These are some of the most expensive boarding schools in Switzerland

Boarding schools tend to come with a pretty hefty price tag and, for some, a reputation for being accessible to those in the upper echelons of society. Despite that, many offer a host of other benefits, including a quality education, varied extracurricular activities and stints abroad, in addition to helping students develop independence. 

Some boarding schools are known for having alumni who have gone on to study at some of the world’s top universities, further adding to their allure. 

While boarding schools are available in just about every part of the world, Switzerland is home to some of the most expensive in the world, attended by the children of some of the wealthiest people, including members of royalty. 

If your interest is piqued, here are some of the most expensive boarding schools in Switzerland: 

The Institut auf dem Rosenberg

This school admits students from grades 1 to 12, and boasts of an international environment. 

Parents can expect to fork out at least CHF84,000 (USD85,000) per annum. This includes the cost for tuition, boarding accommodation, meals, support and guidance through pedagogical staff, on-campus sport activities, swimming at local in- and outdoor swimming pools, as well as free time and weekend activities like bowling or ice skating, for example. 

High school students can graduate with a German International Baccalaureate (GIB), IB, British GCE A-Levels, US High School Diploma or US High School Diploma with AP here.

Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil

Beau Soleil was founded in 1910 and offers full boarding education for students aged between 11 and 18 years old who come from more than 57 different countries. Despite that, Beau Soleil only admits 260 students, offering an intimate learning environment. 

The schools runs both the IB and French Baccalaureate curriculum; in 2019, 43 percent of students achieved bilingual diplomas while the school also boasts a 100 percent pass rate for French Baccalaureate students. Unsurprisingly, in 2018, 40 percent of graduates received an offer from some of the world’s top universities, including Harvard and Oxford.

The school has a non-refundable application fee of CHF3,000 (just over USD$3,000). Annual boarding and tuition fees are CHF104,000, but the annual figure is well over CHF140,000 (USD$141,000) once additional expenses and trip charges are considered.

Aiglon College

Founded in 1949, Aiglon is a non-profit school, authorised as an IB World School. Students here study in a truly international environment, with over 60 nationalities represented on campus.

To achieve an Aiglon Diploma, students enrolled in the senior school are expected to complete at least two or three expeditions each term, including rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, ski touring, cross-country skiing, independent camping trips and three-day Long Expeditions. Some trips are compulsory, but students are also free to choose the weekends in which they participate. 

Graduates have been accepted into top universities from around the world, including the likes of Harvard, Oxford, King’s College London, and more.

There is a CHF2,500 registration fee; annual tuition fees for boarding students in years 12 and 13 are CHF115,500 (USD$116,000). Fees for boarding students in years 5 and 6 are CHF70,500 (USD$71,000); CHF80,000 (USD$81,000) for years 7 and 8; and CHF107,000 (USD$108,000) for years nine to 11.

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