Compare International Schools in Bern, Switzerland

Swiss Campus, Neuchâtel Junior College, Crêt-Taconnet 4, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It sits on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. The Swiss Campus contact from North America is 011.41.32.722.1860 and info@njc.ch.

Grade 12 (Ontario curriculum) and Gap Year programs.

Canadian curriculum-based international high school program conducted in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Academic support, peer support and tutoring; Resource Centre; support for students with Individual Education Plans; small class sizes.

Canada

Live with Swiss host families (pension). A Pension Coordinator provides ongoing support.

Ontario Grade 12 courses are taken in the final year of high school or during a gap year, earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Credits earned can be used toward the Ontario Diploma. The program is a pre-university year with small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. It has an international focus with cultural immersion and French-language exposure by living with Swiss hosts, and extensive travel experiences. Courses are prerequisites for Canadian, US and international university admission.

Small class sizes and a supportive learning environment.

Graduates are admitted to prestigious universities and programs worldwide.

The school offers leadership opportunities and Model UN; Model UN participants are chosen annually to attend a simulation of the United Nations once a semester with local and international schools. Life-long friendships and connections are developed, and independence and life skills are cultivated to prepare students for university and the global workplace. Orientation trips foster a positive, inclusive culture.

Students live with Swiss host families as part of the pension program; a Pension Coordinator takes great care and remains connected with students and their families throughout their stay.

Applications are received and reviewed by the admissions committee on a rolling basis. The application is initiated on the NJC portal by creating an account; the form collects detailed information and documents are submitted through the portal. A completed application includes: a signed application form; transcript of all high school credits to date for Grades 9–11 (and any Grade 12 credits completed); a report card from the current academic year; a reference letter (optional); and a student essay (topic included in the application form). Once the application is complete, receipt is confirmed and the student is invited to book an interview. Applications are open for the 2026-27 academic year with rolling admissions; admission decisions are made within two weeks of receipt of a complete application. Tuition and bursaries: full-year tuition is 64,115 CHF with a non-refundable registration fee of 7,500 CHF and a sundry account deposit of 1,500 CHF; installments are 19,000 CHF due June 1, 2026; 18,800 CHF due August 4, 2026; 18,815 CHF due November 2, 2026. Canadian and international tuition details are available from admissions; bursaries for tuition and travel are offered.

NJ C offers bursaries for tuition and travel. The Dr. Daniel Andreae Scholarship for Community Engagement is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic and personal excellence and a strong commitment to volunteering. The scholarship provides CAD 30,000 toward tuition for a full academic year; it is merit-based, not needs-based. Applicants must be Canadian citizens who are academically eligible and have completed at least three years of high school, with three or more years of community involvement. Applications for the scholarship must be uploaded to the scholarship portal and include an application form signed by student and parent/guardian; a 5–7 minute video describing community contributions; a current resume; and a letter of recommendation; shortlisted applicants attend an interview with the scholarship committee including Dr. Andreae; notices are emailed within about a week after the interviews; the 2026-27 year is the award year.

The International School of Berne is located in Gümligen, Switzerland, at Allmendingenweg 9, 3073 Gümligen. The campus is accessible by train, tram, or car from Bern and surrounding areas. It serves students from the Bern region and nearby towns.

Early Learning Centre (ages 3+); Kindergarten (from age 4); Primary (Grades 1-5); Middle (Grades 6-10); Upper School (Grades 11-12). A Grade 10 Bridging Year and ISBerne Online are available.

Private day school

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support

Switzerland

A full school day from 8:30 to 15:30, with After School Care available until 18:00

The school is a private, day school; no boarding is provided. Before and after school care is available.

The school has a cafeteria and provides a Lunch Menu via an online portal. The menu includes items such as Chicken Nuggets, Chana Masala, Pasta, and Beef Burgers, with vegetarian options available; allergen information is listed and pre-orders are possible.

ISBerne is owned by Pansophic Learning, a global school management company. Four representatives from Pansophic Learning sit on the Board of Directors.

ISBerne offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme as an IB World School. English is the primary language of instruction. In Primary School, students can follow the new German Lehrplan 21 pathway or continue in the established English-language IB pathway. In Upper School, students can pursue the US High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), or the Bilingual IBDP. A Grade 10 Bridging Year is available for students who have completed obligatory Swiss schooling. ISBerne serves students aged 3 to 18.

275 students are taught by 50 full- and part-time teaching faculty, giving an approximate student-to-teacher ratio of 5.5 to 1.

IB Diploma Exams (May 2024): cohort 29; average 33; global average 30.3; six bilingual diplomas awarded. ISBerne students consistently perform well above world averages.

Approximately 25 Grade 12 students graduate each year. About 90% of ISBerne graduates continue their education at colleges or universities worldwide. Graduates are admitted to universities in Switzerland and abroad, including institutions such as the University of Bern and UK universities such as King's College London and the University of Edinburgh.

ISBerne places great importance on the uniqueness of each child and provides proactive, holistic student support that is caring, inclusive, and individualized. The Student Support Services team consists of professionals in Counselling, English as an Additional Language, and Learning Support, who work with class teachers to address students' socio-emotional and academic needs. Students are encouraged to feel safe, secure, and comfortable in their environment to maximize learning. A Counsellor on campus supports behavioral, social, or emotional needs that might affect learning, with a collaborative approach to referrals and connections to community mental health services. The school maintains a rigorous Child Protection Policy to ensure each child's physical and psychological safety.

