CHF 29.2 Billion Boost for Education, Research & Innovation (ERI)

On January 1, 2025, Switzerland launched its 2025–2028 ERI funding cycle, with a ceiling of CHF 29.2 billion approved by Parliament. This substantial investment supports a wide range of areas: general education, vocational training, higher education, continuous learning, and cutting-edge research and innovation. While around 20% of total ERI funding comes from federal government, the remainder is covered by cantons and communes.

Despite broader fiscal austerity measures, earmarked cuts to ERI were limited due to its strategic importance. The budget foresaw saving about CHF 500 million annually, yet ensured that core non-earmarked lines remained strong. The goal: maintaining excellence across vocational tracks, professional education, lifelong learning, and frontier scientific fields such as AI, sustainability, and quantum science