Geneva’s private universities come under the spotlight

For some students, attending a private university can seem like the right move. Those who do not feel comfortable in the public system may seek and find more personalised tuition, or what looks like their dream course in these institutions. However, it is important that prospective students know what they are getting into, before embarking on a bachelor degree that can set them back by up to CHF90,000 (US$95,600), writes Camille Lanci for RTS.

Switzerland is unique in its hands-off approach to private higher education. “Switzerland stands out in the way it manages and oversees private higher education,” says Craig Evan Klafter, a specialist in the globalisation of higher education. “The lack of oversight and regulation has led investors to regard education as a highly lucrative market.”

The Geneva cantonal department of education, meanwhile, stressed that “all private tuition contracts fall within the sphere of private law and are not the responsibility of the state”, and that “activities of this kind are carried out in accordance with the principle of economic freedom enshrined in article 27 of the Constitution”. Nonetheless, some tightening up of the sector is imminent.
Full report on the Swissinfo.chi site