International Schools Zurich Admissions Guide: Application Tips 2025

Introduction

Zurich’s international schools offer world-class education—but admission isn’t guaranteed. With limited spots, strict enrollment timelines, and waitlists that can stretch for years, families relocating to Zurich need strategic planning to secure school placement before their move. Here’s everything you need to know about Zurich’s international school admissions process.

📌 Key Facts: Zurich International Schools

30+ international schools in Greater Zurich area

Average tuition: CHF 25,000-40,000 per year

90% of top-tier schools have waitlists for popular age groups

Application processing: 4-8 weeks (longer for competitive schools)

Sibling priority: Yes at most schools (not guaranteed spot, but priority)

Enrollment timeline: 12-18 months advance notice recommended

Top International Schools in Zurich

Zurich International School (ZIS)

Detail	Information
Location	Wädenswil (30 min from Zurich center)
Curriculum	IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Ages	3-18 years
Students	~1,200
Tuition	CHF 28,000-38,000/year

Strengths:

Oldest and largest international school in Zurich
Strong IB Diploma results (average 34 points)
Extensive facilities (pool, theater, sports fields)
Diverse student body (60+ nationalities)

Admission: Competitive, especially for secondary. Apply 12-18 months early. Entrance assessments required for older students.

Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS)

Detail	Information
Location	Zumikon (15 min from Zurich center)
Curriculum	IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Ages	3-18 years
Students	~650
Tuition	CHF 26,000-36,000/year

Strengths:

Smaller class sizes (max 18-20 students)
Strong pastoral care
Established 1960s
Active parent community

Admission: Moderate competition. Rolling admissions but early application recommended.

Bilingual Schools (Swiss-International)

Zurich-Basel International School (ZBIS)

Bilingual (German-English), Swiss curriculum + IB option
Tuition: CHF 22,000-28,000/year
Best for: Families wanting bilingual education and potential integration into Swiss system

Freies Gymnasium Zurich (FGZ)

Bilingual (German-English), Swiss Matura
Tuition: CHF 24,000-30,000/year
Best for: Long-term residents wanting Swiss-accredited education with English support

💡 School Selection Strategy
Never rely on a single school. Apply to 1-2 preferred schools (even if waitlisted), 2-3 realistic options, and 1-2 safety schools with availability.
👉 Explore School Search Service

Admission Timeline & Process

Recommended Timeline

12-18 months before move:

Research schools and curricula
Prioritize 3-5 schools
Contact admissions offices
Schedule campus tours (if visiting Zurich)

9-12 months before move:

Submit applications to priority schools
Request academic records and transcripts
Obtain teacher recommendations
Complete entrance assessments (if required)

6-9 months before move:

Follow up on application status
Accept offers and pay enrollment deposits
Apply to waitlisted schools
Arrange supplementary tutoring if gaps identified

3-6 months before move:

Confirm enrollment and submit final documents
Attend parent orientations
Purchase uniforms and supplies
Coordinate start date with work relocation

Application Requirements

Document	Notes
Application form	Online or PDF
Academic transcripts	Past 2-3 years, translated if not English
Teacher recommendations	Usually 2: current teacher + principal/counselor
Copy of passport	Student and parents
Residence permit	Or proof of application
Immunization records	Swiss format—may need doctor confirmation
Previous school reports	Progress assessments
Language assessments	If English not first language
Entrance exams	Math, language, sometimes reasoning—varies by school
Application fee	CHF 200-500, non-refundable

Entrance Assessments

Most schools require assessments for students entering Grade 2 and above.

What’s tested:

Mathematics: Problem-solving at grade level
English language: Reading comprehension, writing, speaking
Cognitive reasoning: Some schools use standardized tests (CogAT, WISC)

Preparation tips:

Review grade-level curriculum expectations
Practice English reading/writing if not native speaker
Consult tutors if switching from different curriculum

Costs Beyond Tuition

Enrollment Fees

Registration fee: CHF 200-500 (one-time, non-refundable)
Enrollment deposit: CHF 5,000-10,000 (credited to tuition)
Capital levy: CHF 5,000-15,000 (one-time fee for new families, some schools)

Annual Costs (Beyond Tuition)

Cost Category	Annual Amount
Lunch program	CHF 2,000-3,000
Transportation (bus)	CHF 2,500-5,000
Uniforms	CHF 500-1,000 (initial)
School trips	CHF 1,000-3,000
After-school activities	CHF 1,000-2,500
Technology fees	CHF 500-1,000

Total first-year cost estimate: CHF 35,000-55,000 per child (including all fees)

Waitlist Management Strategies

Understanding Waitlists

Schools segment waitlists by:

Grade level
Gender (to maintain balance)
Nationality (for diversity goals)

Your position on waitlist = not transparent

Increasing Waitlist Chances

Apply early – Even if 18 months ahead, get on waitlist
Maintain communication – Update school on changes
Demonstrate commitment – Visit campus, attend open houses
Leverage connections – If employer has school partnerships, mention it
Sibling enrollment – Securing spot for one sometimes helps others
Flexible timing – If you can delay move by 1-2 months, mention flexibility

Backup School Strategy

Never rely on a single school. Apply to:

1-2 preferred schools (even if waitlisted)
2-3 realistic options (moderate competition)
1-2 safety schools (newer schools or bilingual options with availability)

Accept offer at safety school, stay on waitlist for preferred school, then transfer if spot opens.

💡 Waitlist Reality Check
Accept a backup school offer while staying on preferred school waitlists. Transfer when spots open (usually between academic years).
👉 Get Expert School Search Support

Special Considerations

ESL (English as Second Language) Support

Most international schools offer ESL programs, but:

Assess availability: Some schools have ESL only through certain grades
Transition timeline: Typically 1-2 years to reach grade-level proficiency
Admission impact: Strong ESL support schools may be less competitive

Schools with robust ESL: ZIS, ICS have dedicated ESL programs.

Learning Support

If your child has learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, etc.):

Disclose proactively: During application (withholding can lead to issues later)
Provide documentation: Psychoeducational assessments, IEPs
Inquire about support: Class sizes, learning support specialists, accommodations

Schools with stronger learning support: ICS (smaller classes), some bilingual schools.

Sibling Policy

Most schools prioritize siblings but don’t guarantee admission.

What this means:

Sibling application gets review priority
Entrance assessments still required
If no space, sibling goes to waitlist with priority status

FAQ

When is the best time to apply?

12-18 months before intended start date. Schools have rolling admissions but fill popular grades (Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 9) quickly.

Can we apply from abroad before relocating?

Yes. Most admissions are processed remotely. Virtual tours and interviews available. Assessments can sometimes be done remotely or scheduled during visit.

What if we don’t have a residence permit yet?

You can apply with proof of work permit application or employment contract. Schools understand permit processing timelines.

Are there scholarships or financial aid?

Some schools offer limited need-based financial aid (typically 10-20% of students). Competitive. Check individual school policies.

What if our preferred school has no availability?

Accept spot at backup school, remain on preferred school’s waitlist, transfer when spot opens (usually between academic years).

Can children transfer mid-year?

Yes, if spots available. Easier in lower grades. Secondary transfers more difficult due to curriculum continuity.

Get Expert Admissions Support

Navigating Zurich international school admissions requires understanding each school’s culture, timelines, and unwritten preferences. Our School Search service provides: