Education / School types

The education system in the Principality of Liechtenstein is characterized by the school systems of German-speaking countries. Neighboring Switzerland has a particular influence on the school structure and educational content

Liechtenstein can offer its young people an education from elementary school through to university, although theoretical vocational training takes place in Swiss vocational schools. Due to the small size of the country, the higher the school level, the less broad the range on offer and, depending on the field of study, Liechtenstein citizens often also obtain their further qualifications at higher vocational schools and universities in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. 

On the other hand, Liechtenstein is also a regional center of education. At the University of Liechtenstein, which focuses on economics and architecture, well over half of the students come from abroad, primarily from neighboring Switzerland and Austria. 

In the kindergarten and compulsory school sector, the Liechtensteiner Lehrplan "LiLe" has been aligned with the Swiss Curriculum 21 of the German-speaking Swiss cantons since 2019. Children take their first step into the Liechtenstein school system from the age of four. Almost all children attend the kindergarten for two years, where they are prepared for the five-level primary school . This is followed by the tripartite secondary level. Secondary level I lasts four years and comprises the three types of school Oberschule, Realschule and the lower-level Gymnasium. The permeability of the three types of school has been optimized to such an extent that it is possible to change after almost every school year if the requirements are met

After compulsory schooling, there are various paths open to general or vocational education. The voluntary 10th school year offers various profiles and focuses for orientation on the path to vocational training. The Liechtensteinstein grammar school offers a broad general education at upper secondary level, leading to university entrance with the Matura. After completing the vocational apprenticeship, the Vocational Baccalaureate School (BMS) Liechtenstein leads to the vocational baccalaureate on a part-time or full-time basis. 

Vocational training in Liechtenstein is based on the dual system with practical training in a training company and accompanying theoretical training at a vocational school. While there are enough training companies in Liechtenstein itself, the young professionals attend vocational school in Switzerland. The vocational baccalaureate certificate from Berufsmaturitätsschule Liechtenstein allows students to attend all universities of applied sciences in Switzerland as well as universities in Liechtenstein and Austria.

The national education strategy is increasingly focused on ensuring the educational success of all and promoting lifelong learning. Learning-friendly educational institutions have an inclusive attitude and are based on the realization of the Legal Division of all learners. Liechtenstein's school system therefore offers a range of school-based support measures. These include early language support, special school enrolment, supplementary teaching by special education teachers, speech therapy measures and additional lessons for children with German as a second language

In addition to state schools, two private schools are also licensed in Liechtenstein. The Liechtenstein Waldorf School, which teaches on the basis of Rudolf Steiner's pedagogy, and the formatio, which offers education from elementary school through secondary school to the upper secondary school.

The special education day school for children and young people with special learning needs runs parallel to the basic education at elementary school and one of the secondary schools. The Heilpädagogische Zentrum (hpz) is a non-profit foundation organized under private law and based in Schaan. As a life-oriented and activity-based school, the special education school strives to achieve the greatest possible independence for pupils in order to ensure that they can cope with everyday life in the best possible way

There are two universities in Liechtenstein with the Legal Division to award academic degrees: the state University of Liechtenstein with  degree programs in economics and architecture from Bachelor's to Master's and doctoral level and the private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL), which offers doctoral programs in law and medical sciences. In addition, there is a university-like research institution without title rights: the Liechtenstein Institute as a scientific research center for specific Liechtenstein topics