At the International School of Switzerland, we understand that choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for your child’s future. That’s why our admissions process is designed to be personal, seamless, and focused on your family’s unique needs. We’re here to help you every step of the way as you explore how ISS can nurture your child’s potential and prepare them to thrive as a Future-Ready Global Citizen.
**We are now accepting applications for September 2025 entry. Please refer to the guidance below and under each entry point to begin your application.**
At the International School of Switzerland, our commitment to inspiring innovative education is not just a mission – it’s our way of life. We understand the dreams and aspirations parents have for their children because we, too, were once in your shoes. Our school was born from a desire to provide more than just an education; it was created to offer an inspiring, innovative, and holistic approach to learning.
Choosing the International School of Switzerland means choosing a brighter future for your child. We’re not just a school; we’re a community of passionate educators, committed to nurturing your child’s unique talents, empowering them to seize every opportunity in life, unlocking their full potential and helping them achieve their dreams.
We warmly invite you to explore our innovative campus nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Lugano at The International School of Switzerland. We believe that a visit to our campus will truly showcase what makes the International School of Switzerland an exceptional place for students.
Thank you for dedicating your time to browse our website. Our aim is to provide you with a genuine glimpse into the vibrant life at the International School of Switzerland and to offer valuable insights for a smooth application process. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Office directly. Your journey with the International School of Switzerland begins here, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way.
An enquiry to us is the first stage of the admission process. Following your call or email, we will invite you to:
We are now accepting applications for 2024 entry (and 2025 entry for the Diploma Programme).
Clicking on this link will direct you to our admissions portal, where you can create an account and gain access to all the necessary documents for the application process, which you can conveniently complete and submit online.
All pupils will sit papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, alongside a short interview. We naturally do all we can to make the entry assessments as friendly and good-natured as possible – for children and their parents! These papers are designed to look for potential. There are options for students to sit these exams externally if travelling to the campus is not possible.
For entrance to the Senior School for 2025 students will need to sit and pass the Common Entrance (CE) exam.
While all students will complete the ISSwitzerland education in both Italian and English, the IB Diploma requires a C1/C2 level of English. Therefore, in order to provide the greatest success for our students, where English is not the applicant’s first language, they may be required to sit an English as an Additional Language (EAL) exam paper. This will be confirmed in consultation with the Head of EAL.
Our guidelines for EAL are as follows:
B2 level is split into 3 sections: lower-middle and upper intermediate level
Intake into Year 9: minimum is lower end of B2 or on the cusp between B1/B2. Year 9 students have three years to get to an upper-intermediate level and the transition to a C1/2 is easily achievable
Students will then be offered places at the school on the basis of their performance in the entry assessment. The final forms will then need to be completed online and returned within four weeks with the deposit.
We offer classes from Grade 1 through Grade 12.
Yes! We celebrate diversity and welcome students from around the globe.
While applications are accepted year-round, early applications ensure priority consideration.
While English is the primary language of instruction, we offer language support for non-native speakers.
“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
– John Dewey
+41 78 25 31 485
admin@isswitzerland.ch
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