Liechtenstein (LI)

Liechtenstein is a tiny constitutional principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria — one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world — yet it punches far above its 39,000-person weight as one of the wealthiest nations on earth per capita.

Capital: Vaduz

Region: Europe

Language: German

Currency: CHF (Fr)

Cost of living: Very expensive (index 92)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Liechtenstein.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Kinderkrippe (Nursery/Crèche) CHF 1,200–1,800/month full-time (subsidies available based on income)

Age: 3 months – 3 years

Subsidy available

The Liechtenstein government provides income-based subsidies (Betreuungskosten-Beiträge) for Kinderkrippe. Families submit income documentation to the Amt für Soziale Dienste. Subsidy levels vary — lower-income families may receive up to 50% subsidy on fees.

Contact individual Kinderkrippen directly — there is no central enrollment system. Recommended: Kinderkrippe Schaan, Kinderkrippe Vaduz, Kindertagesstätte Ruggell. Bring: ID, birth certificate, health insurance card, and proof of address.

⏱️ Register on the waiting list as soon as you are pregnant or arrive in Liechtenstein — good Kinderkrippen have waiting lists of 6–12 months. There are few facilities given the country's small size.

Kindergarten (Preschool) Free (public Kindergarten) / CHF 300–600/month (private)

Age: 4–6 years

Public Kindergarten is free and integrated into the municipal school system. Register at your Gemeinde's school office. Children attend the Kindergarten in their municipality. Private Kindergärten are available in Vaduz and Schaan for additional language or pedagogical approaches.

Tagesschule (All-day school) CHF 300–600/month for all-day care including lunch

Age: 6–12 years

Subsidy available

Income-based subsidies available through the Amt für Soziale Dienste for families with lower incomes.

🏫 Schools

Public primary school Free

Volksschule / Primarschule

Ages: 6–12 years (4 years primary, 2 years upper primary) · Language: German (standard High German in school, Alemannic dialect spoken informally)

Contact your Gemeinde's school administration (Schulamt). Bring: child's passport, birth certificate, health insurance card, and Gemeinde registration (Anmeldebestätigung). Foreign children may be assessed for German language level — support classes (DaZ — Deutsch als Zweitsprache) are available for non-German speakers.

Liechtenstein's public school system is excellent — class sizes are small (15–22 pupils), resources are generous, and teacher quality is high. The curriculum follows a curriculum aligned with Austrian and Swiss standards. School hours: typically 07:45–12:00 with afternoon lessons 2–3 days per week. All-day school (Tagesschule) is available for working parents.

Secondary school Free

Gymnasium / Realschule / Oberschule

Ages: 12–18 years · Language: German (with French and English as mandatory second and third languages)

Enrollment based on primary school recommendations and an assessment test. The Liechtensteinisches Gymnasium (in Vaduz) is the main secondary school leading to the Matura (university entrance qualification). The Realschule and Oberschule provide vocational pathways.

The Liechtensteinisches Gymnasium (LG) in Vaduz is the only Gymnasium in the country — all children seeking academic secondary education attend here. The LG Matura is internationally recognised (Austrian equivalent). Vocational training (Berufsausbildung / Lehre) is a highly valued pathway — apprenticeship programmes at companies like Hilti and Ivoclar are prestigious.

International Schools

There are no dedicated international schools in Liechtenstein itself. The nearest international schools are: International School of Zurich North (Switzerland, approximately 90 minutes); Institut auf dem Rosenberg (St Gallen, approximately 30 minutes — one of Europe's most prestigious international schools, fees CHF 80,000–100,000/year); Fieldwork International (Feldkirch area, Austria). Most expat families either integrate their children into the Liechtenstein public school system (excellent quality, German immersion) or commute to international schools in Switzerland.

University

Tuition fee

Liechtenstein has ONE university: the Universität Liechtenstein (in Vaduz) — specialising in architecture and planning, and business administration. Annual fees: CHF 3,000–8,000. For all other disciplines, students must study in Austria or Switzerland. Most Liechtenstein students attend universities in Austria (Innsbruck, Vienna) or Switzerland (St Gallen, Zurich, Basel).

Semester fee

Universität Liechtenstein: approximately CHF 750–1,500/semester including all fees.

Student visa

EEA students: no visa required, but residence quota rules apply for students wishing to be resident in Liechtenstein. Many students commute from Feldkirch or Buchs. Non-EEA students: require a student residence permit from the Ausländer- und Passamt.

Health insurance

All students resident in Liechtenstein must have mandatory Krankenkasse health insurance. Students on family policies until age 25 in some cases. Own policy: CHF 200–350/month for students.

Application process

Apply directly to the Universität Liechtenstein at uni.li. For other programmes in Austria/Switzerland, applications are made directly to Austrian/Swiss universities. Language requirements: German B2/C1 minimum for most degree programmes.

🗣️ Language Courses

German Language Integration Course

Provider: Ausländer- und Passamt / Community Organisations · Duration: Variable — typically 3–12 months depending on level · Levels: A1 to C1

Subsidised or free for qualifying residents

Non-German-speaking residents are strongly encouraged to learn German. The Liechtenstein government supports language learning through subsidised courses. Contact the Ausländer- und Passamt or the Erwachsenenbildung (adult education centres) in Vaduz and Schaan. The Alemannic dialect is heard daily but standard German is used in formal contexts.

Erwachsenenbildung Liechtenstein (Adult Education)

Provider: Erwachsenenbildung Liechtenstein · Duration: Semester-based (September–June) · Levels: A1 to C2

CHF 300–800 per course

Offers German courses at all levels, business German, and German for integration purposes. Also offers courses in English, French, and other languages. The primary provider of adult language and professional education in the principality.

Volkshochschule Vorarlberg (VHS)

Provider: Volkshochschule Vorarlberg (Austria — 15 minutes from Vaduz) · Duration: Variable · Levels: A1 to C2 German; wide range of languages

€200–500 per course

The nearby Austrian Volkshochschule in Feldkirch provides extensive German and language courses easily accessible from Liechtenstein. Cross-border cultural learning opportunity.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Liechtenstein — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere