Switzerland - higher education system

The tertiary level covers university courses and tertiary level B professional education and training.

In the higher education sector courses may be completed at universities (10 cantonal universities, two Federal Institutes of Technology), at seven state-run and two private universities of applied sciences, and at universities of teacher education, which count as universities of applied sciences. The universities are active particularly in basic research. The universities of applied sciences are focused more towards professional practice and carry out applied research and development.

Tertiary level B professional education and training is carried out in the non-university sector. It offers training courses for demanding professional activities and management functions and serves management training and specialisation. Tertiary level B professional education and training includes training courses at colleges of professional education and training (PET colleges) as well as Federal and Advanced Federal PET Diploma Examinations.