Schule für Gestaltung Zürich

What Schule für Gestaltung Zürich does

Schule für Gestaltung Zürich (SfGZ) is a public vocational school (Berufsfachschule) operated by the Canton of Zurich under Swiss public law, providing multi-tiered education in design, visual communication, and related craft trades. The institution serves individual learners directly across five primary segments: secondary-school youth pursuing EFZ apprenticeships in fields such as printing technology, photography, graphics, advertising technology, jewelry, painting, lacquering, and polydesign 3D (with Interactive Media Designer EFZ launching in 2026/27); youth preparing for design apprenticeships via the full-time Gestalterischer Vorkurs; working professionals pursuing part-time Höhere Fachschule (HF) diploma programs in Interaction Design, Product Design, and Visuelle Gestaltung; tradespeople in printing, painting, industrial coating, and automotive body work seeking federal and association certifications; and general-public hobbyists enrolling in short courses (Öffentliche Kurse). Approximately 150 teachers/instructors deliver programs across four campus buildings in Zurich.

The school's revenue model combines tuition and semester fees (per-semester billing, with Canton of Zurich resident subsidies), one-time application/admission fees (typically CHF 200), and direct cantonal public funding plus HFSV (Höhere Fachschulen Verordnung) federal semester contributions. Programs are delivered through direct-to-consumer enrollment via the school's website, supplemented by information evenings and an annual open house (Entrée). The technology stack is deliberately light: students operate on a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model with the school providing Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 software licenses and IT helpdesk support. Multiple EFZ programs are delivered through the school's own facilities, while HF and certain Lehrgänge are co-developed with ibW Schule für Gestaltung Graubünden, Schule für Gestaltung Aargau, TBZ, and industry associations (SMGV, Carrosserie Suisse, SVILM, VWP, AGVS) that issue the federal and Verbandsdiplom certifications. The institution is ISO 21001 certified (audited by SGS) for educational organization management systems. No founding date is disclosed in the source data, and no revenue figure is publicly available; operations are funded in significant part by the Canton of Zurich.

Name

Schule für Gestaltung Zürich

Legal name

Schule für Gestaltung Zürich

Website

https://sfgz.ch

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Schule für Gestaltung Zürich is a public vocational school operated by the Canton of Zurich, providing design, visual communication, and craft trade education across EFZ apprenticeships, HF diploma programs, continuing education for tradespeople, and public short courses, serving roughly 150 instructors and individual learners across multiple Zurich campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Design Education

NAICS

Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH)

Keywords

• Vocational design education
• Higher vocational training
• Continuing professional education
• Visual communication training
• Creative trades certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Semester Fees: The school generates revenue primarily through tuition fees charged per semester for its programs. Fees vary by program and are charged per semester, with discounts available for residents of the Canton of Zurich. Semester fees are invoiced semi-annually before each semester begins.
2. Application/Admission Fees: A one-time fee is charged for the admission process (Aufnahmeverfahren), typically CHF 200, invoiced when the admission procedure begins. For Kunst und Handwerk, a registration fee of CHF 200 is charged with the admission notice and credited toward the first tuition invoice.
3. Public Funding (Cantonal Subsidies): As a public vocational school under the Canton of Zürich, the school receives public funding. The Canton of Zürich subsidizes career-oriented continuing education courses for residents of the Canton. Additional funding comes from the HFSV (Höhere Fachschulen Verordnung) semester contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Schule für Gestaltung Zürich (SfGZ) is a public vocational school providing vocational training (Grundbildung/EFZ) in design disciplines (polygrafie, photography, graphics, jewellery, polydesign 3D, advertising technology, painting, lacquering), a two-semester preparatory course (Gestalterischer Vorkurs), three HF diploma programs (Interaction Design, Produktdesign, Visuelle Gestaltung), multiple continuing education Lehrgänge in printing, painting, automotive, and industrial coating trades, and public short courses (Öffentliche Kurse) plus Lerncoaching support.

