First-Generation Students are students from non-academic families, whose parents, guardians, or legal representatives have not obtained a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent diploma from a higher education institution in Switzerland.
Am I a first-generation student if…
…some of my siblings or cousins are already enrolled in a higher education program?
YES. In this case, you are still part of the first generation in your family to access higher education, so you definitely belong here! These family members, who belong to the same generation as you, can be a valuable resource by sharing their experiences with you. You are all first-generation students.
…one of my aunts, uncles, or grandparents has already completed a university degree?
YES. You are a first-generation student. These relatives can also be a valuable resource by sharing their experiences.
…my parents have a foreign university degree that is not recognized as equivalent by the authorities or on the job market in Switzerland?
YES. Their own educational background may influence the educational decisions that concern you, and they may wish for and encourage you to pursue higher education. However, your parents have less access to and knowledge of the Swiss higher education system than if they had studied here themselves. Their experience and the organization of universities in their home country are very different, which is why you are also considered a first-generation student!
Social selectivity in the Swiss education system
While only 25.4% of the resident population aged 20 to 35 comes from families where at least one parent has studied at a higher education institution, this proportion doubles among tertiary-level students (universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education) to reach 49.9%.
