How to Apply

LAS has an application process that looks at each potential student as a person rather than at academic grades alone. This helps us understand the needs of each student so they can reach their full potential once they are here.

Our dedicated staff members are available to help you with the application and visa process, if required, as this can be a long task. Dossiers must be complete before we can give a final acceptance. Where documents are missing, you must inform us when they will become available.

The LAS Admissions Committee admits qualified students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in its admissions policies or practices. Teachers’ recommendations should show that applicants are hard-working, attentive in class and able to meet LAS’s rigorous academic standards.
 

Application Procedure

Stage 1: Visit

Arrange a personal visit (recommended).

Stage 2: Application and Supporting Documentation
An offer of a place at LAS in Switzerland can be confirmed only when we receive the following documentation. (For extenuating circumstances please contact the Admissions Office.)

1. Application Form

To complete the application form, you may do one of the following: 1. Apply Online. 2. Complete application by filling out the typable PDF (right click link and 'download' or 'save link as') and emailing to admissions@las.ch. 3. Complete handwritten application in BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS and then either fax, scan, or mail copy back to LAS Admissions Office.

2. Application Fee
Nonrefundable application fee of 500 Swiss francs (CHF), payable when the Application Form is submitted. Payment may be in cash, credit card or by bank transfer. If you would like to pay online, please click "Make a Payment" under the "Admissions" tab to pay through Paypal.  An additional 5% credit card surcharge will be added to online payments. If you completed the LAS Application online, you will be prompted to pay after clicking "Submit Application." See application form for details.

3. Teacher Recommendations
Completed by math and English teachers and a school counselor/administrator. If for any reason it is not possible to obtain one or more of these recommendations, please contact our Admissions Office.

4. School Transcripts
Submitted for the last three academic years, with progress reports for the current year of studies as they become available. All non-English transcripts must be officially translated and submitted in English.

5. Short Questions and Essay
The short questions and essay should be submitted with the completed and signed application form. The chosen essay should be at least 300 words long and hand written. Non-native English speaking students are expected to submit their answers in English.

6. Student Passport
A copy of your passport should be submitted, including pages indicating the passport number, expiration date and place of issue. If a dual national, please send a copy of the primary passport used for travel and visa purposes.

7. Student Photo
One digitally scanned passport-style photograph should be included.
 

Stage 3: IB Diploma and Interview


IB Diploma
Non-native English speakers seeking entrance to the full IB Diploma Programme are required to take an English proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or SLEP tests. The Admissions Office will contact interested candidates with instructions.

Interviews
A personal or telephone interview with a member of the Admissions team may be required of certain candidates.
 

Stage 4: Acceptance

Applications are assessed by the Admissions Committee before the final acceptance decision is made. Decisions will be conveyed to applicants within 10 working days from receipt of a full file, and following receipt of pre-test results and interview comments. Accepted students will receive the following documents in their acceptance package, electronically and/or by courier/postal services:

  1. Acceptance letter
  2. Tuition invoice
  3. Acceptance Agreement
  4. Visa information, when necessary (see Stage 6)
     

Stage 5: Enrollment

Written confirmation, as well as payment of at least the security deposit, is required to guarantee a student’s place at LAS. Once the Admissions Office receives the completed and signed Acceptance Agreement, the following enrollment documentation will be sent electronically and/or by courier/postal services:

  1. Student Life Handbook
  2. Enrollment forms (to be returned to LAS)
  3. Summer reading list
  4. Orientation information
     

Stage 6: Visas

In accordance with Swiss Law, it is necessary for most students holding passports outside of the European Union, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand to obtain Student Entry Visa to commence studies in Switzerland. Please note that a tourist visa is not acceptable. The visa application process takes time, and students who require a visa should apply immediately at the nearest Swiss Embassy/Consulate upon receiving their acceptance letter from LAS.
 

Stage 7: Payment

Fee payment is due by June 1.
Further details can be found in the Financial Information section of the LAS Handbook, which can be downloaded or obtained from the Admissions Office. Questions concerning financial matters should be addressed to accounting@las.ch.