What AKAD does

AKAD is a Swiss private adult-education institution headquartered in Zürich, with regional offices in Bern, Basel, and Lausanne, providing continuing education, federally recognized diplomas, professional certifications, and language courses to working adults and students seeking university admission. The company operates under two legal entities, AKAD Business AG and AKAD College AG, both subsidiaries of the Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe (Kalaidos Education Group), which enables bachelor-degree articulation through its sister institution Kalaidos Fachhochschule. The product portfolio spans four lines: upper-secondary programs (Berufsmaturität across four specializations, Gymnasiale Maturität, and Passerelle bridging exams), vocational continuing education (HF diplomas in Insurance and Business Informatics, Höheres Wirtschaftsdiplom VSK, Handelsdiplom VSH, HR management, and SAQ board certification), self-study general education modules (economics, law, accounting, IT, HR, and humanities), and language courses (French A1–C1, English A1, Italian, German, plus private online tutoring).

Delivery runs on the AKAD Lernraum learning platform (built on Tocco), which combines learning booklets, web-teacher support, and live-stream virtual classrooms with in-person instruction across the four Swiss campuses. Programs follow the proprietary AKAD-Methode (AKAD Method), a flexible blended-learning framework that allows students to mix self-study, live-stream, and in-person attendance and progress at a modular pace with multiple start dates per year. Pricing is a recurring monthly tuition model (CHF 110–CHF 1,080/month depending on program), with federal subsidies of up to 50% and cantonal HFSV contributions lowering effective costs on eligible programs.

Revenue is generated almost entirely from course tuition, billed monthly, with subscriber-like retention across programs that run from one month (short courses) up to three years (HF diplomas) and two years (MAS FH). Go-to-market is sales-led but self-serve enabled: prospective students enroll directly through akad.ch, attend free information sessions (Infoanlässe) or trial lessons (Schnupperlektion), and receive personalized counseling. Marketing relies on SEO, owned content (the Bildungsmagazin), an active social presence across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, the AKAD Zirkel event series, and email newsletter, all targeting the Swiss working-professional segment.

Name

AKAD

Legal name

AKAD Business AG / AKAD College AG

Website

https://akad.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

AKAD is a Swiss private adult-education provider offering Berufsmaturität, Passerelle, federally recognized HF diplomas, vocational certifications, and language courses through four campuses and Live-Stream/self-study delivery. It serves working professionals and adult learners seeking career advancement and is a subsidiary of the Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adult Continuing Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK), Online/Hybrid ASE Programs & Virtual Classrooms (EDAAABAG), Curriculum, Instructional Materials & Practice Testing for GED/HiSET (EDAAABAO)

Keywords

• Adult education
• Vocational training
• Professional certifications
• Language courses
• Continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: AKAD generates revenue through tuition fees for various educational programs including commercial diplomas, higher business diplomas, professional certifications, and language courses. Fees are charged on a monthly basis with semester or monthly rate options. Financial support through federal subsidies (up to 50% for certain programs) and cantonal contributions (HFSV) may reduce effective costs for eligible students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AKAD is a Swiss educational institution that delivers adult continuing education programs including vocational baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität), university bridging (Passerelle), academic baccalaureate (Gymnasiale Maturität), professional diplomas (Handelsdiplom VSH, Höheres Wirtschaftsdiplom VSK), higher vocational diplomas (HF) in Business Administration, Insurance, and Business Informatics, federal professional examinations, language courses (English, French, Italian, German A1-C1), and self-study general education modules. Programs are delivered via in-person classes at four Swiss campuses, live-stream virtual classrooms, and self-study formats, billed on a monthly subscription basis with federal and cantonal subsidies available.

