Dates & History
The first schools in Liechtenstein can be traced back to 1619. Schooling was made compulsory in the 19th century. Beginning in 1805, children aged 7 to 13 were legally required to attend school. In 1937, the country's main grammar school, Gymnasium, was founded in Vaduz. The University of Liechtenstein opened in 1961. In 1971, the government took ownership of education, and created the Office of Education in 1972. In 2004, a bill was passed that summarized all education decrees since 1971.
Educational Structure
The structure of Liechtenstein's educational system has been influenced by neighboring countries, especially Switzerland. Because of bilateral agreements, it is easy for Liechtensteiner students to study in Switzerland. Both countries feature vocational programs and training through apprenticeship programs, but Liechtenstein itself has no vocational schools. Thus, its baccalaureates give students unrestricted access to all schools in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria, although many students also study abroad.
Structure
Nearly all children aged 4-5 attend kindergarten for two years. Compulsory education is nine years: five years of primary school and four years of lower secondary school.
There are three types of secondary school: Oberschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium. Students are allocated to each school based on performance. 20-25 percent of students are assigned to Gymnasium, which prepares them for higher education. Other students attend Realschule and Obserschule, which prepares them for an apprenticeship program.
After completing secondary school, all students have the opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate, which gives them access to higher education institutions in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria.
Liechtenstein has no vocational higher education schools, so students interested in those fields must attend schools in Switzerland or Austria. In addition, there are only three academic higher education universities amongst Switzerland and Austria, so many students choose to pursue their education abroad. Because of this, it is of upmost importance that Liechtensteiners are able to have access to foreign institutions.
Nearly all children aged 4-5 attend kindergarten for two years. Compulsory education is nine years: five years of primary school and four years of lower secondary school.
There are three types of secondary school: Oberschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium. Students are allocated to each school based on performance. 20-25 percent of students are assigned to Gymnasium, which prepares them for higher education. Other students attend Realschule and Obserschule, which prepares them for an apprenticeship program.
After completing secondary school, all students have the opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate, which gives them access to higher education institutions in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria.
Liechtenstein has no vocational higher education schools, so students interested in those fields must attend schools in Switzerland or Austria. In addition, there are only three academic higher education universities amongst Switzerland and Austria, so many students choose to pursue their education abroad. Because of this, it is of upmost importance that Liechtensteiners are able to have access to foreign institutions.
Universities in Liechtenstein
Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein: Offers degrees in medicine & law
University of Liechtenstein: Offers degrees in business & architecture
International Academy for Philosophy: Offers a PhD in Philosophy
Liechtenstein Institute: The Liechtenstein Institute does not offer lectures or issue degrees, but conducts research in Liechtenstein history, economics, law, and politics. However, it is an option for students to work and study there after graduating secondary school.
Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein: Offers degrees in medicine & law
University of Liechtenstein: Offers degrees in business & architecture
International Academy for Philosophy: Offers a PhD in Philosophy
Liechtenstein Institute: The Liechtenstein Institute does not offer lectures or issue degrees, but conducts research in Liechtenstein history, economics, law, and politics. However, it is an option for students to work and study there after graduating secondary school.
Language in Education
- Some Alemmanic German is used in kindergarten, but only Standard German is used for the rest of education.
- The literacy rate is 100 percent (Eccardt, 2005).
- English is offered as a foreign language, as well as Latin, French, and Spanish.
- English is compulsory in schools after grade 5.
- At the university level, all Master and doctoral degree programs are in English. Level B2 of the CEFL or equivalent is required. In addition, English is often used in universities abroad.