Product overview

Schule für Gestaltung Zürich operates as an educational institution offering a multi-tiered portfolio of design programs. The offering spans vocational training (Grundbildung) across diverse design disciplines, a pre-university foundation course (Gestalterischer Vorkurs), three HF (Höhere Fachschule) diploma programs in Interaction Design, Product Design, and Visuelle Gestaltung, multiple professional certification programs in painting, automotive, industrial coating, and interior design, public short courses, and Lerncoaching support services. The HF programs are coordinated with ibW Schule für Gestaltung Graubünden. The institution does not operate a unified software product but rather delivers educational programs and courses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gestalterischer Vorkurs Full-time, two-semester preparatory program for secondary school students aiming to enter design apprenticeships, developing visual perception, manual skills, and independent design processes.
• Grundbildung (Vocational Training) Vocational education and training programs (EFZ) across design disciplines including Polygrafie, Fotografie, Grafik, Schmuck, Polydesign 3D, Werbetechnik, Malerei, Lackiertechnik, and Interactive Media Design, delivered over 3-4 years.
• Interactive Media Designer EFZ New 4-year EFZ apprenticeship starting school year 2026/27 training students to conceive and create multimedia and interactive digital communications such as websites, apps, and games; the only such program in Canton Zurich.
• HF Interaction Design Dipl. Kommunikationsdesigner/in HF with focus on Interaction Design. A 6-semester part-time program covering design and technology at the intersection of digital interfaces, interactive systems, and user-centered solutions.
• HF Produktdesign Dipl. Produktdesigner/in HF; 6-semester part-time program in collaboration with ibW Schule für Gestaltung Graubünden, connecting creative thinking with practical implementation focused on sustainability and user-centered design.
• HF Visuelle Gestaltung Dipl. Kommunikationsdesigner/in HF with focus on Visuelle Gestaltung. A 6-semester part-time program covering communication design, creation, and conception across print and screen media, signage, and spatial graphics.
• Betriebsfachmann/frau Druck- und Verpackungstechnologie EFA 3-semester berufsbegleitend program in collaboration with Schule für Gestaltung Aargau preparing for leadership roles in printing and packaging technology, leading to EFA certification.
• Fachspezialist/in Werbetechnik EFA 3-semester berufsbegleitend program with federal professional certificate (EFA) covering planning and development of complex advertising technical concepts, customer consultation, and technical project execution.
• Malermeister/in mit eidg. Diplom Master craftsman progression path for painters EFZ leading to the Malermeister/in mit eidg. Diplom federal diploma, via Baustellenleiter/in (Verbandsdiplom SMGV) and Projektleiter/in Farbe EFA intermediate qualifications.
• Carrosseriegewerbe Weiterbildung Further education programs for the automotive body repair industry including Werkstattkoordinator/in and Carrosseriefachmann/fachfrau Lackiererei, leading to Carrosserie Suisse certificates and ultimately the Carrosseriewerkstattleiter/in EFA.
• Industrielackiergewerbe Weiterbildung Further education for the industrial coating sector including Werkstattkoordinator/in (SVILM certified) and Fachmann/Fachfrau Industrielackierung, delivered in collaboration with SVILM and TBZ.
• Interior Designer/in Lehrgang 2-semester Interior Designer/in program providing fundamentals for consultation and materialization with color compositions in residential settings, including floor plans, spatial representation, and color-material presentations.
• Kunst und Handwerk 2-semester course in cooperation with ibW Schule für Gestaltung Graubünden exploring the space between art and craft using ceramics, art casting, printmaking, lime, and mineral pigments, held every two weeks on Friday and Saturday in Zürich and Graubünden.
• Öffentliche Kurse (Public Short Courses) Public short courses offered each semester covering printmaking (linocut, screen printing, copper engraving, lithography), textile arts (batik), drawing, painting, bookbinding, and typography for interested members of the public.
• Lerncoaching (Learning Coaching) Learning coaching service helping learners improve vocational knowledge and general education performance, work on current subject matter or exam preparation, and develop self-directed learning methods; available in-person and via distance learning.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates receive Swiss-recognized certifications (EFZ, HF, EFA, Verbandsdiplom, Eidg. Fachausweis) that qualify them for professional practice and leadership roles in the design and trade industries.

