Preparation for the Matura & Fachmatura Final Exams in Zurich

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Course Options & Information: Preparation for the Matura and Specialized Matura Final Exams in Zurich

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Preparation for the Fachmatura final exam as a private, semi-private, or trio private course.

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ABOUT THE EXAM

More info: Preparation for the Fachmatura final exam in Zurich

What exactly is the vocational high school diploma?

The vocational baccalaureate builds on the three-year FMS certificate and provides in-depth academic and practical training in the chosen vocational field. It generally lasts an additional year (the so-called 4th year of the FMS).

Degree: Federally recognized specialized high school diploma in the relevant field (e.g., education, health, social work, art/design).
Objective: It provides direct, exam-free admission to Swiss universities of applied sciences (FH) and—for the education track—to universities of teacher education (PH) for the primary school teacher training program.
Requirements: To earn the Fachmaturität, students must write and successfully present an independent Fachmaturität thesis (FMA) and complete subject-specific internships or pass final exams.

How is the high school graduation exam (Maturitätsprüfung) administered?

The Maturitätsprüfung (also known as the “Hausmatura”) marks the completion of high school (either the long or short track) in the canton of Zurich and assesses the students’ overall knowledge acquired over the preceding years.

Admission: To be eligible for participation, students must have met the doctoral program requirements during their final year of high school and have had their senior thesis accepted.
Exam Subjects: At least 5 subjects are tested both in writing and orally:
1. First language (German)
2. Second regional language (French or Italian)
3. Math
4. English or an ancient language (Latin/Greek)
5. The chosen major (e.g., Physics/Applications of Mathematics, Economics & Law, Modern Languages)
2027: In the Canton of Zurich, the written final exams traditionally take place in May/June 2027, followed by the oral exams in June 2027.

How is the Maturität grade calculated, and when do you pass?

The cantonal grading system is governed by precise mathematical rules and balances the student's performance over the past school year with their exam scores.

Grading Sources: In each exam subject, the cumulative grade (the grade on the final transcript) accounts for 50%, and the exam grade (the average of the written and oral exams) accounts for 50%. In non-exam subjects, only the cumulative grade is used. The Matura thesis counts as a separate grade.
Passing Criteria: The Matura is considered passed if:
- The total of all downward grade deviations from a grade of 4 does not exceed 2 grade points.
- No more than three grades below a 4.
- The total of all grades (usually 12 to 13 grades) meets the cantonal minimum requirement.

What are the important dates for the 2027 Matura and Fachmaturität exams?

The deadlines for the final stages are strictly scheduled and require precise time management during the last school year:

Fall/Winter 2026: Submission and presentation of the Matura thesis (Gymnasium) or submission of the specialized Matura thesis (FMS).
January through May 2027: Final push to improve grades for the final report card, which provides the important experience-based grades.
May/June 2027: Administration of the centralized written and decentralized oral Maturität exams at the respective cantonal schools.
Late June / Early July 2027: Official graduation ceremonies and diploma presentations before the start of summer vacation.

How does ILS Tutoring Zurich help students successfully pass the Matura and Fachmaturität exams?

The pressure during the final stretch is enormous, as grades determine whether students gain direct admission to their desired program or make a smooth transition to college. ILS Tutoring offers targeted support:

Study Material Consolidation: We organize the extensive exam material from recent years in subjects such as math, physics, and languages, and present it in a way that makes it easy to learn.
Simulation of oral exams: We practice speaking extemporaneously, presenting arguments, and solving math problems on the blackboard under real exam conditions.
Coaching for Theses: Support with structuring, academic writing, and preparing for the final presentation of the Matura thesis or specialized Matura thesis.

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