Product overview

AKAD is a Swiss educational institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of continuing education programs across four main categories: (1) Berufsmaturität, Passerelle, and Gymnasiale Maturität (upper-secondary education for university access), (2) Berufliche Weiterbildung (vocational continuing education with programs in Business & Management, Insurance, Finance, IT/Business Informatics, HR, and specialized sectors), (3) Allgemeinbildung im Selbststudium (self-study general education modules), and (4) Sprachen lernen (language courses in English, French, Italian, and German from A1 to C1). The offerings range from short certificate courses (1-6 months) and diploma programs (1-3 years) to advanced certifications including NDS HF, CAS, DAS, and MAS. Programs are delivered through multiple formats: in-person instruction at four Swiss locations (Zürich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne), Live-Stream virtual classrooms, and self-study with learning materials and web-teacher support. Key programs include the Handelsdiplom VSH and Höheres Wirtschaftsdiplom VSK (foundational and advanced business diplomas), Dipl. Versicherungswirtschafter/-in HF and Dipl. Wirtschaftsinformatiker/-in HF (specialized HF diplomas), HR-Leiter/-in NDS (HR management certification), and Verwaltungsrätin/Verwaltungsrat SAQ-Zertifikat (board member certification). Language offerings span French A1-C1, English A1, and private online tutoring. Federal subsidies are available for eligible programs, and several HF programs offer pathways to Bachelor degrees at Kalaidos Fachhochschule.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BMS, Passerelle und Gymnasiale Maturität Upper-secondary education programs including Berufsmaturität (vocational baccalaureate) in four specializations (Economics & Services, Technology/Architecture/Life Sciences, Design & Art, Health & Social), Passerelle (bridging program to university), and Gymnasiale Maturität (academic baccalaureate). For adults seeking university admission in Switzerland.
• Berufliche Weiterbildung (Vocational Continuing Education) Vocational continuing education across eight sectors: Insurance, Business & Management, Accounting & Controlling, Finance & Collections, IT & Process Technology, Business Informatics, Human Resources, and Trust & Taxes. Delivered as multi-modal programs leading to federal and professional certifications.
• Allgemeinbildung im Selbststudium (Self-Study General Education) Self-study general education courses covering Economics, Natural Sciences, Law & Taxes, Marketing & Communication, IT, Accounting & Finance, German Studies, Mathematics, HR, and Humanities & Social Sciences. Location-independent format with proprietary learning materials and web-teacher support.
• Sprachen lernen (Language Courses) Language learning courses in English, French, Italian, and German with CEFR levels from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1), including conversational courses and private online tutoring packages. Self-study format with web-teacher support.
• Handelsdiplom VSH (Dipl. Kauffrau/-mann VSH) Commercial diploma from Verband Schweizerischer Handelsschulen (VSH). 2-semester (1-year) program providing foundational commercial knowledge, including ICDL certificate for digital competencies (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Outlook). From CHF 440/month. Offered in-person in Zürich, Bern, Basel, or via Live-Stream and self-study.
• Höheres Wirtschaftsdiplom VSK (HWD) Advanced business diploma from Verband Schweizerischer Kaderschulen (VSK). 2-semester (1-year) program providing in-depth business and management knowledge, with optional IPMA certification in project management. From CHF 330/month. Success rate: 78%.
• Dipl. Betriebswirtschafter/-in HF Banking and Finance Higher vocational diploma in Business Administration with Banking and Finance specialization. 6-semester (3-year) program offered in cooperation with Kalaidos Fachhochschule, enabling direct entry to Bachelor of Science FH in Banking and Finance. CHF 774/month (incl. subsidies).
• Dipl. Versicherungswirtschafter/-in HF Higher vocational diploma in Insurance (HF level). 6-semester (4-semester with prior qualifications) program in cooperation with HFVESA and VBV. Covers all insurance processes and management know-how. Locations: Zürich, Bern, Lausanne. CHF 767/month.
• Dipl. Wirtschaftsinformatiker/-in HF (HFWI) Higher vocational diploma in Business Informatics (HF level). 6-semester program qualifying for specialist and management positions at the interface of IT and business. Includes optional IPMA Level D and ITIL Foundation certifications. Option to combine with Bachelor at Kalaidos Fachhochschule. From CHF 495/month (incl. subsidies).
• HR-Leiter/-in NDS (HF) / Höhere Fachprüfung HR Leiter/-in (HFP) Post-diploma program for HR managers. 12-month program leading to federally recognized NDS HF diploma plus optional HFP certification. Covers strategic HR management, HR controlling, organizational development, and change management. From CHF 886/month (excl. subsidies). Success rate: 95%.
• Verwaltungsrätin/Verwaltungsrat SAQ-Zertifikat Board member certification program (SAQ-certified). 6-month program for current and aspiring SME board members covering strategic leadership, financial control, corporate governance, ESG, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. CHF 1,080/month. Locations: Zürich, Bern, Basel.
• Vernetzungs- und Prüfungsvorbereitungsseminar für Führungsfachleute Networking and exam preparation seminar for leadership professionals. 5-month program preparing for the federal professional examination for Führungsfachmann/-frau with eidg. Fachausweis. Integrates leadership, management, HR, finance, and change management. CHF 570/month (excl. subsidies). Success rate: 88%.
• Dipl. Betriebswirtschafter/-in HF (HFW) Higher vocational diploma in Business Administration (HFW). General business administration program offered in-person or via Live-Stream with small in-person component for working professionals.
