Discover the Best International Schools in Lausanne: A Complete Guide

Lausanne is home to some of the finest international schools in Switzerland, attracting families from around the world who are looking for high quality education, multilingual learning, and globally recognised qualifications. From IB schools and bilingual programmes to boarding schools and private school options, the region has an impressive range of choices for both local and international families. Whether you are moving to Vaud for the first time, comparing schools for your children, or simply trying to understand what is available for international students, this guide walks you through the different curricula, teaching approaches, and practical factors that tend to matter most when making this decision.

best schools in lausanne

Top International Schools in Lausanne

How to Choose the Best International School for Your Child

Home to a wide range of excellent schools, Lausanne offers high-quality international education. The city is also known for hosting world-class universities such as EPFL, making it a centre for academic excellence. 

Whether for local families or expatriates, Lausanne provides a huge range of school options, from pre-school to boarding. Here, we give you the background on school choices in the region. Plus detailed guides to key schools. The aim is to help you navigate the choice of curriculum, language and ethos to make your final choice a little bit easier.

What Families Should Look for in an International School

Unfortunately, schooling in the region doesn’t come cheap. In fact, nearby Rolle is home to the most expensive boarding school in the world, Le Rosey, at almost 150,000 Swiss Francs a year. It is known for moving from its summer campus by the lake to its winter home in Gstaad each year. This tradition began in 1916 so the students could enjoy winter sports and get away from the grey weather of Lac Léman. 

You may be seeking a more pragmatic and cost-effective option, however, and this could be to take the plunge into the local system. Swiss local education in the French-speaking part of the country comes through the Swiss-Romande Study Plan (PER) and is an option well worth considering if you plan to stay long-term. However, you can’t expect the same top-end facilities from local schools, nor options for after school activities. What’s more, most primary-age children in Swiss schools come home for lunch, which is not always practical for a family with two working parents.

The biggest challenge with the local system though, is that it is not “portable.”. Specifically, children can’t continue the Swiss programme internationally when they need to move on. Also, French-language education can make it harder to transition into an English-focused academic system later on. 

As a result, international families often choose the option of an international school, with options such as IGCSE, international A Levels or the IB. The only international school in Lausanne to offer the full IB programme from pre-school to the final Diploma is the International School of Lausanne. 

When it comes to choosing an international school, however, paying eye-watering fees does not necessarily guarantee academic success, nor a happy child. So, we encourage parents to think about what your child needs in order to make the best education choice. Try not to jump on advice from your colleague by the water cooler. Instead, do an assessment of what the top schools have to offer. Then think about how they best fit the needs of your child.

Once you have the shortlist of best Lausanne schools for you, make sure you visit each one. Ideally with your child in tow, and be sure to take advantage of the “taster day” option offered by most schools. This kind of experience will give your child a real experience on what the school is like.

Practical Considerations When Choosing an International School

Lausanne’s reputation is reinforced by its position as a strong economic region. Just along the lake in Vevey, Nestlé’s global headquarters attracts a large community of international professionals, while Lausanne itself hosts the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and numerous multinational organisations. This concentration of international companies has created strong demand for high-quality international schools, both for long-term residents and expat families. As a result, many schools have expanded over the last 15 years.

For many families, Lausanne’s location broadens the options. A significant number of professionals commute between Lausanne and Geneva, and as a result, families may also want to consider some of the best schools in Geneva, particularly those close to the Vaud/Geneva border. However, the A1 highway linking towns and cities along the lake is often choked at rush hour, so location and commute timings need to be important considerations when making the final school choice.

Not only is there a wide range of programmes available in the region, but most schools offer a dual French-English curriculum. Although, take care as it is offered in different ways by different schools, each with its own emphasis and approach. This can also make the decision a difficult one when parents aren’t sure if they are here for the long or short term, and how important local language acquisition will be.

This guide to schools in Lausanne is designed to help you make that difficult choice. You’ll find our collection of articles on Lausanne’s international schools and family life in Vaud, giving you the insights you need to make a well-informed decision with greater confidence.

The Best International Schools in Lausanne

The region offers a broad mix of educational styles and academic routes. Some schools have built their reputation on bilingual education, while others focus squarely on international mobility and university preparation.

Families comparing schools often find themselves looking at:

  • Curriculum portability
  • University outcomes
  • Language options
  • Boarding availability
  • Student wellbeing support
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Class sizes
  • Admissions flexibility

The Lausanne area has a particularly strong reputation for:

  • IB schools
  • Bilingual French-English education
  • Boarding school programmes
  • Premium private schooling
  • Internationally recognised qualifications

Many schools also provide thoughtful support for multilingual students who are arriving mid-education from a different system elsewhere.

Private Tutoring Services in Lausanne

Starting at a new school in a new country is a big adjustment for children at any age. Some students pick things up quickly, while others need a bit more time and support to find their footing, especially when navigating a different curriculum or learning through a second language. Private tutoring can make a real difference in those early months, helping students build confidence rather than just getting by.

Many families in Lausanne choose TutorsPlus for personalised academic support across a wide range of programmes including IB, IGCSE, A Levels, American, and French curricula. Tutors can also assist with university admissions guidance, and sessions are available online with enough flexibility to fit around school timetables and extracurricular commitments.

Conclusion

Lausanne offers a strong range of options for families looking at international schooling, whether that means an IB programme, a bilingual environment, a private day school, or a boarding option for older students. The variety here is extensive, and that is both an opportunity and a reason to do your research carefully.

The right school will depend on your child as an individual, your family’s longer term plans, language priorities, and practical factors like location. Taking the time to visit schools, compare curricula thoughtfully, and ask the questions that matter most to your family will go a long way towards making a decision you feel confident about. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are public schools in Lausanne free for international students?

Yes. Public schools in Lausanne are funded through the Swiss education system and are generally free for residents, including international families living in the canton of Vaud.

How much do private schools in Lausanne cost?

Fees vary considerably depending on the school, curriculum, and whether boarding is included. Some private schools charge under CHF 20,000 per year, while elite boarding schools can exceed CHF 100,000 annually.

Is it difficult to get a place in a school in Lausanne?

Places at the most sought after international schools can be competitive, particularly in popular year groups. It is worth applying early and arranging school visits as soon as you can.

What is the language of instruction of schools in Lausanne?

Schools in Lausanne teach in English, French, or a bilingual French-English format. Most international schools also offer additional language support for students arriving from other systems.

Which curriculum is best for expat families in Lausanne?

The best curriculum for expat families in Lausanne is typically an internationally portable programme such as the IB, IGCSE, A Levels, or an American curriculum. These options travel well between countries, are recognised by universities worldwide, and make transitions between school systems considerably smoother for children who may relocate more than once.

When should parents apply to schools in Lausanne?

Families relocating to Lausanne should ideally begin researching schools 6 to 12 months before their planned move. The most sought-after international schools can have waiting lists, and starting early allows time for school visits, applications, and any entrance assessments that may be required.

Which are the best international schools in Lausanne?

Well regarded international schools in Lausanne include:

  • International School of Lausanne
  • Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande
  • Ecole Internationale de Genève – La Châtaigneraie
  • La Côte International School Aubonne

These schools offer a mix of IB programmes, bilingual education, private schooling, and internationally focused learning environments.

Articles

In this section, you’ll find a collection of articles covering both schooling and expat life in Lausanne. From guidance on choosing the top schools in Lausanne to suggestions on how to enjoy everything in this beautiful city. You will gain useful insights and informed advice on how to quickly settle in and enjoy everything the “Swiss Riviera” has to offer.