Timing is critical in Swiss boarding school admissions. The most selective institutions fill places 18-24 months ahead, while even schools with rolling admissions favor early applicants.
This timeline provides a month-by-month guide for families targeting September 2026 or September 2027 entry.
The Ideal Timeline: 18-24 Months Before Entry
Phase 1: Research & Planning (18-24 Months Before)
January-March (Year Before Application)
- Define your priorities: Academic focus, languages, location, budget, boarding style
- Research schools: Create initial longlist of 8-10 schools
- Engage consultant: Professional guidance significantly improves outcomes
- Begin language preparation: If English/French improvement needed
April-June
- Narrow shortlist: Reduce to 4-6 target schools
- Schedule campus visits: Book for September-November (schools in session)
- Academic preparation: Address any gaps in current schooling
- Standardized testing: Register for required assessments
July-August
- Summer programs: Consider attending summer camp at target school
- Test preparation: Focused prep for entrance assessments
- Document gathering: Request transcripts, teacher references
Phase 2: Visits & Applications (12-18 Months Before)
September-November
- Campus visits: 3-4 school visits with full-day experiences
- Meet admissions: Personal connections matter significantly
- Attend open days: Many schools host autumn open houses
- Take entrance tests: Most schools require assessments
December
- Final shortlist: Select 2-3 schools for application
- Early applications: Some schools have December deadlines for priority consideration
- Holiday preparation: Work on personal statements and essays
January-February
- Submit applications: Main application deadline period
- Complete interviews: In-person preferred, video accepted
- Financial documentation: Submit fee agreements and deposits
Phase 3: Decision & Preparation (6-12 Months Before)
March-April
- Receive decisions: Most schools notify by early April
- Accept offer: Usually 2-4 weeks to confirm
- Pay deposit: Secure place with enrollment deposit
- Waitlist strategy: If applicable, maintain contact
May-August
- Visa applications: Begin immediately upon acceptance
- Medical requirements: Vaccinations, health forms
- Uniform and supplies: Order from school suppliers
- Language preparation: Intensive courses if needed
- Transition planning: Prepare child emotionally
Key Deadlines by School Type
Most Selective Schools (Le Rosey, Aiglon, Beau Soleil)
| Registration opens | September (18 months ahead) |
| Priority deadline | December 1 |
| Final deadline | January 31 |
| Decisions | March 15-April 1 |
| Acceptance deadline | April 15-30 |
Selective Schools (Brillantmont, TASIS, Leysin)
| Applications open | October |
| Priority deadline | January 15 |
| Rolling deadline | Until full |
| Decisions | 4-6 weeks after complete application |
Schools with Rolling Admissions
| Applications accepted | Year-round |
| Recommended submission | 6-12 months ahead |
| Decisions | 2-4 weeks after complete application |
Application Components & Timing
Documents Needed (Start Gathering 6 Months Early)
- Academic transcripts: Last 2-3 years, officially translated
- Teacher recommendations: 2-3, from core subject teachers
- Head teacher/principal reference: Character and conduct
- Passport copies: Student and parents
- Photos: Passport-style, recent
- Medical records: Immunizations, health history
Assessments Required
- English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or school's own test
- Mathematics: School-administered or standardized
- Cognitive assessment: Some schools (CAT4, similar)
- Writing sample: On-site or submitted essay
Interview Preparation
Interviews typically occur November-February. Prepare your child for:
- Why this school specifically?
- Academic interests and strengths
- Extracurricular passions
- Questions about boarding life
- Current events and opinions
Special Timing Considerations
Mid-Year Entry
January entry is possible at some schools:
- Apply by September-October
- Often easier admission (less competition)
- Good for students needing immediate placement
- May require adjustment period academically
Sixth Form Entry (Ages 16-17)
For IB or A-Level programs:
- Most competitive entry point
- Apply 12-18 months ahead
- Strong academic record essential
- Interview weight increases significantly
Gap Year Applicants
Deferred entry is possible:
- Apply on normal timeline
- Request deferral upon acceptance
- Usually granted if good reason provided
- Deposit typically required to hold place
Timeline for Different Family Situations
International Families (Non-EU)
Add 2-3 months for visa processing:
- Begin visa application immediately upon acceptance
- Swiss student visas require school confirmation letter
- Processing time: 6-12 weeks typically
- Some nationalities require additional documentation
Families Relocating to Switzerland
Consider both day and boarding options:
- Day school applications often have similar timelines
- Boarding may provide stability during relocation
- Some schools offer flexible boarding arrangements
Siblings Applying Together
Coordinate applications carefully:
- Apply to same schools simultaneously
- Schools often have sibling policies
- Mention sibling connection in applications
- May receive combined financial consideration
Common Timing Mistakes
Starting Too Late
- Missing priority deadlines reduces chances
- Best schools fill early in cycle
- Rush preparation shows in applications
Visiting at Wrong Time
- Visiting during holidays (empty campus)
- Summer visits don't show real school life
- Best: September-November or January-March
Underestimating Test Preparation
- English tests require specific preparation
- School assessments vary in difficulty
- Allow 3-6 months for preparation
Delayed Document Gathering
- Translations take time
- References need advance notice
- Some documents require authentication
Our Application Management Service
We guide families through every stage of the application timeline:
- Personalized timeline development
- School visit coordination
- Application review and strategy
- Interview coaching
- Decision support and negotiation
Contact us to discuss your timeline and develop a strategic application plan.
