Federal Council Sets Start Date for Higher Vocational Education Reform (Switzerland, June 2026)
The Federal Council decided that the amendment to the Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act for the higher vocational education package will enter into force on 1 October 2026. The package changes institutional naming rights, title supplements, exam-language options, and postgraduate-study rules.
The Federal Council decided that the amendment to the Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act for the higher vocational education package will enter into force on 1 October 2026. The package changes institutional naming rights, title supplements, exam-language options, and postgraduate-study rules.
What Changed?
Only providers of recognised higher-college programmes will be allowed to use the designation Higher College. Holders of higher vocational education qualifications will be allowed to use Professional Bachelor or Professional Master title supplements under defined conditions, English may be added as an exam language for federal and higher professional exams, and postgraduate studies at higher colleges will no longer need federal recognition.
Old System vs New System
Higher vocational education institutions had weaker protected visibility, the new Professional Bachelor and Professional Master supplements were not in force, English was not set as an additional possible exam language under the package, and postgraduate studies at higher colleges still went through the federal recognition procedure.
From 1 October 2026, the new naming, title, exam-language, and postgraduate-study rules apply. Existing graduates may use the new title supplements, but no new federal certificates or diplomas will be issued for past qualifications.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Current and future higher vocational education learners gain new title-supplement options and may benefit from clearer institutional naming and, where offered, English as an additional exam language.
Parent / Family Impact
Families comparing tertiary education pathways will see clearer public labels for higher vocational education routes and qualifications.
School / Institution Impact
Higher colleges and exam bodies must adjust naming, communication, exam-language planning, and postgraduate-study procedures to match the new law and ordinance rules.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers and trainers in higher vocational education may need to update programme materials, student information, and exam preparation guidance.
Key Dates
- 2025 winter session: Parliament adopted the BBG amendment
- 2026-06-24: Federal Council set entry into force
- 2026-10-01: reform enters into force.
What To Do
- Graduates should consult SERI’s FAQ before using new title supplements
- and institutions should review naming and communication rules before 1 October 2026.
What To Watch Next
SERI’s accompanying communication and ordinance details should be monitored as institutions implement the package.
Global Context
The reform adjusts how Switzerland presents higher vocational education within tertiary education, with effects for labour-market recognition and international comparison.
Source Record
Source type: law implementation
Source name: State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)