How many french curriculum in Zurich
French curriculum schooling in Zurich centres on a single AEFE accredited provider, the Lycee Francais de Zurich in Dubendorf. The school runs from maternelle through to terminale and delivers the French baccalaureate. It is the only school in the canton offering a complete French national curriculum pathway in-house.
A small number of bilingual schools provide a strong French presence at primary, including Inter-Community School Zurich and SIS Zurich. These schools sit Diploma students for French A Language and Literature where they have native level fluency. Families relocating from France for a short assignment usually choose the Lycee for continuity, while families settling longer in Zurich more often choose a bilingual or IB pathway to integrate.
The French community in Zurich is significant. Several large French employers in finance and engineering maintain offices in the city, with families clustered around Dubendorf, the central districts of Wiedikon and Enge, and the lake communes of Zollikon and Kusnacht.
Fees and tiers
Tuition at the Lycee Francais de Zurich is lower than the larger English language international schools in the canton. Maternelle starts at around CHF 18,000, primaire sits near CHF 22,000, college runs to CHF 25,000 and the lycee years through to terminale reach CHF 28,000. AEFE bursaries for French nationals are available subject to a means tested process administered through the French consulate.
The all-in cost is modest by Zurich international school standards. Capital contributions are smaller than at the larger English language schools, transport options are limited but workable, and examination loadings at the bac are negligible. Families choosing the Lycee Francais typically save 30 to 45 percent against an equivalent IB or A Level pathway in Zurich. Our Zurich fees guide compares the French route against IB and A Level on a like-for-like basis.
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Illustrative example schools
The entries below illustrate the practical French curriculum options for Zurich families. The Lycee Francais de Zurich is the principal provider; other entries show how families supplement or partner around it.
Lycee Francais de Zurich (Dubendorf). The main AEFE accredited French school in the canton, running maternelle through to terminale and the French baccalaureate.
Ecole Internationale de Geneve (boarding option, Geneva). Some Zurich French families board in Geneva for the senior school where AEFE provision is denser.
Inter-Community School Zurich (Zumikon). Bilingual French stream at primary, with French as a Diploma A language at senior level for native speakers.
SIS Swiss International School Zurich (Wollishofen). Offers French as a strong second language from primary onward as part of a bilingual model.
Alliance Francaise Zurich. Not a school but a cultural and language provider widely used by French families to supplement schooling and maintain language for younger children.
Where families live
French families in Zurich tend to live around Dubendorf for the Lycee Francais, or in the central city districts of Wiedikon and Enge for the commute pattern. The communes of Zollikon and Kusnacht are popular for senior management roles in finance, pharmaceuticals and luxury goods, with school buses or car commutes covering the journey to Dubendorf.
French expatriate networks in Zurich include the Alliance Francaise, the French Chamber of Commerce, and active parent associations at the Lycee. Those networks are reliable sources of housing recommendations, paediatric and medical referrals, and informal advice on the bac pathway.
Admissions calendar
Applications for the Lycee Francais de Zurich open in January and close by April for the main September intake. Mid-year transfers are accepted on a rolling basis where places exist, particularly in elementary. Documentation requirements include the French livret scolaire for previous school years, a birth certificate, and proof of address in the canton.
AEFE bursary applications run on a separate timetable through the French consulate, with assessment in the spring for the following academic year. Families considering the bursary route should engage the consulate early, since documentation requirements are extensive and decisions are tied to French national income thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a French school in Zurich?
Yes. The Lycee Francais de Zurich in Dubendorf is the main AEFE accredited French school in the canton, running from maternelle to terminale and delivering the French baccalaureate. It is the only school in Zurich offering a complete French national curriculum pathway.
How much does the Lycee Francais de Zurich cost?
Annual tuition at the Lycee Francais de Zurich runs from around CHF 18,000 in maternelle to CHF 28,000 at terminale. AEFE bursaries are available for French nationals subject to means testing through the French consulate. Total cost is broadly half the price of the largest English language international schools in Zurich.
Will French universities accept a Diploma rather than the bac?
Yes. French public and private universities accept the IB Diploma and other recognised foreign qualifications for entry, although competitive grandes ecoles preparatory classes typically prefer candidates who hold the French baccalaureate. Families considering a return to France should weigh that pathway carefully.
When do applications open for the Lycee Francais de Zurich?
Applications for the September intake usually open in January and close by April for the main waves. Mid-year transfers are accepted on a rolling basis where places exist, particularly in elementary.
Where do French families live in Zurich?
French families with school age children tend to live around Dubendorf for the Lycee, or in the central city districts of Wiedikon and Enge for the commute pattern. The communes of Zollikon and Kusnacht are popular for senior management roles in finance and pharmaceuticals.
