What Acadis does

Acadis (Académie Suisse d'enseignement à distance) is a privately held Swiss distance learning group headquartered in Gland, Vaud, that consolidates five specialized schools under one umbrella: ifp (accounting, HR, insurance — founded 2004), design et formations (graphic and interior design — 2010), Désir d'écrire (creative writing — 2012), Nicéphore (photography — 2015), and IMACOM (marketing and communication — 2021). The group was formally established in 2020 to unify the schools and holds the eduQua 2021 Swiss quality certification across all five brands.

The platform delivers over 25 diploma and certificate programs in 10+ subject areas via a distance learning methodology built around dedicated personal tutors (qualified industry practitioners), a 24/7 private online learning space, online modules, video tutorials, discussion forums, and virtual webinar sessions. Students also receive physical course materials and optional in-person workshops. Specialized software is bundled into relevant tracks — notably the Crésus accounting platform (~CHF 2,000 value) for accounting programs and the ComptaLearn method for accounting fundamentals. Programs prepare students for federally recognized Swiss qualifications including Brevet fédéral (Federal VET Diploma) and HRSE HR certificates, as well as the AFA Insurance Intermediary Certificate.

Acadis operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market, with prospective students enrolling through the acadis.ch website via information request forms. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees, with the Swiss Confederation reimbursing up to 50% of costs (max CHF 9,500 for Brevet fédéral, CHF 10,500 for Federal Diploma) for qualifying federal exam preparations, and IFP/IMACOM offering an additional CHF 1,000 exam-fee reimbursement. The company serves working professionals and career changers across Switzerland and neighboring France, with 15,000+ graduates from IFP alone, exam pass rates of 70-92% across programs, and a Director General (Fabrice Saillet) leading an 11-50 employee organization.

Name

Acadis

Legal name

Académie Suisse d'enseignement à distance

Website

https://acadis.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Acadis is a Swiss distance learning academy in Gland, Switzerland, operating 5 specialized schools (ifp, IMACOM, design et formations, Nicéphore, Désir d'écrire) that deliver tutor-supported online professional certification and Federal VET Diploma programs in accounting, HR, insurance, design, photography, marketing, and creative writing to working adults in Switzerland and neighboring France.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Gland

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Distance Learning Course Fees: Acadis generates revenue through tuition fees for its distance learning courses and professional certification programs. Students pay for access to course materials, tutor support, and examination preparation. Federal subsidies reimburse 50% of costs for qualifying federal exam preparations (up to CHF 9,500 for Federal Certificate and CHF 10,500 for Federal Diploma).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Acadis is a Swiss distance learning academy operating through five specialized schools (IMACOM, ifp, design et formations, Nicéphore, Désir d'écrire) that deliver tutor-supported, self-paced professional certification and federal diploma programs. Course offerings span marketing, communication, accounting, human resources, insurance, graphic design, interior design, digital design, photography, and creative writing, combining online learning modules, dedicated personal tutors, discussion forums, and optional in-person workshops. The group holds eduQua 2021 certification and prepares students for federal examinations administered by SEFRI.

Product overview

Acadis (Académie Suisse d'enseignement à distance) is Switzerland's leading distance learning institution founded in 2020, grouping five specialized schools under one umbrella: IMACOM (marketing and communication), ifp (accounting, HR, and insurance), design et formations (graphic and interior design), Nicéphore (photography), and Désir d'écrire (creative writing). The group offers over 25 professional courses and programs ranging from certificates to Federal VET Diplomas (Brevets Fédéraux), all delivered through a proprietary distance learning methodology featuring personal instructor support, online learning platforms, and blended learning tools. Programs are designed for career changers and professionals seeking recognized Swiss diplomas in business, creative, and technical fields.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IMACOM: School specializing in distance learning in marketing, communication and sales
• ifp
• design et formations
• Nicéphore
• Désir d'écrire

