Funding is necessary to support adults improving their basic skills

Posted: 2025-11-21 / Category: Switzerland country reports > Switzerland 2024-2025

There have been no major changes in ALE policy since 2023. The situation in Switzerland is currently complex. A broad cost-saving programme is being discussed at the national level, which includes the Continuing Education and training Act. This act enumerates measures aimed at encouraging adults to acquire and maintain basic skills (reading, writing, speaking in a national language, mathematics, information and communication technologies).

This Country Report has been conducted with the support of the Schweizerischer Verband für Weiterbildung (SVEB), the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning.

Skills dimension

SVEB’s view on the increasing focus on skills is prudent. The organisation reflects on the meaning of the term lifelong learning, which is often misused and does not fully reflect its original meaning - learning that extends across all stages of life. Similarly, the concept of skills can be interpreted in different ways, and is often misused depends on the specific policy or educational context.

AI in adult learning

SVEB is testing artificial intelligence tools, organising internal training courses, and supporting its staff in integrating AI into their daily work. The organisation has also published a study on the use of AI in further education institutions, which has attracted considerable interest across the sector.

Participation in decision-making

SVEB has indicated its commitment to being part of the decision-making process through different advocacy efforts to counter mainly the cost-saving measures. These actions take place both at the political level and within civil society networks, to join forces and coordinate efforts to influence key decision-making processes.

Swiss member's view on the PIAAC results

SVEB agrees that PIAAC results are representative of the situation in their country. Results are considered alarming, as they show that 30% of adults in Switzerland lack basic skills. These results are not in line with the cost-cutting measures currently under discussion, which would particularly affect education in the area of basic skills.

Funding of adult education

According to SVEB, the funding situation of adult education in Switzerland has stayed the same in 2024-2025.

The organisation mentions fees by individuals and contributions paid by employers as the main sources of funding. Continuing education in Switzerland is, to a large extent, a private market.

Disclaimer on the participation in education and training data: the data focuses on formal and non-formal education and training, excluding guided on-the-job training. Participation is higher when on-the-job training is included. Data coming from sources such as OECD and the monitoring framework of the European Pillar of Social Rights may differ from the presented data.