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ibW Schule für Gestaltung GraubündencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint collaboration on the HF Produktdesign program (studiengang August 2026 to July 2029) and the Lehrgang Kunst und Handwerk. SfGZ and ibW jointly deliver these programs, with instruction taking place in both Zürich and Graubünden.
• Schule für Gestaltung AargaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint collaboration on the Betriebsfachmann/fachfrau Druck- und Verpackungstechnologie EFA program. Classes are held on Saturdays alternately in Aarau or Zürich.
• Technische Berufsschule Zürich (TBZ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for the Werkstattkoordinator/in Industrielackiergewerbe program, offered as a daytime course at SfGZ and an evening course at TBZ (18.8.2026 to 15.7.2027).
• Weiterbildung ZofingenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCooperation partner for the Carrosseriefachmann/fachfrau Lackiererei program, in which SfGZ and Zofingen jointly deliver training.
• Schweizerische Vereinigung der Industrielackiermeister (SVILM)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClose cooperation with SVILM for the Fachmann/Fachfrau Industrielackierung program. SVILM organizes the required practical modules (Praxis-Pflichtmodule) at the Kompetenzzentrum Silenen and conducts the association certification exam.
• Carrosserie SuissecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClose cooperation with Carrosserie Suisse for Carrosseriegewerbe programs. Carrosserie Suisse issues certificates for Werkstattkoordinator/in and Carrosseriefachmann/fachfrau Lackiererei, and organizes required courses.
• AGVS (Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAGVS is a partner association for Werkstattkoordinator/in Carrosseriegewerbe, offering an alternative certification pathway alongside Carrosserie Suisse and SVILM.
• VWP Verband Werbetechnik+PrintcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVWP is the professional association for advertising technology and printing. It oversees the Fachspezialist/in Werbetechnik EFA examination and issues the associated professional certification.
• GimafondsminorOthersGimafonds provides federal contributions for eligible employees attending the Malermeister/in program. SfGZ directs eligible participants to Gimafonds for financial support.
• Schweizerischer Gestalterverband (SMGV)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSMGV (Schweizerischer Malermeister- und Gipserverband) issues the Verbandsdiplom for Baustellenleiter/in and supports the pathway toward the Malermeister/in with Eidgenössisches Diplom.
• Swiss Design Schools (SDS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDS is the association of Swiss design schools mandated by the Confederation and cantons to provide preparatory education, basic vocational training, higher vocational education, and continuing education in design-related professions. SfGZ's Gestalterischer Vorkurs is part of this network.
• IFES/IPES (Institut für empirische Forschung und Beratung / Institut für Politische Estudios)minorOthersIFES/IPES is a partner organization visible on SfGZ's organizational page, suggesting collaboration in research or educational consulting.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• FHNW Hochschule für Gestaltung und Kunst: Major Swiss design and art school within the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz network offering design, visual communication, and interactive media programs. Comparable in design education focus at the higher-education tier, competing for design students across Northwestern Switzerland.
• ZHdK Zürcher Hochschule der Künste: Major Zurich arts university operating at the Fachhochschule level with overlapping design, interaction design, and visual communication programs. Competes for the same student pool in Zurich but offers degree-granting higher education rather than vocational apprenticeships.

Direct peers

• Hochschule Luzern - Design & Kunst: Swiss design and art school at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences offering comparable design and visual communication programs. Competes for the same Swiss-German design student segment, particularly in Central Switzerland.
• HEAD Geneva: Haute école d'art et de design Genève offering design, visual communication, and interaction design programs. Comparable Swiss design institution operating in the French-speaking market with overlapping program categories.
• ECAL École cantonale d'art de Lausanne: Leading Swiss art and design school offering design and visual communication programs at vocational and pre-bachelor levels. Comparable in design education focus though operating in the French-speaking Swiss market and serving a different linguistic segment.
• Schule für Gestaltung Aargau: Direct partner of SfGZ for the Betriebsfachmann Druck- und Verpackungstechnologie EFA program. Vocational design school in Aargau with overlapping offerings in EFZ apprenticeships and design continuing education, serving a comparable student base.
• Schule für Gestaltung Basel: Cantonal design school in Basel offering parallel Vorkurs, EFZ apprenticeships, and HF diploma programs in design fields. Directly comparable as a public vocational design institution serving a different Swiss-German canton with the same SDS-network mandate.
• F+F Schule für Kunst und Design Zürich: Private Zurich art and design school offering preparatory courses and continuing education in design and visual arts. Comparable in offering Vorkurs-style preparatory programs and continuing design courses, though operating as a private rather than public institution.
• ibW Schule für Gestaltung Graubünden: Swiss vocational design school in Graubünden and a direct strategic partner of SfGZ in joint HF Produktdesign and Kunst und Handwerk programs. Operates the same SDS-network design curriculum structure, serving similar EFZ and HF student segments in a different canton.
• Schule für Gestaltung Bern und Biel: Swiss vocational design school in the SDS network offering comparable Vorkurs, EFZ, and HF design programs. Directly comparable in scope (preparatory through higher vocational education in design and visual communication) and target student segments (Swiss secondary graduates).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@sfgz
• Facebookfacebook.com/sfgzzh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/11392562/admin
• Instagraminstagram.com/sfgz_edu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 Schule für Gestaltung Zürich