Switzerland Launches Pilot Program to Address Skilled Labor Shortage

Key Point 

• Switzerland has initiated a pilot program to help refugees with academic potential access higher education, aiming to alleviate the country’s skilled labor shortage 

New Pilot Program in Switzerland

On 28 March 2025, Switzerland launched a pilot program to facilitate access to higher education for refugees with academic potential. This initiative aims to ease the shortage of skilled labor in the country. 

Key Details 

• Funding: SEM is providing CHF 1.5 million in start-up funding for the program from 2025 to 2028. 
• Scope: The program targets refugees in all language regions of Switzerland and includes universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of teacher education. 
• Selected Projects: Five projects from institutions such as the Universities of Basel, Lausanne, and Lucerne, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, and the Lucerne University of Teacher Education have been chosen for the pilot. 

Objectives 

• Path to Qualifications: The program aims to provide refugees with a path to official qualifications, aligning with the Swiss integration agenda.
• Preparation: Participants will receive targeted preparation for higher education, including intensive language courses and information events.
• Collaboration: HEIs will work with cantonal integration offices and education authorities to implement the program.