ISBerne welcomes students with mild-to-moderate learning needs, and teachers differentiate instruction in the classroom to meet individual needs. The school cannot cater for moderate-to-severe learning needs. A Learning Support teacher provides tools, strategies, and interventions, and there is a level of learning support included in tuition fees. If additional services such as speech therapy, exam readers, or one-to-one tutoring are required, the family is responsible for those costs. The campus is wheelchair accessible.

English is the medium of instruction at ISBerne. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students up to and including Grade 10. There is no additional fee for the EAL support programme, and students meet with the ESL specialist during the German or French lesson. New students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency to meet grade-level requirements. For entry to the Diploma Programme in Grade 11, a B2 level of English is required, and for the full IB Diploma, a C1 level is required.

ISBerne provides Counselling and Wellbeing support with a fully qualified on-campus counsellor who assists students with behavioral, social, or emotional needs that might affect learning. The Counselling team works with a collaborative approach to referrals and consultations with community mental health services. The school actively monitors and responds to students' emotional needs to support well-being. The environment is designed to be safe, supportive, and conducive to learning. Safeguarding policies underpin these practices to protect student welfare.

ISBerne maintains a rigorous Child Protection Policy to ensure each child's physical and psychological safety. This policy underpins safeguarding practices across the school. The Counselling team collaborates with community mental health services to support students and respond to safeguarding concerns. The school prioritizes a safe and secure environment where students can learn with confidence. Safeguarding procedures are implemented in alignment with these policies.

1. Inquire. ISBerne welcomes inquiries about space and programmes. Contact the admissions team by email, phone, or fill out the inquiry form; they respond promptly. Enrollment is open to international students new to Switzerland, subject to space being available.

2. Schedule your Personal Consultation or In-Person Tour. Families can meet the Admissions Team via a personal visit or video conference; the team will explain the programmes and answer questions. To arrange your consultation, schedule a tour online or contact by phone or email.

3. Submit your Application. To apply, download the appropriate application packet for the division: Early Learning Centre (ELC), Primary Years Programme (PYP): Kindergarten – Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP): Grades 6–10, or Diploma Programme (DP): Grades 11–12.

4. Apply for Financial Aid. The International School of Berne Foundation provides scholarships based on the academic promise of the student and the financial need of the family. Applications for financial aid are filed no later than March 31 of the respective school year.

5. Check your Mailbox. After submitting, a confirmation of receipt is sent within 48 hours. If you don't receive any communication within 48 hours, contact the school. Applications are evaluated by the Divisional Principal and School Director, and you will receive an email notifying you of acceptance.

6. Start Dates. ISBerne operates on rolling admissions with no fixed application deadlines. New students are welcomed throughout the school year up to Grade 10. Grade 11 may start until the October Break, and Grade 12 may transfer if course selections are compatible with the IB programme.

The International School of Berne Foundation provides scholarships. Awards are based on the academic promise of the student and the financial need of the family. Applications for financial aid must be filed no later than March 31 of the respective school year.

Rue de Ste He9le8ne 50, 2000 Neuche2tel, Switzerland.

From 2 to 4; From 3 to 6; From 6 to 9; From 9 to 12.

Montessori; bilingual Frencha0e2 English immersion.

25 different nationalities.

Academic support staff available.

Member of Association Montessori (Switzerland).

L
53 Atelier (2
0d4 4): 8:00
012:00, Monday
0to Friday; minimum attendance two mornings. From 3
0to 6: 7:45 morning care; 8:00
012:00; lunch; 15:00
017:00 or 18:00 after-school; Wednesdays have optional afternoon activities. 6
0to 9: 8:00
015:00; after-school 15:00
017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00. 9
0to 12: 8:00
015:00; after-school study 15:00
017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00.

The school is a member of Association Montessori (Switzerland) and respects the fundamental criteria to use the Montessori name in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Montessori education using the Maria Montessori method. The school teaches in French and English, with two teachers in each class to ensure bilingual immersion. Montessori classes start from age 3 and are designed so children own their learning, with a calm, structured environment and hands-on activities that develop concentration and independence. The school is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland and has 158 pupils from 25 nationalities (2023), with 112 families.

Two teachers per class

The school fosters mutual respect and a sense of social responsibility. It encourages natural curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Students are immersed in a bilingual French and English Montessori culture. The environment supports independence and collaborative learning.

The school has academic support staff. The Montessori environment is adapted to the size, rhythm and interests of the child from age 3.

English is used as part of bilingual immersion. Instruction is conducted in French and English. There are two teachers in each class to ensure bilingualism by immersion.

In case of a serious injury, the school will contact emergency services.

A registration and application fee of CHF 600 is charged once for the entire school time. For families registering two or more children, the registration fee is reduced by 10% for the second and subsequent children. Payment confirms the registration; if payment is not received by the due date, the reserved space may be released and the registration placed on a waiting list, and the registration fee remains due. Confirmation of enrollment is sent upon receipt of the enrollment form, but no earlier than February 25 of each year. Students already enrolled have priority over new students; students who have been enrolled in the 'Children's House' have priority for 'Lower and Upper Elementary' classes, and students who began in L'Atelier have priority for Children's House. Admission during the year is possible if a class is not full and the place is reserved and paid for the whole school year; if the student does not show up on the confirmed admission date, tuition is due for the remaining term(s). Enrollment in Children's House begins at age 3 with minimum enrollment four mornings and two afternoons (toilet trained); Children must be 3 by July 31; from age 4, Children's House requires full-day attendance (except Wednesday afternoon); Lower Elementary begins at age 6. Re-enrollment is automatic unless cancellation is received by registered letter by February 15 of each year, with a deposit applicable and deadlines for payment.

Waitlist may be used if a reserved space is not confirmed; specifically, if payment is not received by the due date, ISN may release the reserved space and place the registration on a waiting list.