The third path of education at Swiss universities of applied sciences: An evaluation

In Switzerland, children whose parents have higher education degrees still have a higher chance of obtaining a higher education degree themselves (SKBF, 2018). The second educational pathway (i. e. catching up on educational qualifications) can help compensate for missed educational opportunities. Although the third educational pathway (e.g. recognition of equivalent qualifications or entrance examinations) to a university of applied sciences is open to those with vocational qualifications, the number of non-traditional students has remained small, while the total number of enrolled students is increasing. Based on legal texts and university policy recommendations, this paper shows that the third educational pathway meets with an ambivalent attitude, and potential non-traditional students therefore prefer the second educational pathway.