Professional Matura Switzerland 2026

The New Professional Matura from 2026

On March 1, 2026, the revised Professional Matura (Berufsmaturität) ordinance comes into force. The biggest change: English becomes mandatory for all specializations. Additionally, there are new exam formats and a stronger focus on digital competencies.

Key Changes at a Glance

English Becomes Mandatory – What Does It Mean?

For Which Specializations?

All five specializations of the Professional Matura must include English as a mandatory subject from 2026:

1. Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences
2. Nature, Landscape, Food
3. Business and Services
4. Design and Art
5. Health and Social Work

Proficiency Level

Teaching Hours

• Minimum: 240 lessons over the entire BM program
• Extension possible: Additional offerings depending on school

New Exam Formats

Interdisciplinary Exams

Exams can now be cross-disciplinary:

• Combination of e.g., mathematics and economics
• Real-world problem statements
• Promotion of interconnected thinking

Example: Interdisciplinary Exam

Task: A company plans to install solar panels. Calculate:

1. The payback period (Mathematics)
2. The accounting treatment (Economics)
3. The environmental impact (Natural Sciences)

Digital Exam Elements

From 2026, parts of exams can be conducted digitally:

• Controlled online research during exams
• Digital submission of work
• Computer-aided calculations

Interdisciplinary Project Work (IDPA) Strengthened

What is IDPA?

The Interdisciplinary Project Work is a central component of the Professional Matura. It demonstrates that students can:

• Connect knowledge from different subjects
• Work independently
• Execute projects from concept to presentation

Changes in 2026

Digital Competencies as Cross-Cutting Theme

What Does This Mean Concretely?

From 2026, all subjects must promote digital competencies:

• German: Digital text production, online research
• Mathematics: Computer-aided calculations, statistics software
• Natural Sciences: Simulations, digital lab protocols
• Economics: Digital business models, ERP systems

Exam Relevance

Digital competencies will also be examined:

• Handling software tools
• Data literacy (analysis, interpretation)
• Digital communication

The Five Specializations in Detail

1. Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences

Focus subjects:

• Mathematics (advanced)
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry)
• English (new: mandatory)

Target careers: Engineer, Architect, Laboratory Technician

2. Nature, Landscape, Food

Focus subjects:

• Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry)
• Economics and Law
• English (new: mandatory)

Target careers: Agronomist, Food Technologist, Environmental Engineer

3. Business and Services

Focus subjects:

• Finance and Accounting
• Economics and Law
• English (already mandatory, strengthened)

Target careers: Business Economist, Business Lawyer, HR Manager

4. Design and Art

Focus subjects:

• Design, Art, Culture
• Information and Communication
• English (new: mandatory)

Target careers: Designer, Interior Architect, Media Designer

5. Health and Social Work

Focus subjects:

• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences (Biology)
• English (new: mandatory)

Target careers: Nurse FH, Social Worker, Physiotherapist

Transitional Provisions

Who is Affected?

Tips for Prospective BM Students

1. Build English Skills Early

If English hasn't been your strength:

• Language courses during your apprenticeship
• Apps and online courses (Duolingo, Babbel)
• English media consumption (series, podcasts)

2. Master Digital Tools

Familiarize yourself with:

• Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Statistics software (depending on specialization)
• Presentation tools
• Collaboration tools (Teams, Notion)

3. Plan IDPA Early

The expanded project work requires more lead time:

• Choose topic early
• Find practice partners
• Create timeline

Costs of the Professional Matura

BM1 (during apprenticeship)

• Public schools: Usually free
• Learning materials: Approx. CHF 500-1,000

BM2 (after apprenticeship)

• Public schools: CHF 0-3,000/year depending on canton
• Private schools: CHF 5,000-15,000/year

Financing

If funds are tight, there are options:

• Scholarships (cantonal)
• Employer contributions
• Loans

FAQ

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

No. Those who started BM before March 2026 complete under the old system.

Can I attend UAS without BM?

The BM is the standard pathway to Universities of Applied Sciences. Alternatives include:

• Entrance exams (depending on canton)
• Passerelle to traditional university
• Sur-dossier admission (rare)

Is the new BM harder?

Requirements increase slightly due to:

• English as mandatory subject
• Interdisciplinary exams
• More IDPA hours

But: Preparation for UAS studies and career improves.

Which English certificate is recognized?

The BM itself is a recognized qualification. Additional certificates like Cambridge (FCE, CAE) or TOEFL can be useful for UAS programs or stays abroad.

Conclusion

The Professional Matura revision 2026 makes the BM fit for the future. English as a mandatory subject, enhanced digital competencies, and interdisciplinary exams provide better preparation for Universities of Applied Sciences and the job market.

For prospective BM students, this means: Prepare early, especially for English and digital tools.