Liechtenstein

Last update: May, 2023

The state bears the main responsibility for schools and education in Liechtenstein. It is the largest promoter of art and culture and sets the framework conditions for cultural education. The responsibility is shared by three ministries (see 1.2.2): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for cultural events at Liechtenstein embassies. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Culture is responsible for the social, societal and cultural policy of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport is responsible for the Liechtenstein education system with respect to early education, schools, adult education and research, as well as the School of Fine Arts and the Music School.

The Liechtenstein Letter on Culture of July 2011 refers to three points of artistic and cultural education: the importance of the cultural institutions, cultural associations, cultural creators and those responsible for cultural policy. Secondly, children, young people and adults, that is, everyone, should have access to cultural and artistic education. And thirdly, points one and two contribute significantly to cultural participation as well as to strengthening creativity and the desire to innovate.  

Last update: May, 2023

The structure of the Liechtenstein education system is similar to that of the Swiss education system. Most teachers for all school levels are trained at Swiss universities and teacher training colleges. So far, there has been a lack of precise data on education and, thus, on cultural education in Liechtenstein. The first report on education is planned for 2023.

At upper secondary schools in Liechtenstein, students can choose from five profiles, one of which is “Art, Music and Education”. But the number of students completing this profile was only 13.9 per cent in 2020. As an addition to the basic subjects, the profile subjects allow for targeted broadening and deepening in specific subject areas. The profile decision allows for greater consideration of talents. In lower secondary school, pupils are taught two lessons per week each in religion/culture and visual arts as well as one lesson in music.

Furthermore, schools and cultural institutions cooperate closely, for example with the Liechtenstein Young Theatre, the Theater am Kirchplatz, the Art Museum, the National Museum and the School of Fine Arts. This cooperation includes workshops, guided tours of exhibitions, projects, etc. – from kindergarten to upper secondary school. The Liechtenstein Music School plays an important role in this. It offers 36 subjects – for children from the age of one, adolescents as well as adults.

Last update: May, 2023

Cross-border cooperation is an important component of the Liechtenstein education system. This is particularly true of higher education and professional training, which a small state like Liechtenstein cannot provide entirely on its own. Liechtenstein is integrated into the common higher education area via bilateral agreements with its neighbours Switzerland and Austria.

In 2019/2020, of the 1,182 students from Liechtenstein registered at universities of applied sciences and universities, 73.4 per cent attended degree programmes at Swiss institutions, while a further 14.6 per cent were enrolled in degree programmes in Austria. According to education statistics, 71 per cent were students of the three specialisations of teacher training, business and services, as well as technology and IT. Only a very small number of students (20) studied “Music, Theatre and Other Arts” at universities of applied sciences.

Last update: May, 2023

The Liechtenstein Music School hosts the International Master Classes Vaduz for the 48th time in the summer of 2022. This is a high-level training and concert platform for musicians from all over the world. Several thousand young professional musicians and music students from over 50 nations have already been able to advance their personal musical development in Vaduz. The Master Courses are known throughout the world, for example, for their renowned lecturers.

Since 2019, the Principality of Liechtenstein has been participating in the “Youth and Music” (Y+M) programme (see 1.4.1) of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture (FOC) to boost musical education. The aim of the programme is to encourage children and young people to be musically active and, thus, to promote their development and growth in a comprehensive way from an educational, social and cultural point of view. Its main benefits are the financial support of music courses and music camps as well as the funding of the training and further education of future Y+M leaders. According to the Swiss Message on Culture 2021–2024, it is planned to introduce talent promotion in music starting in 2021.

In preparation for specialised training in a design profession or for studies in visual design, design and art, the Liechtenstein School of Fine Arts (see 1.3.3) offers a “preliminary design course”. The students receive instruction in 26 subject areas and optimal preparation for further education in the creative field.

Last update: May, 2023

Professional and specialised training is regulated at the state level in the Vocational and Professional Education and Training Act (VPETA), LGBl. 2008 No. 103, and mainly corresponds to the dual-track system. The model provides for training at two learning locations: training in the company (practice) and teaching at the vocational school (theory).

As in Switzerland, the vocational education and training system is closely linked to the labour market. In 2017, 59 percent of school leavers opted for dual-track vocational education and training. In 2021, according to education statistics, only 53.8 per cent chose vocational training. A particularly large number of apprenticeship contracts were in the training fields of metal industry and engineering (259), organisation, administration (158) and technical occupations (82). Out of a total of 1,099 learners between two and four apprenticeship years, only five chose artistic and related professions, and eight opted for professions in the graphics industry.