Professional Matura Switzerland 2026: All Changes Explained

As of May 2026 — by James Whitfield, checkeverything.ch editorial team.

On 1 March 2026 the fully revised Berufsmaturitätsverordnung (BMV) — the Swiss ordinance on the Professional Matura — comes into force. The Federal Council adopted the revision on 13 June 2025. At the same time, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI/SEFRI) issued the revised framework curriculum. The headline changes: English becomes mandatory across all five specialisations, learners who fail the BM 1 can now switch directly to the BM 2, and blended learning is formally recognised in the curriculum. According to the Federal Statistical Office (BFS), roughly 13'500 Professional Matura certificates are awarded each year — about 13 per cent of an apprenticeship cohort.

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Key Takeaways

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Headline Changes

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BM 1 vs. BM 2: the Difference — and What Changes in 2026

Many learners mix up BM 1 and BM 2, but the differences are substantial.

The new switch route is a real relief for many learners: failing the BM 1 no longer means abandoning the academic track. After the apprenticeship you can enter the BM 2 directly. The path to a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) stays open.

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English Becomes Mandatory — What Applies in Practice

From the 2026/27 school year, all five specialisations introduce English as a compulsory third language. The two national languages (German or French as the first language depending on school location, the other as the second language) remain compulsory; English is added.

The Five Specialisations

A minimum of 240 English lessons across the full BM programme is foreseen — schools may offer more.

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Blended Learning: What Counts Officially

A less-discussed but practically important change: the 2026 framework curriculum contains guidelines for blended learning for the first time. The term "BM lesson" is defined to include digital and hybrid formats. Schools can now deliver part of the instruction online or in mixed form — and those hours count towards the official lesson total.

For learners this means:

• More flexibility in work-alongside study models
• Digital self-study phases can offset on-site contact time
• Quality is safeguarded through cantonal validation

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Interdisciplinary Project Work (IDPA) 2026

The IDPA remains a central exam element of the Professional Matura. Alongside the presentation there is now a deepening discussion — learners must not only present their work but also answer in-depth questions on it.

Other points that apply:

• At least two subject areas must be linked
• Practical relevance is explicitly encouraged
• Digital tools should be used where appropriate

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Final Exams: More Uniformity

Until now, written final exams varied between cantons. From 2026, they must be prepared and validated in a uniform way at cantonal or intercantonal level. This improves comparability and makes intercantonal recognition easier.

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Transitional Provisions: Who Is Affected?

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Costs of the Professional Matura

BM 1 (during apprenticeship)

• Public schools: generally free
• Learning materials: approx. CHF 500–1'000

BM 2 (after apprenticeship)

• Public schools: CHF 0–3'000 per year depending on canton
• Private schools: CHF 5'000–15'000 per year

Financing

If funds are tight, it pays to look at:

• Cantonal scholarships (check your canton's scholarship portal)
• Employer contributions (especially for work-alongside BM 2)
• Education loans (e.g. via cantonal funding bodies)

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Preparation Tips

Build English Early

If you've used little English so far, start during the apprenticeship:

• Courses at the vocational school or private courses
• Online options (free via cantonal libraries, e.g. Overdrive)
• Read English-language professional content matching your field

Master Digital Skills

The framework curriculum requires cross-subject digital competence:

• Word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools
• By specialisation: statistics software, CAD basics, ERP systems
• Data literacy: analysing data, evaluating sources

Structure the IDPA Early

The deepening discussion as a new element calls for more content depth. Planning the work early and discussing with teachers what "in-depth questions" might cover gives a clear advantage.

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Salary Outlook After the BM

The Professional Matura opens the route to a University of Applied Sciences — with a direct impact on later income. According to the Median Salary Switzerland 2026, UAS graduates earn on average noticeably more than working professionals without a tertiary qualification. The education investment translates into a measurable salary differential.

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Glossary

| Term | Meaning | |---|---| | BM / Berufsmaturität | Federal qualification granting access to a UAS (Fachhochschule) | | BM 1 | Professional Matura during vocational training (apprenticeship) | | BM 2 | Professional Matura after vocational training | | IDPA | Interdisciplinary Project Work — cross-subject final project | | Framework curriculum (RLP) | Curriculum issued by SBFI for all BM schools | | SBFI/SEFRI | State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation | | Blended learning | Combination of in-person and digital instruction | | Deepening discussion | New IDPA exam element: in-depth questions on the work | | VPET partners | Confederation, cantons, organisations of the world of work |

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Related Articles

• Median Salary Switzerland — earnings outlook after a UAS degree
• Family Allowances 2026 — child allowances for BM learners up to 25
• Grocery Savings — financing the BM 2
• Home Office Tax Deduction 2026 — training expenses as deductions

Read this article in other languages:

• Deutsch: Berufsmaturität 2026
• Français: Maturité professionnelle 2026
• Italiano: Maturità professionale 2026

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FAQ

When does the new Professional Matura ordinance come into force?

The revised ordinance came into force on 1 March 2026. It was adopted by the Federal Council on 13 June 2025, together with the revised framework curriculum issued by SBFI.

Do I have to catch up on English if I'm already in the BM?

No. Learners who started the BM before 1 March 2026 graduate under the old regulation. The English requirement applies only to learners starting from March 2026 (BM 1) or the 2026/27 school year (BM 2).

What happens if I fail the BM 1?

From 2026 you can switch directly to the BM 2 if you have not passed the BM 1. Provisional semester promotions are also now possible in the BM 2. The path to a UAS remains open.

Which specialisations exist and does the number change?

The five specialisations remain unchanged: Technology/Architecture/Life Sciences, Nature/Landscape/Food, Business and Services, Design and Art, Health and Social Work. They have been reworked in content but not merged or newly created.

What is blended learning in the BM 2026?

The framework curriculum specifies that BM lessons may now include digital and hybrid formats. Schools can therefore deliver part of the instruction online — these hours count towards the official lesson total. Learners gain flexibility, especially in work-alongside models.

Can I enter a UAS without the BM?

The Professional Matura is the standard route. Alternatives exist: entrance exams (cantonal), sur-dossier admission (rare, in case of particular professional experience), and the passerelle for switching to a traditional university. For binding information contact the relevant UAS or SBFI.

What does the BM 2 cost at public schools?

At public BM 2 schools the costs vary between CHF 0 and CHF 3'000 per year depending on the canton. Private providers charge CHF 5'000–15'000 per year. Scholarships and employer contributions are possible — check your canton's scholarship portal.

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