Frequently Asked Questions

General information about International A Levels at AcademiaTarget groups & entry requirementsStudy model & flexibilitySubjects & examinationsDuration & processCosts & financingUniversity study & future prospectsConsultation & enrolmentLearning & supportLocations & facilities

General information about International A Levels at Academia

International A Levels are a globally recognised school-leaving qualification from the British education system. They are considered a classic preparation for university study and are based on a small number of carefully chosen subjects studied in greater depth. The examinations are internationally standardised.

The Swiss Matura is broad in scope and covers many subjects at the same time. International A Levels, by contrast, are strength-based: students consciously choose a smaller number of subjects in which they can deepen their individual strengths and develop them to a high academic level. This creates a personal profile that is clearly aligned with the degree they hope to study later on.

Yes. International A Levels are generally recognised in Switzerland. As with all international qualifications, recognition depends on the subject combination and the requirements of the individual university or higher education institution. Academia Matura supports students in planning the right pathway.

This programme is particularly suitable for people who:

  • are looking for a flexible alternative to the Swiss Matura
  • would like to combine sport, music, art or dance with a solid education
  • want to go on to study after completing an apprenticeship
  • are planning an international educational pathway
  • want to prepare for university in Switzerland or abroad
  • are looking for a structured second-chance route to a qualification

International A Levels offer many advantages:

  • strong international recognition
  • focused subject choices based on individual strengths rather than overload
  • flexible pace
  • a modular structure (AS / A Level)
  • good compatibility with work or personal commitments
  • a clear examination structure with international standards

«You quickly notice that the teachers are highly experienced and very knowledgeable. They gave me things to take away that went far beyond the syllabus.»
Nicolas J. (24), graduate, Academia Matura Zurich

Target groups & entry requirements

Yes. It is possible to start with both a Federal Vocational Certificate (EBA) and a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ). Many of our students come to us through the second-chance education route.

Yes. International A Levels are structured in such a way that you can start even without having attended grammar school. What matters most is motivation, willingness to learn and a realistic plan. In a consultation, we work out together which starting level is right for you.

There is no fixed upper age limit. Typically, students begin between around 15 and 30 years of age, but it is also possible to start later. What matters is not your age, but your goal and the right learning structure.

Yes. The study model is designed so that it can also be completed alongside work, depending on your workload and subject choices. Many of our students combine school and employment.

Yes. International A Levels are an international qualification and are therefore especially attractive for students with an international background or for those who would like to study abroad later on.

Not necessarily — a solid basic level of English is important, as lessons, learning materials and examinations are in English. At the same time, English is used continuously in class and specifically developed, allowing our students to improve their language skills significantly over the course of the programme.

«Thanks to the flexible timetable and the subjects tailored to me, I can complete my Matura alongside work at Academia without major difficulties.»
Gianna H. (21), graduate, Academia Matura Zurich

Study model & flexibility

Very flexible. Depending on the subjects chosen and the study model, the timetable can be arranged individually. The aim is to keep the programme compatible with work, family or other commitments. In addition to being flexible in terms of time, our programme is also flexible in terms of location: you decide whether to attend lessons at one of our campuses or online.

That depends on your pace and the teaching model. Some students take only a small number of lessons per week on a part-time basis, while others follow a more intensive model with daily lessons combined with independent study. The timetable adapts to your life.

In principle, yes, especially at the beginning. A change is generally possible at any time, as long as it still makes sense in relation to your study goal and no essential learning content is lost.

Yes. Part-time study is possible and often chosen, especially by students combining school with work or by talents in sport, music or the arts who need to balance training and education, as well as by students who deliberately wish to reduce their pace.

Our Flextime courses combine effective learning in small groups with maximum flexibility for your timetable. Each week, you meet in a motivated group of 5 to 10 students to explore a new topic in your A Level subject. Lessons are professionally guided by experienced, qualified teachers.

The same lesson is offered online twice a week, and you decide which time suits you better.

In one-to-one lessons, you benefit from a fully individual approach: together with your teacher, you tailor the pace, content and focus exactly to your personal needs, goals and previous knowledge. This allows you to concentrate on the right priorities and close learning gaps efficiently, so that you are optimally prepared for your exams.

Group lessons, on the other hand, offer a structured setting with subject-based exchange and motivating learning dynamics. Group courses usually take place online. This model is more cost-efficient and makes it possible to learn together with other students.

Depending on your starting point and your goals, the two models can be combined.

«I am very happy with the individual Matura programme at Academia. The flexibility in the way lessons can be organised is unique.»
Cynthia J. (37), graduate, Academia Matura Zurich

Subjects & examinations

The range of subjects is broad and follows the international A Level offering. Typical areas include:

  • Languages, for example English, German, French and other languages such as Spanish or Russian
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences, for example Biology, Physics and Chemistry
  • Humanities, for example History and Geography
  • Economics / Business
  • Computer Science
  • other humanities subjects, depending on availability

The most frequently chosen subjects include:

  • Mathematics
  • German
  • English
  • French
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Economics / Business
  • Geography
  • History

The examinations are internationally standardised. They take place up to three times a year at fixed times and are assessed according to clear and transparent criteria.

Examinations usually take place at one of our accredited examination centres in Basel or Zurich.

