How to Finance Your Professional Training in Switzerland
Continuing education is key to evolving in your career, changing jobs, or gaining new skills. But training costs can be a real obstacle. Luckily, Switzerland offers multiple financial aid options to support your development.
In this guide, you'll learn how to finance your training step by step, with solutions tailored to your situation. Whether you're looking for public funding, employer support, or private financing, help is available.
We’ll first cover who can pay for your training—yourself, the state, or your employer. Then we’ll detail available financial aid, such as federal or cantonal grants, specific scholarships, loans, and flexible payment options.
With the right information, you can choose the best funding option and move forward with your training—without letting costs hold you back.
Who Pays for Continuing Education in Switzerland? Discover the 3 Main Funding Sources
Financing continuing education in Switzerland usually relies on three main sources: the student, the state, and the employer. Each of these offers different advantages depending on your situation.
1. The Student: Use Your Savings or a Private Loan
The most direct option is to self-finance your training—either through personal savings or with a private education loan. This allows you to spread the cost over several years and start your course without delay.
Why choose this option?
- You can start training immediately, without waiting for grant approvals.
- It can complement other financial aids if they don’t cover all costs.
While this route requires financial planning and commitment, it also shows strong motivation to invest in your professional future.
2. The State: Federal and Cantonal Grants
Swiss authorities actively promote continuing education through public financial support. One of the key programs is the reimbursement of course fees for preparatory courses for federal exams—covering up to 50% of your costs, under certain conditions.
Additionally, each canton may offer its own cantonal grants, which vary depending on your place of residence and the type of training you pursue.
3. The Employer: An Underestimated Opportunity
Many companies are willing to partially or fully fund employee training—especially when it relates to the current job role. Some also offer paid study time or training leave.
In certain industries, training funds are even provided under Collective Labour Agreements (CCTs).
Public Financial Aid in Switzerland: Federal and Cantonal Support Explained
Continuing education in Switzerland can be significantly funded through federal and cantonal grants, depending on your training program and place of residence.
✅ Federal Grants: Reimbursement of Up to 50% of Course Fees
The Swiss Confederation offers financial support for individuals preparing for a federal examination (Federal Certificate or Federal Diploma).
If you meet the conditions and pass the exam, you can get back up to 50% of your course fees:
- Up to CHF 9,500 for a Federal Certificate
- Up to CHF 10,500 for a Federal Diploma
Eligibility requirements:
- The course must be recognized by SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation)
- You must reside in Switzerland at the time of the exam
- The total course fees must be at least CHF 1,000
🧾 Important: Keep all invoices and proof of payment. You’ll need them to submit your refund request after completing the exam.
Cantonal Aid: Varies by Canton and Situation
Each Swiss canton has its own aid programs for continuing education, based on local priorities and resident needs.
Examples of cantonal support:
- Geneva: The Chèque Annuel de Formation (CAF) offers between CHF 500 and CHF 750 for courses of at least 40 hours.
- Vaud: Certain priority training programs are fully or partially funded through cantonal grants.
- Neuchâtel: Financial aid is adjusted to your professional and financial situation.
Since eligibility criteria vary from canton to canton, it's best to contact your local cantonal training office to find out what aid you can receive.
Employer Support and Sector Funds: How Businesses Can Help You Finance Your Training
In Switzerland, more and more companies understand the value of continuing education. They see it as a key investment to enhance employee skills, boost motivation, and stay competitive.
Company Support: A Win-Win for Employees and Employers
When training is relevant to your current role or the company’s future needs, many employers are willing to cover part or all of the costs. Depending on internal policies, this support can take different forms:
- Partial or full reimbursement of course or exam fees
- Training leave or flexible scheduling to attend classes without salary loss
- Access to internal training programs or external partnerships
💡 Tip: Always discuss your training plans with your employer. Many opportunities exist, but they often require you to take the first step.
Sector-Specific Funds and Collective Labour Agreements (CCT)
In some industries, training funds are available as part of Collective Labour Agreements (CCTs). These agreements often include financial support for courses that align with the sector’s needs.
Examples:
- In the construction sector, funds may cover technical training or certifications.
- In healthcare, grants can support professional specialization or diploma
✅ Before exploring private loans or public subsidies, check whether your industry or company offers specific training assistance. A quick call to HR or your sector union could save you time and money.
Flexible Financing Options Offered by Training Schools in Switzerland
Many training institutions in Switzerland are committed to making education more accessible. To help students manage their budgets, they often offer flexible payment solutions and personalized guidance.
What Schools Offer to Help You Pay for Your Training
Here are some of the most common options:
- Payment in installments, allowing you to spread the cost of your course over several months
- Discounts for specific profiles: young professionals, career changers, or job seekers
- Personalized support to help you:
- Apply for public grants or subsidies
- Check your eligibility for aid
- Plan your budget and financing strategy
💡 Don’t hesitate to ask the school directly about available financing options—some solutions may exist even if they’re not advertised.
Training Credit: A Flexible Way to Complete Your Budget
When public funding or employer support doesn't fully cover your training costs, a training credit can help you:
- Start your course immediately, without waiting for aid approval
- Repay over time, with monthly installments adapted to your budget
- Combine with other types of aid to fully cover your education expenses
Credial offers tailored solutions for continuing education financing with clear, flexible terms.
👉 Contact a Credial advisor to assess your situation and discover the best financing options for your project.
🚀 Conclusion: Take Control of Your Future – With the Right Support
Training is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. And in Switzerland, there are many financing options available to help you bring your project to life.
Whether you’re eligible for:
- Federal or cantonal grants
- Support from your employer
- Or need a flexible education loan
…you don’t have to go through it alone.
💡 Take the time to evaluate your financing capacity with a professional.
Credial offers personalized support to help you identify the best solution for your situation.
👉 Talk to a Credial advisor today to get a clear overview of your options and move forward with confidence.
Your professional future starts now — let’s make it happen.
