In 2020, the Confederation, cantons and communes spent CHF 40.8 billion on education. This amount corresponds to 16.2% of the total public expenditure and to 5.9% of the gross domestic product.
Key figures
In Switzerland 91% of expenditure on education is incurred as current expenses, the remaining 9% as investments. With CHF 27.1 billion, 67% of total education expenditure is spent on staff salaries. In the distribution of public expenditure on education according to the degree of education compulsory schooling represents the most important part.
in CHF millions | Switzerland | Confederation | Cantons | Communes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | 40'796 | 100% | 4'600 | 25'219 | 10'977 |
of which salaries | 27'137 | 67% | 2'395 | 18'417 | 6'325 |
Compulsory education and special schools | 20'404 | 50% | 23 | 9'609 | 10'771 |
Upper secondary level | 5'880 | 14% | 151 | 5'579 | 149 |
Tertiary level | 9'376 | 23% | 1'341 | 8'025 | 11 |
Research | 4'462 | 11% | 3'072 | 1'387 | 2 |
Non-attributable expenditure | 674 | 2% | 13 | 618 | 43 |
Financial flows
Education is not always funded directly, but also in the form of contributions to the expenditure of other administrative levels. In 2020, for example, the Confederation invested a total of CHF 7.6 billion for education, of which CHF 4.6 billion have been spent directly and CHF 3.0 billion via the cantons.
Further information
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Educational ProcessesEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
- Tel.
- +41 58 483 93 61
Monday to Friday
09.00-12.00 and 13.30-16.30