High School FAQs
The information provided below can help answer some of the most common questions families have about the International School of Berne. The Admissions Frequently Asked Questions page shows the most common inquires schoolwide. If you have any other questions or want to discuss any aspect of the process, please request a consultation by calling +41 031 959 10 00, emailing admissions@isberne.ch, or submitting an online form now.
How do I find out which diploma programme is right for my child?
To learn more about the diploma options available to your child in Bern, Switzerland, and find the best fit, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our High School team.
How do ISBerne's programmes compare to the local schools?
Both the Swiss Matura and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are certifications of an excellent education. We congratulate you for being in the position to assess your options and choose the best path forward for your or your child’s education. Please visit this webpage to compare the programmes at ISBerne to the local Matura programme.
What level of English must my child have to join ISBerne?
English is the medium of instruction at ISBerne. However, many of our students arrive at ISBerne with non-existent or low levels of English. Therefore, we offer these students a specialized English as an additional language (EAL) support programme in Grades 9 and 10. They meet with the EAL specialist during the lesson scheduled for German or French. There is no additional fee for the EAL support programme, and it is included in our school's tuition fees.
For entrance into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 - 12, ISBerne requires a level of CEFR C1 in English. New students wanting to join our school may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency level to meet the requirements for each grade.
What colleges and universities do ISBerne graduates attend?
At the International School of Berne, we pride ourselves on providing students with the academic preparation, hands-on experience, and global outlook necessary to stay competitive in their university applications. Our school’s primary goal is for our Grade 12 students to carefully evaluate their post-secondary options and gain admission to their programme(s) of choice.
How well do ISBerne students score on external exams?
Students at the International School of Berne consistently perform well above the world averages on external examinations.
Can my child transfer from ISBerne to another High School internationally?
One of the most well-known and longest-running international education programmes is the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The IB curriculum is one of the most popular education systems globally and is based on well-defined standards, and holds students accountable for their work. It is highly transferable across countries and is recognized by top universities across the globe.
The transferability of the two-year IB Diploma mid-way depends mainly on each school's policy. You have first to match up the courses as well as possible, and then it depends to some extent on the content and sequence of teaching in the courses. The IB courses offer a lot of flexibility in terms of content within the requirements and the teaching sequence of topics.
Please schedule a consultation with our High School team to learn more.