Products and services

• Brevet fédéral de Spécialiste de vente (Federal VET Diploma in Sales) Federal VET Diploma program covering sales operations, marketing approach, brand management, sales organization, management, sales practices, marketing mix, analysis, and sales processes over 12-18 months, targeting working professionals pursuing formal sales credentials.
• Brevet fédéral de spécialiste en marketing (Federal VET Diploma in Marketing) Federal VET Diploma program preparing for one of the most recognized professional marketing exams in Switzerland, covering product, price, distribution, promotion, communication, digital, project management, analysis, finance, media, and presentation techniques.
• Comptable (Accountant) Program mastering balance sheet and income statement elements, establishing company accounts, advanced accounting techniques, cost accounting, and control. Includes Crésus software (approximately CHF 2,000 value) and the ComptaLearn online method.
• Comptable spécialisé (Specialized Accountant) Advanced accounting program covering general accounting, accounting operations, closing entries, compensation, analysis, and general education. Includes Crésus software and ComptaLearn method.
• Brevet fédéral de Spécialiste en finance et comptabilité (Federal VET Diploma in Finance and Accounting) Federal VET Diploma program covering accounting, general taxation, salaries and social insurance, VAT, and law. Leads to positions such as head accountant, financial director, and auditor.
• Brevet fédéral de Spécialiste en ressources humaines (Federal VET Diploma in Human Resources) Federal VET Diploma program covering HR management, social insurance advice, labor law, training systems and economics, organization and interaction, and practical applications over 24-48 months.
• Gestionnaire en ressources humaines (HRSE Certificate) HRSE Certificate program covering personnel management, labor law, compensation and social insurance, and optional CRESUS software training over 5-12 months.
• Certificat d'intermédiaire d'assurance AFA (AFA Insurance Intermediary Certificate) Insurance intermediary certificate program covering general insurance competencies, life insurance specialization, health insurance, non-life insurance, and exam preparation over 6-12 months.
• Designer d'intérieur (Interior Designer) Interior designer program covering general, artistic, professional, and technical education with options for digital creation, furniture design, and commercial space design over 24-36 months.
• Designer graphique (Graphic Designer) Graphic designer program covering communication support design, visual identity, artistic education, and professional/technical teaching including Adobe software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) with web design and editorial design options.
• Designer digital (Digital Designer) Digital designer program covering digital graphics, UI/UX ergonomics, web design, illustration, motion design, interactive web development, front-end/back-end development, and marketing over 24 months.
• Devenir photographe professionnel (Becoming a Professional Photographer) Professional photographer training covering artistic vision, observation, light, colors, atmospheres, image construction, and technical basics for professional photography over 24-36 months.
• Photo passion (Photography Hobby Course) Photography course for enthusiasts covering developing the eye, mastering technique, professional practices, and optional post-production over 12-18 months with a free portfolio included.
• Écrire & publier un roman (Writing & Publishing a Novel) Creative writing program teaching fundamentals and techniques for writing a novel including characterization, narration, plot, and publishing with literary advisor feedback.
• Écrire & publier une autobiographie (Writing & Publishing an Autobiography) Creative writing program teaching techniques for writing an autobiography covering structure, forms, collection methods, and rewriting with literary advisor support.
• Écrire & publier – formation généraliste (Generalist Creative Writing Program) Comprehensive creative writing program covering fiction, real-life writing, writing to inform, and publishing including self-publishing, networks, editors, and author contracts over 18-24 months.
• Assistant(e) marketing digital (Digital Marketing Assistant) Program covering fundamentals of digital marketing, content creation, advertising and influence campaigns, search engines, and analytics with 11 modules including self-assessment exercises, assignments, and case studies.
• Assistant(e) marketing e-commerce (E-commerce Marketing Assistant) Program covering fundamentals of marketing and online commerce including e-commerce platform creation and management, built around 10 modules with exercises, assignments, and case studies.
• Assistant(e) marketing et communication (Marketing and Communication Assistant) Entry-level program for careers in marketing and communication covering marketing basics, sales, economics, law, communication, and public relations with exam sessions in March and September.
• Généraliste en ressources humaines (HR Generalist) HR generalist program covering recruitment, personnel administration, staff development, and optional Crésus software training over 12-24 months.
• Aide-comptable (Accounting Assistant) Accounting assistant program covering recording business transactions, invoice control, and using Crésus software over 6-14 months.
• Spécialiste en gestion et comptabilité (Management and Accounting Specialist) Management and accounting specialist program covering internal control systems, cash flow statements, financial analysis, operational planning, business restructuring, salary management, and consolidation over 12-24 months.

Quantifiable outcome

• 76% average exam pass rate for HR Specialist students (2025 results)
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• AFA (Association of Swiss Insurance Brokers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcadis prepares students for the AFA Insurance Intermediary Certificate, a recognized Swiss insurance industry certification administered through the AFA organization.
• HRSE (Swiss Human Resources Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcadis prepares students for HRSE (Human Resources Switzerland) certificates, the Swiss professional certification for human resources practitioners.
• SEFRI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEFRI is the Swiss federal authority that administers federal exams and subsidies. Acadis programs prepare students for federal examinations, and students may qualify for government subsidies of up to 50% of course fees through SEFRI.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• LinkedIn Learning: Global enterprise- and consumer-facing online learning platform with deep libraries across marketing, business, design, and creative skills. Comparable to Acadis on adult professional learning, but as a broad content library rather than tutor-supported, federally-aligned diploma programs.
• Skillsoft: Global enterprise learning platform offering professional development, certification prep, and compliance training across business and technology domains. Comparable to Acadis on adult professional certification content, but as a B2B-anchored broad incumbent rather than a Swiss-regulator-aligned diploma provider.
• Coursera: Global MOOC and online credentialing platform offering professional certificates and degree programs across business, marketing, HR, and finance. Comparable to Acadis on course platform economics and professional learner segment, though unsubsidized and without Switzerland-specific federal credentialing.

Emerging players

• OpenClassrooms: French-founded online education platform specializing in job-ready diplomas in tech, marketing, and business with mentor support. Overlaps with Acadis on French-speaking professional adult learners, mentor-led methodology, and outcome-oriented credentialing, though primarily tech-focused.
• Studi: France-based 100% online higher education and professional certification platform offering French-recognized titles. Overlaps with Acadis on online-first delivery for adult professionals seeking recognized credentials, though Studi is more academic and serves a broader French market.

Regional players

• DEKRA Akademie: German vocational training and continuing education provider across regulated disciplines including HR, insurance, accounting, and safety. Comparable to Acadis in vocational continuing education with regulatory alignment, but operates in Germany with on-site and blended delivery.
• M2i Formation: French continuing education provider offering vocational diplomas and certification tracks across IT, management, marketing, and accounting. Comparable to Acadis in target customer (French-speaking working adults seeking professional certifications) and blended/online delivery, but operating in France rather than Switzerland.
• SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University: German distance-learning university offering accredited bachelor's, master's, and certification programs with a focus on working professionals. Comparable to Acadis in distance-first methodology and adult professional learner base, but at the degree level rather than vocational diplomas.

Direct peers

• AKAD Hochschule: Swiss distance learning institution offering federally recognized professional certifications and diplomas in business, finance, HR, and management. Closest direct competitor to Acadis in the French- and German-speaking Swiss continuing education market, with similar reliance on personal tutor models and federal exam prep.
• FernUni Schweiz: Swiss distance university delivering flexible online higher-education programs and continuing education tracks. Comparable to Acadis in distance delivery model and Swiss adult-learner focus, though more academic and less vocational.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Acadis