Learning among the mountains
Schools and education in Graubünden
A strong foundation for life
Compulsory schooling and linguistic diversity
Graubünden may be Switzerland's largest mountain canton, but long PostBus journeys and adventurous routes to school belong firmly in the realm of cliché. Almost every municipality in Graubünden has its own primary school, including kindergarten.
Students only move to the regional centre of their catchment area at lower-secondary level. Thanks to Switzerland's harmonised school system, moving to Graubünden from another canton is entirely straightforward. What your children will experience here, however, is something no other canton can offer: Graubünden's unique multilingualism. Depending on the region, lessons are taught in German, Italian or Romansh. This is not a cause for concern, but a tremendous opportunity. Programmes such as additional tuition for speakers of other languages provide targeted support for children whose first language is different. Early immersion in several national languages supports cognitive development and creates an ideal foundation for learning further languages such as French, English or Spanish.
Discovering technology through play
Promoting the next generation in STEM
Graubünden invests in tomorrow's skilled professionals from an early age. Special STEM programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics spark curiosity even among the youngest children. The First Lego League introduces children to science and technology through play and makes technical subjects more accessible. In addition, the MINT Academy offers age-appropriate courses in computer science and the natural sciences. This nurtures an early and lasting interest in engineering and IT careers in the canton and gives the STEM specialists of the future a sound technical foundation.
Vocational education with a future
Launching a career through an apprenticeship
After compulsory school, every path is open. Graubünden's dual vocational education system is a genuine success story: around 80% of young people choose an apprenticeship. The range of vacancies is extensive and covers almost every industry, from traditional craft businesses and modern healthcare institutions to export-oriented high-tech corporations. Apprenticeship providers in Graubünden not only offer training of a very high standard, but frequently also excellent prospects for permanent employment and further development in the region.
Matura at an international level
Upper-secondary schools and traditional boarding schools
For knowledge-hungry young people wishing to pursue an academic pathway, the canton offers a first-class selection of upper-secondary schools. Alongside regional grammar schools, Graubünden is known around the world for its traditional boarding schools. At renowned institutions such as the Gymnasium & Internat Kloster Disentis, Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz and Hochalpines Institut Ftan (HIF), local students learn side by side with international students from more than 35 countries. These schools offer a federally recognised Matura, in some cases bilingually, or international qualifications such as the IB in an inspiring, cosmopolitan environment.
Excellence in sport and music
Tailored talent development
Graubünden offers tailored structures for young people who want to combine exceptional talents with their education. The large number of successful winter-sports athletes from Graubünden is no coincidence: the Sports Grammar School in Davos provides young athletes with the ideal infrastructure for combining elite sport with upper-secondary education. Musically gifted young people can attend the nationally recognised music programme at the Evangelische Mittelschule Schiers, which ensures a balance between academic learning and high-level musical performance
Academic diversity within the canton
Colleges of higher education and universities
There is no need to leave the canton to pursue higher education. A dense network of specialised upper-secondary schools, business schools and universities of applied sciences prepares students for the labour market. The flagship academic institution is the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR). Its forward-looking degree programmes – many of them unique in Switzerland – in fields such as mobile robotics, photonics, cybersecurity and tourism attract talented students from far beyond the cantonal borders and ensure direct knowledge transfer to the regional economy.
Lifelong learning
Adult and continuing education
Graubünden's labour market requires continuous development, and its adult education provision is correspondingly extensive. With more than 100 programmes in technology, business and IT, ibW is the region's central partner for professional development and advanced vocational qualifications. Those looking to study flexibly alongside their job, or to develop their language or creative skills, will find a broad and practice-oriented range of courses at the Migros Club Schools in Chur and Davos. FHGR also offers high-quality Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programmes for managers.
Further information about the school system in Graubünden
Discover Graubünden
Living traditions in a modern canton
In Graubünden, we take pride in our rich cultural diversity, where living traditions from the region blend with cultures from around the world. Organisations such as Lia Rumantscha, Pro Grigioni Italiano and the Walservereinigung Graubünden keep the canton's languages vibrant and alive. Cultural works such as Schellen-Ursli and Heidi are proudly passed on to younger generations. Graubünden is also home to internationally renowned contemporary artists such as Not Vital and Giovanni Netzer. Through targeted measures in film, literature, theatre and dance, Graubünden's cultural promotion programme also supports a vibrant cultural life.
Political balance
Politically, people in Graubünden value a balanced, solution-oriented climate. The cantonal government has stable representation from the FDP, Die Mitte, SP und SVP, giving it a consistent, reliable and outward-looking orientation.
