The Passerelle is a supplementary examination to the vocational or Specialized Baccalaureate. Those who pass it have access to all degree courses at Swiss universities and all degree courses at Universities of Teacher Education. The Federal Passerelle thus guarantees access to university studies without a baccalaureate.

Yes, the passerelle without a vocational baccalaureate works via the University of Applied Sciences. In order to study at a University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, the Matura is not mandatory. Anyone with a degree from a College of Higher Education can obtain a university degree via the passerelle.

Have you completed vocational training, already gained professional experience and would like to continue your education by studying? In Switzerland, you can also study without a Matura. There are various options for studying without a Matura. This is because the dual education system in Switzerland makes it possible to study without a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate or to complete a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate after completing an apprenticeship.

• Special study programs: Graduates of an apprenticeship can apply to study at a College of Vocational Education and Training (CHE) with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET) or a Federal VET Certificate (VET Certificate). Studies at a College of Higher Education can be completed part-time or full-time.
• Pass examination: If you have completed an apprenticeship and have several years of professional experience, you can take a pass examination at many Universities. The Passerellenprüfung is an aptitude test that assesses your ability to study and, if passed, entitles you to study for a Bachelor's degree at a University of Applied Sciences or university.
• Studying at a University of Applied Sciences without a Matura: Some universities of applied sciences also offer degree programs that are accessible without a Matura. Here you can apply with a completed apprenticeship and professional experience. However, you may have to pass additional entrance examinations.

The pass exam course prepares vocational baccalaureate students and baccalaureate students for an internal supplementary examination in accordance with the guidelines of the Swiss Baccalaureate Commission. The subjects include English or French, mathematics, German, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) as well as social sciences and humanities (geography, history). The aim is to pass the Passerelle supplementary examination for the federal Matura in order to be admitted to all universities and Universities in Switzerland.

Anyone with a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate or a Specialized Baccalaureate is admitted to the Passerelle preparatory course. A prerequisite for admission to the Passerelle is also a very good performance profile and a very high level of motivation. There are no further admission requirements. There are two registration dates for the Swiss examinations, which take place twice a year: Early December and mid-June. The registration deadlines for the preparation courses often end in April, but vary depending on the provider. It is therefore advisable to enquire directly with the provider.

The following subjects are examined in the Passerelle final examination:

• German: written and oral
• French or English: written and oral
• Mathematics: written and oral
• Natural sciences: written
• Humanities: written

The Passerelle is a full-time course and it is not possible to work during this year. During the Passerelle, you will be specifically prepared for the supplementary examination with various forms of teaching. You will study around 50 percent of the material on your own. Passerelle after BMS means that you are still well into the learning process and have a lot of the necessary knowledge at your fingertips.