocational baccalaureate. PH Zurich offers training for vocational education teachers and those preparing to teach courses that lead to the vocational baccalaureate.

Teachers at baccalaureate schools (Maturitätsschulen) and other specialised upper secondary schools (Fachmittelschulen) are not trained at PH Zurich. Those who wish to teach at such schools can attend the following educational institutions in Zurich:

• University of Zurich (languages, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) (mathematics and natural sciences, sport)
• Zurich University of the Arts (art subjects)

Further information about the education system in Switzerland

Information on all study programmes

In the area of secondary II education/vocational education, PH Zurich offers five study programmes that lead to qualification as a full-time teacher and four study programmes that lead to qualification as a part-time teacher. All PH Zurich’s study programmes are recognised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. The lessons focus on teaching methodology, education sciences and practical vocational training. Prior knowledge of subject-specific basics is required or must be acquired in separate modules. All programmes of study in vocational education are normally completed alongside paid work. During their studies, students are expected to teach at the level they wish to teach at once fully qualified.

Admission

International qualifications for admission must meet the requirements of Swiss universities for admission to universities of teacher education. Additionally, candidates who have not obtained the recognised secondary II education certificate at a German-speaking school, which is required for admission, must provide a C2 certificate (Goethe Certificate or language examination for pedagogical professions of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)) in order to study at PH Zurich.

Further information for admission and acceptance of foreign qualifications

Furthermore, the requirements for studying secondary II education/vocational education may vary depending on the degree programme. As a teacher at a vocational school or higher vocational college, for example, you will need hands-on experience in the given field in order to be able to relate to the students’ everyday work and lives.

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