The introduction of the vocational baccalaureate opens up new educational and career prospects for graduates of taZ - which is part of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK): With the vocational baccalaureate, access to universities of applied sciences is possible as well as obtaining the federal baccalaureate with a passerelle. The introduction of the vocational baccalaureate 1 ARTE underlines the endeavours of the Tanz Akademie Zürich not only to offer its students an excellent dance education, but also to broaden their career prospects with a high-quality academic qualification.

Jason Beechey, Head of Dance at ZHdK, says: “This new programme is a decisive step towards further strengthening professional dance education in Switzerland. It offers young talents the opportunity to combine their dance training with a high-quality academic qualification, opening doors to further education and career prospects.”

Part-time training for the vocational baccalaureate 1

The vocational baccalaureate 1 ARTE is obtained while working during the four-year apprenticeship at taZ. Classes at the Berufsmaturitätsschule Zürich (BMZ) take place on two afternoons, Wednesdays and Fridays. Vocational Baccalaureate 1 is aimed at anyone who wants to combine a sound dance education with the best possible schooling.

Admission requirements and entrance examination

Admission to the Vocational Baccalaureate 1 ARTE requires passing the Cantonal Central Entrance Examination (ZAP). Preparation for the ZAP is organised by secondary schools and private providers. The dates for the next registration window for the ZAP in 2026 are published on the following cantonal website: → https://www.zh.ch/de/bildung/schulen/maturitaetsschule/zentrale-aufnahmepruefung/pruefung-fuer-die-berufsmaturitaetsschule.html

Important: The examinations and lessons are held in German.

Flexibility in the training programme

If a student does not pass the entrance examination or subsequent BM examinations, the apprenticeship contract for the stage dance apprenticeship will not be jeopardised. In this case, the apprenticeship will be completed with a Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) without a vocational baccalaureate.

Further information on the Vocational Baccalaureate 1 ARTE and how to register for the entrance exam is available at → www.zhdk.ch/taz.

Danse Suisse is delighted that with this new programme, all three formations in Geneva (→ Centre de Formation Professionnelle Arts), Lucerne (→ Musical Factory) and Zurich (→ taZ) offer the opportunity to take the vocational baccalaureate and thus the best possible follow-on opportunities.