• Führungsfachfrau/Führungsfachmann mit eidg. Fachausweis Leadership certification with federal professional examination. 20-month program offered in-person or via Live-Stream. Part of the formal pathway to higher leadership qualifications in Switzerland.
• Zertifikat SVF Leadership SVF-recognized leadership certificate. 9-month program in Zürich, Bern, Basel covering foundational leadership competencies.
• Versicherungsfachleute mit eidg. Fachausweis Insurance specialists with federal professional examination. 3-semester (1.5-year) program preparing for federal insurance specialist certification.
• Master of Advanced Studies FH in Insurance Master of Advanced Studies in Insurance (FH). 4-semester (24-month) program at the advanced professional level offered in Zürich-Oerlikon.
• HR-Fachmann/HR-Fachfrau mit eidg. Fachausweis HR specialist with federal professional examination, Direction A: Corporate HR Management. Program available location-independent, in Zürich, Bern, or Basel.
• Französisch A1 Aufbaukurs French language course at A1 beginner level (CEFR). Self-study format with proprietary learning materials, online tests, and web-teacher support. Duration: 4 months. CHF 115/month.
• Französisch B1 Aufbaukurs French language course at B1 intermediate level (CEFR). Self-study format developing conversational fluency and grammatical knowledge. CHF 460 total.
• Englisch A1 Aufbaukurs English language beginner course at A1 level (CEFR). Duration: 4 months. Leads to AKAD certificate. Ideal for vacation preparation and basic English communication.
• Französisch Privatunterricht – Online Private online French tutoring sessions available in packages of 5, 10, or 20 lessons for personalized language support.
• Passerelle Bridging examination program enabling holders of vocational or specialized baccalaureate to access Swiss universities and ETH without additional requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 78% success rate for Höheres Wirtschaftsdiplom (HWD)
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Kalaidos BildungsgruppeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAKAD is a subsidiary of the Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe, which also includes Kalaidos Fachhochschule. This partnership enables AKAD students to pursue bachelor's degree pathways by completing additional modules at Kalaidos Fachhochschule, creating an integrated educational pathway from vocational training through higher education.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Migros Klubschule: Migros Klubschule is Switzerland's largest provider of adult continuing education, including language courses, professional development, and general education. It is a direct peer to AKAD because both compete for working adults seeking flexible, modular, self-study or in-person learning across Switzerland.
• Kalaidos Fachhochschule: Kalaidos Fachhochschule is a Swiss university of applied sciences within the same Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe that owns AKAD. It is directly comparable because it shares the Swiss professional adult-learner base, accepts AKAD HF graduates into bachelor pathways, and offers CAS/DAS/MAS programs overlapping with AKAD's higher professional certifications.
• Fernfachhochschule Schweiz (FFHS): FFHS is a leading Swiss distance-learning university of applied sciences offering bachelor, master, and continuing education programs in a hybrid online format. It is a direct peer to AKAD because it targets the same working-professional demographic with flexible study modalities and recognized Swiss credentials.
• SRH Hochschule (Switzerland/Germany): SRH is a major private German-language higher education operator with Swiss locations offering bachelor, master, and continuing education programs. It competes with AKAD in serving German-speaking working professionals seeking flexible, accredited qualifications.
• EB Zürich (Eidgenössische Berufsschule): EB Zürich is a Swiss continuing education provider offering Berufsmaturität, vocational diplomas, and business courses. It is a direct peer to AKAD because both compete for the same adult learners preparing for federal vocational credentials and commercial diplomas in the Zürich region.
• Benedict Schools Switzerland: Benedict is a private Swiss school group offering BMS, Passerelle, Handelsdiplom, and vocational continuing education programs. It is a direct peer to AKAD because both compete for adults seeking upper-secondary and vocational qualifications with hybrid learning formats across German-speaking Switzerland.
• HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich: HWZ is a private Swiss business school in Zürich offering bachelor, master, and continuing education programs. It is a direct peer to AKAD because both target working professionals in the German-speaking Swiss market with applied business and management credentials, including HF-level and certificate programs.
• BVS Business Village (Switzerland): BVS is a Swiss continuing education provider focused on business, management, and finance certificates targeting working professionals. It is a direct peer to AKAD because both offer modular, accredited continuing education programs at similar price points to the same Swiss adult-learner segment.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera Inc. Coursera is a global online learning platform offering professional certificates, degree programs, and self-paced courses. It is a broad incumbent competing with AKAD's self-study general education and lower-priced language offerings, particularly for cost-sensitive adult learners seeking recognized credentials.
• ZHAW School of Management and Law: ZHAW is a major public Swiss university of applied sciences offering extensive continuing education (CAS/DAS/MAS) in business, management, insurance, and finance. As a broad incumbent, it overlaps with AKAD's vocational continuing education portfolio but operates across a wider academic portfolio at typically lower tuition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/akadschweiz
• Facebookfacebook.com/akad.ch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/akadch
• Instagraminstagram.com/Akad.ch
• TikToktiktok.com/@akad.ch
• Xx.com/akaduniversity

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 AKAD