International Curriculum International Schools in Lausanne, Switzerland
Compare 1 International Curriculum international schools in Lausanne, Switzerland. Filter by curriculum, fees (average CHF 75,500), location, and more to find the right international school now.
About international schools in Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne sits in the French-speaking canton of Vaud and is home to a large international community, partly because many international sports federations and organisations are based in the city. International and bilingual schools in and around Lausanne typically offer the International Baccalaureate alongside British (IGCSE/A-level), American or Swiss pathways and, in some cases, the French baccalaureate, with English-medium teaching often paired with strong French provision. Tuition for day places varies widely but commonly falls in the tens of thousands of Swiss francs per year, with premium boarding places substantially higher; parents should budget for extras such as registration fees, school trips and transport. Admissions are often rolling but popular entry points (early years, the start of lower secondary and the beginning of pre-university programmes) can fill early, so families usually begin applications several months before the intended start date and expect language screening or diagnostic assessments for non-French or non-English speakers.
What types of curriculum will my child find in Lausanne international schools?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate at primary, middle and diploma levels, British programmes that lead to IGCSEs and A-levels, American high-school diplomas, and Swiss or French national pathways including the bilingual Swiss Maturité or the French baccalaureate; many schools also combine elements to create bilingual tracks. These options mean families can usually choose a route aimed at university entry in several countries.
How much should we budget for tuition and extras?
Day-school tuition at international schools around Lausanne typically runs in the tens of thousands of Swiss francs per year, with a commonly quoted typical annual figure around CHF 39,000 and many schools falling between roughly CHF 22,000 and CHF 72,000 depending on age and whether boarding is included. In addition to tuition expect one-off registration fees, uniforms or materials, transport, school trips and extracurricular costs which can add several thousand francs a year.
When should we start the admissions process and what does it involve?
Families usually begin the admissions process as soon as their move is confirmed, often six to twelve months before the desired start, because popular entry points can have waiting lists and schools need time for assessments and paperwork. Most schools require an application form and recent school reports, and many will ask for language screening, placement tests and an interview (sometimes online) before offering a place.
What languages are used for teaching, and is language support available?
English is the dominant medium at many international schools, but French is widely taught and many Lausanne schools offer bilingual French - English programmes or substantial French lessons to help children integrate locally. Schools typically run English as an Additional Language (EAL) or French support streams for learners who need to build academic language before joining mainstream classes.
Should we consider the local public schools as an alternative?
Cantonal public schools are low-cost for residents and follow the local (French-language) curriculum, which can be a good fit for families settling long term and learning French; admission requirements and catchment rules are set by the canton. Many internationally mobile families nonetheless choose private international or bilingual schools for continuity in English or for specific international curricula, but public education remains a viable, lower-cost option for resident families.
