What does 'provisional promotion' mean?

With provisional promotion, you are promoted to the next school year conditionally. You have a probation period during which you must improve your performance.

How exactly does double compensation work?

Each point below 4.0 must be compensated by 2 points above 4.0. Example: A 3.5 (0.5 below 4.0) needs at least a 5.0 (1.0 above 4.0) to balance.

Can I still pass with a 2.0?

Theoretically yes, but you then need 4 points surplus (e.g., two 6.0s). In practice, this is very difficult and depends on the total number of subjects.

Do the same rules apply in all cantons?

No, promotion regulations vary by canton and school type. Always check the regulations of your specific school.

Promotion and Failing in Switzerland

When is the school year passed? Rules and compensation.

The Swiss school system has strict but fair promotion rules. A failing grade doesn't mean the end immediately, as long as it can be compensated.

Calculate grade average

When is the Year Considered Failed?

In most cantons (e.g., for the Matura), the average of all subject grades must be at least 4.0. Additionally, no more than a certain number of grades may be below 4.0 (usually a maximum of 3 or 4 failing grades, depending on the canton).

The Double Compensation Principle

Many schools apply 'double compensation'. This means: The sum of deviations of all failing grades from 4.0 must be compensated by twice the sum of deviations of all above-average grades from 4.0.

Example: A 3.0 (deficit of 1.0) must be balanced by a 6.0 or two 5.0s (surplus of 2.0).

Calculate grade average

Consequences of Non-Promotion

Provisional promotion (probation period)
Repeating the school year (repetition)
Exclusion from school (in case of repeated failure)
Change of level (e.g., from Sek A to Sek B)

Prevention Strategies

Know your regulations (promotion rules)
Calculate with our tool: Is my average of 4.5 enough for compensation?
Focus on strengths to collect compensation points
Seek conversation with teachers early

Conclusion

An average of 4.0 is the minimum, but for safety you need 'buffer' for compensation. Use the calculator to check your compensation points.

More Useful Tools

Convert Points to Grades

Not sure what grade your score gives? Our points-to-grades calculator uses the Swiss grading formula (1-6) and shows you immediately whether you passed.

To Points Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions About Promotion

What does 'provisional promotion' mean?: With provisional promotion, you are promoted to the next school year conditionally. You have a probation period during which you must improve your performance.
How exactly does double compensation work?: Each point below 4.0 must be compensated by 2 points above 4.0. Example: A 3.5 (0.5 below 4.0) needs at least a 5.0 (1.0 above 4.0) to balance.
Can I still pass with a 2.0?: Theoretically yes, but you then need 4 points surplus (e.g., two 6.0s). In practice, this is very difficult and depends on the total number of subjects.
Do the same rules apply in all cantons?: No, promotion regulations vary by canton and school type. Always check the regulations of your specific school.