Financing
Early childhood education and care
The use of childcare services that complement family life is generally costly for parents/guardians. A place in a daycare centre or a daycare family is primarily financed by the parents or guardians themselves; the state and, in some cases, employers also contribute to the financing. In cases of unemployment or low income, an application for financial support can be submitted to the Office for Social Services. The financial support is levied according to income as regulated in the Childcare Contribution Ordinance.
Daycare centres that are approved by the government and the municipalities currently receive a per capita contribution for each child attending a daycare centre. This support, which is regulated in the Childcare Contribution Ordinance, also includes operational costs (staff, infrastructure, etc.). In addition, daycare centres receive the necessary infrastructure and other financial support from the municipalities. These support measures vary from municipality to municipality. There is no standardised regulation.
Compulsory school (primary- and secondary I level) und secondary level II
The state is primarily responsible for Liechtenstein's education system. In principle, the Constitution regulates compulsory education and free attendance at public schools. The state is responsible for ensuring an adequate supply of education and for the quality (supervision) of the entire education system, including private education. Teaching materials for school-age children are also free of charge. At upper secondary level schools, a small parental contribution is levied for teaching materials and school events in accordance with the School Organisation Ordinance (Article 24).
Primary schools are run by the municipalities. They contribute 50% of the salary costs. Teachers at secondary schools are paid exclusively by the state. The municipalities also finance the school infrastructure at primary school level. The state contributes to investments in facilities and buildings through subsidies.
At secondary level, public schools are fully financed by the state, whereby the financing includes not only current expenditure but also investments in buildings and facilities.
The financing of vocational education and training is regulated by the Law on Vocational Education and Training. The state bears the costs of school fees (including vocational schools and vocational baccalaureate schools), compulsory training courses for vocational trainers, examinations and other qualification procedures, support and optional courses at vocational schools, etc. The state also provides support in the form of contributions to inter-company courses, measures to prepare for basic vocational education and training, international coordination in the area of vocational education and training, etc.
Liechtenstein does not have its own vocational schools and is therefore dependent on the school programmes offered in Switzerland (Intercantonal Vocational School Agreement).
Fees within public state education
Early childhood education and care
The use of childcare services that complement family life is subject to a fee. The fees are charged according to the income of the parents or guardians.
Compulsory school (primary- and secondary I level) und secondary level II
Attendance at public schools (primary and secondary level I, II) is free of charge.
Apprentices in basic vocational training receive an apprentice's salary for the work they perform in the training company. The apprentice's salary must be regulated in the apprenticeship contract. There are no legal regulations regarding the amount. However, there are guidelines issued by professional organisations for many professions.
Financial support for families of students
Early childhood education and care
In public and subsidised private daycare centres, parental rates are based on the parent's income. Childcare costs can be deducted from tax.
Compulsory school (primary- and secondary I level) und secondary level II
Attendance at public school is free of charge as well as teaching materials during compulsory schooling. The use of childcare services outside of lessons (e.g. lunch, pick-up times before and after lessons) is generally subject to a charge. The journey to school is the responsibility of the parents. The municipalities organise transport for pupils (school buses) if necessary and bear the costs. Financial support in the form of grants and loans is almost exclusively available for post-compulsory education. At upper secondary level schools, a small parental contribution is charged for teaching materials and school events.
Financial support for families of children with special educational needs
The free compulsory education guaranteed by the constitution also applies to children with special educational needs. The Ordinance on School Support Measures regulates the provision of early support and primary education for children and young people with mental and/or physical disabilities, adapted to their special needs. The provisions of the Education Law are authoritative in this regard. Their integration into public school is promoted with appropriate measures and support from the teacher.
In the context of vocational education and training, the law stipulates that children and young people with disabilities receive training that is adapted to their special needs, abilities and interests. The state can contribute to the additional costs in this regard if these are not covered by insurance and other benefits.
Financial support for students
As compulsory schools as well as the Liechtenstein gymnasium are free of charge and the state covers or at least contributes to the cost of teaching materials, school supplies and essential transport to the school, educational grants (scholarships, loans) are almost exclusively available at tertiary level. In principle, the financing of post-compulsory education is the responsibility of the legal guardians and the students themselves. If education cannot be fully financed from the student's own resources, even with the support of their legal guardians, they can apply for educational grants. The awarding of training grants is regulated in the Scholarship Law. The state grants educational support in the form of scholarships (without repayment obligation) and interest-free loans (must be repaid). In principle, all persons resident in Liechtenstein are entitled to education grants. The amount of the education grant is determined according to the subsidiarity principle (depending on the income and assets of the legal guardians). From the age of 25 (regardless of the income of the legal guardian), an education grant can be received in the form of a scholarship and an interest-free loan. This expires on completion of the course. From the age of 32, no grants are awarded, only loans for educational purposes.
Support is provided for initial and secondary school and vocational training leading to a qualification recognised in Liechtenstein, as well as recognised further training.
Private educational institutions
The subsidisation of public schools is regulated by law. According to the Liechtenstein Constitution, private education is permitted and supported provided that it complies with the statutory provisions (e.g. school hours, learning objectives) of public schools. There are currently three public schools in Liechtenstein that require authorisation from the government and are under its supervision. The government contributions per semester and pupil are regulated in the Ordinance on the Subsidisation of Private Schools.