Yes. The system allows a combination of IGCSE, AS Level and A Level, depending on your goal, study plan and timeframe. This makes the model especially flexible.

The certificates do not expire.

As often as needed — the best grade achieved will count.

Yes, we provide support to address learning difficulties. Our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is available to offer personalised advice and further information.

«Thanks to Academia, I can complete all my training sessions at the highest level and still achieve my Matura at the same time.»
Footballer and student at Academia Matura Aarau

Duration & process

The duration is individual. Many students need between 1.5 and 2 years, depending on their previous knowledge, the amount of time available for learning and the number of subjects taken.

Yes. You can decide the pace to a large extent — whether you would like to study intensively or follow a slower rhythm that allows you to balance school with other commitments.

The examinations take place during the internationally set examination periods. Altogether, there are three examination sessions per year. Your individual programme determines which exam periods are relevant for you.

The typical process is structured as follows:

  1. Consultation and clarification of goals
  2. Subject selection and study plan
  3. Lessons, either one-to-one or in a group, plus independent study
  4. Regular progress checks
  5. Exam preparation
  6. Official examinations
  7. Completion and next steps, such as university study or job application

«What I particularly like about Academia is that the lessons take place one-to-one, which means my teachers can focus specifically on my weaker areas.»
Nicola M. (18), student, Academia Matura Lucerne

Costs & financing

The cost depends on several factors: subject choices, the teaching model chosen (one-to-one or group), intensity and duration. This is why the price is calculated individually – transparently and in a way that can be planned clearly.

Yes. There are different options, for example more group lessons or more one-to-one lessons, as well as different levels of intensity.

Yes, instalment payments are generally possible without difficulty. This allows the programme to be adapted to your financial situation.

Depending on your personal situation, external funding options may be available, for example through foundations or other support models.

«We value the flexibility and the individual academic support just as much as the great commitment shown by the whole team. Everyone works together towards the goal, and there is regular exchange with the person responsible for the student’s educational progress.»
Oberhuber family

University study & future prospects

With International A Levels, you can gain access to universities and universities of applied sciences in Switzerland and abroad. Depending on the degree course, certain subjects may be required. As part of the consultation, we help you choose the right subjects with your future study goals in mind.

Yes. International A Levels are the most widely established international school-leaving qualification and are accepted by universities worldwide.

That depends very much on the subjects you choose. Typical directions include:

  • Medicine / Life Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Economics / Management
  • Law
  • Computer Science
  • Psychology
  • Natural Sciences

Generally not. Some institutions require specific subject combinations or minimum grades. You can find the currently valid admission requirements for Swiss universities and higher education institutions on the Swiss Universities website. We help you plan your pathway so that you can reach your goal as directly as possible.

No. International A Levels are equivalent to an academic upper secondary qualification. This means that no Passerelle exam is required.

«Because of the balance between independent study and lessons that was optimised for me, I really value my time at Academia. The first-class support from my teachers is helping me achieve top grades.»
Jay S. (22), student, Academia Matura Zurich

Consultation & enrolment

During the consultation, we discuss:

  • your starting point, for example vocational qualifications or previous education
  • your study goal
  • suitable subject choices
  • realistic duration and workload
  • the cost framework and the right model for you, whether one-to-one, group or Flextime

Yes – the initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation. It is designed to help with orientation and planning.

Book a free consultation at one of our campuses or online. After the meeting, you will receive a proposal for your study programme, including a cost overview and the school contract. Once you have signed it, you can begin your programme.

For one-to-one tuition, it is possible to start at any time. Our online group courses usually begin in August and January.

Depending on the subject and availability, paid trial lessons are possible.

«Lessons at Academia are very much tailored to individual strengths and personal interests. For example, I had the chance to take Portuguese, which I would not have been able to do at any other school in Switzerland.»
Gregor L. (20), student, Academia Matura Bern

Learning & support

Very individual. The model is designed around the fact that students have different backgrounds, goals and learning paths. Support and study planning are adapted accordingly.

Yes – if needed. Learning coaching can help with:

  • time management
  • motivation
  • learning strategies
  • exam structure
  • realistic weekly planning

In one-to-one lessons, you are the class. In our online courses, groups usually consist of around 5 to 10 students. Group sizes are intentionally kept small, so that teaching remains personal, efficient and closely aligned with learning goals.

Through:

  • clear learning plans
  • regular progress reviews
  • feedback and individual adjustment of goals
  • realistic milestone planning all the way to the examination

Learning breaks are possible and can be planned in where it makes sense. In cases of exam anxiety or blocks, we provide support through structure, preparation, targeted practice and, where needed, an adapted learning strategy.

«I can say with complete conviction that Academia was the right choice.»
Nicolas J. (24), student, Academia Matura Zurich

Locations & facilities

Academia Matura is designed as a city school. Our campuses are centrally located and very easy to reach by public transport. You can find Academia Matura in Aarau, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Winterthur and Zurich.

If none of these locations is suitable or if you are temporarily abroad, you can also take lessons online.

Very easy. Our schools are centrally located and convenient to reach by public transport – ideal for students who commute or study alongside work.

Yes. Study spaces are available on site – ideal for focused work, preparation between lessons or quiet learning periods.