Learning programmes
Swiss Matura
The Swiss Matura is the official secondary school-leaving qualification in Switzerland. It is the main pathway to university education for students in the Swiss system.
Rigorous and comprehensive, the Matura programme is approved by the federal and cantonal authorities, and gives students the unrestricted right to study at Swiss universities.
HIF Sports Academy
Students at HIF can combine studying for the Swiss Matura with training at the Sports Academy.
Self-directed learning
The bilingual Matura programme can be entered in Year 8 or Year 10 for students who meet the language requirements of fluent German, a second Swiss national language (Rhaeto-Romanic, French or Italian) and English.
The bilingual Matura is examined in German and a second language. Teachers provide advice and support to help students find their way to the course of studies that best matches their needs and abilities.
In the Swiss Matura, teaching and learning are guided by the aims and objectives set out in the federal and cantonal curriculum frameworks, emphasising:
- A broad, rigorous general education
- Developing age-appropriate study skills and problem-solving strategies
- Self-directed, independent learning
- Project-based collaborative learning in teams
- Acquisition of in-depth, specialised knowledge in selected subjects
- Ability to evaluate arguments and evidence used in academic publications
The multi-faceted learning is enriched by excursions in Switzerland, academic clubs, participation in the student parliament, hikes in the Alps, music and art, as well as programmes to develop leadership skills and resilience.
To enter the Matura programme, students must pass the compulsory internal examination at the end of their first academic year at HIF.
Subjects and specialisation
HIF offers a bilingual Swiss Matura with subjects taught in German/English or German/Romansh. The Matura in German/Romansh is a commitment to our Engadin culture, which is firmly anchored in Switzerland’s linguistic and cultural diversity and serves as the foundation for global networking.
The curriculum includes a very broad range of subjects from language, science, humanities and social science, arts, sports and many more, divided into compulsory and elective subjects, providing an excellent foundation for a successful academic career.
These include:
- German / Romansh
- French
- Italian
- English
- Latin
- Mathematics (arithmetic, algebra, geometry)
- Natural sciences (science, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, media)
- Humanities and social sciences (geography, history, introduction to economics and law)
- Arts (visual arts, music)
- Religion, ethics, household, psychology of learning, gymnastics, sport
Pathway to university at home or abroad
Primary: grades 1-6
Entrance examination
Secondary School
grades 7-8/9
HIF Swiss Matura
grades 7-12
Entrance examination
HIF Swiss Matura grades 9-12
University or higher vocational training
- Individuals who have completed the Swiss Matura enjoy the right to study at any Swiss university of their choice without having to take an entrance examination (an exception is the study of medicine)
- The broad and rigorous curriculum means students can choose any course of study, depending on their interests and vocation
- The Swiss Matura is recognised for admission by leading universities worldwide
- We are proud to report exceptional results with a majority of our students continuing to renowned Swiss universities like ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of St. Gallen (HSG), EPF Lausanne, University of Geneva or Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
Matura project
Explore, Research, Create
The Matura project gives students a unique opportunity to dive deep into a topic they’re passionate about.
Over the course of a year, they explore a subject of their choice, learning how to conduct and present academic research with independence and integrity.
By applying scientific methods and working closely with dedicated supervisors, students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, and communication. This hands-on experience not only strengthens academic confidence but also helps shape future study and career decisions.
Each Matura thesis includes a written research paper or creative project with a reflective commentary, as well as an oral presentation. The topic is chosen collaboratively between the student and their supervising teachers, ensuring both support and ownership from the start.