Transforming curious minds into global citizens through life-changing experiential grade 12 and gap year studies; preparing students for university and for life.
Neuchâtel Junior College offers the exceptional opportunity to study Canadian curriculum in Switzerland. Students take Ontario grade 12 courses in their final year of high school or gap year with an international focus. They gain an authentic cultural and French language experience by living with Swiss, French-speaking hosts. Extensive travel experiences with full-year or one-semester options provide additional learning and enrichment.
Courses are prerequisites for Canadian, US and international university admission. A pre-university, academically rigorous life experience allows students to stand out on university applications. Students develop life-long friendships and gain exceptional independence and life skills in preparation for university and the global workplace.
“[At
NJC] I became much more internationally aware and personally and socially responsible.” Halla ’24 - Belgium. University of Guelph, Veterinary Medicine
OUR PURPOSE
Neuchâtel Junior College ignites a lifelong sense of adventure, courage and purpose through an extraordinary, immersive education.
Strive for Excellence
Aim high. Put in effort and dedication to achieve goals.
Be Curious
Discover more about yourself, the people you encounter and the world around you
Respect
Respect, as our foundation and daily mindset means treating all people well and being genuinely open to different views, different paths and different choices.
Integrity
Responsibility
Be accountable for your words, actions and choices. Be compassionate about mistakes.
Take Risks
Be open to new things and new opportunities. Embrace the word “try” and learn from failure.
Be Engaged
Big or small, local or global, contribute to make a difference.
Have courage to do the right thing. Always.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1956, Neuchâtel Junior College combines rigorous academics with immersive international travel, giving students unparalleled opportunities to broaden their horizons and understand diverse cultures. The pre-university year is defined in two ways: a student’s last year of high school, grade 12 or a gap year of enrichment.
NJC students experience small class sizes and a supportive environment during their preuniversity program of study. Students earn Ontario grade 12 credits leading to the granting of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and receive admission into universities in Canada, the United States and beyond.
“My studies at NJC have been both rigorous and enriching. The diverse curriculum, combined with the opportunity to engage with peers from various cultural backgrounds, has significantly enhanced my intellectual capabilities. The emphasis on critical thinking and open discussion has sharpened my analytical skills and broadened my perspective on global issues.”
- Isabella ‘24 Montreal, Quebec
CURRICULUM
The foundation of all courses is the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. NJC is audited by the Ontario Ministry of Education on an annual basis and is categorized as an independent Ontario secondary school located abroad. NJC is a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS). Course descriptions are available on the school website or upon request.
NJC curriculum features:
Graduates receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Graduates strive to achieve the Neuchâtel Junior College International Diploma (optional) Students are able to take Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in May
NJC is a testing center and students are able to write the SAT in the autumn
Charles ’24 - Toronto, ON Northeastern University, Global Studies
“Living and studying in Europe enhanced my intellectual curiosity. This broadened perspective has fuelled my passion for learning and encouraged me to pursue knowledge beyond the classroom.”
French Language Development
The study of French is mandatory at NJC, however students are not required to have French language proficiency prior to their arrival. Students will expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to express themselves in French. Through French classes and an immersive experience, students develop their French language skills while living within the French speaking town of Neuchâtel, Switzerland and environs.
Gap Year Students
The pre-university year for some students constitutes a gap year of enrichment. Due to an interest in furthering their studies while gaining an all-important year of personal maturation, approximately 20% of the student body at NJC is participating in our Gap Year Program.
Students who have already graduated from high school may, once they obtain Grade 12 credits at NJC, use these credits to qualify for university entrance. Students must confirm the requirements of academic eligibility with the registrar of the universities that they wish to attend.
The result is graduates who are ready to navigate the complexities of the world, and a lifetime of ties to the people and places they met along the way.
Students From Outside of Ontario
Canadian students who attend school outside of Ontario, as well as students from outside of Canada, can study at Neuchâtel Junior College (NJC) in their final year of high school to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or following graduation from high school for a gap year or semester of enrichment.
Students who join NJC from outside of the province of Ontario and have completed a minimum standard 3-year high school program (Grade 9-11) will have their transcript reviewed for an equivalency assessment to determine the number of credits necessary (up to 8 credits) for them to graduate with the OSSD.
Oliver
‘24 - Port Hope, ON Laurier University, Business Administration
“My [gap] year at NJC has easily been the best year of my life, as I have traveled, learned about Europe in a classroom and in real life, and walked around cities I have only seen in photos and dreams. NJC has given me a broader perspective of the world.”
UNIVERSITY PLACEMENT AND GUIDANCE
University Placement
University Placement Students receive dedicated university placement counselling and support from NJC’s Director of University Guidance. With a 100% university acceptance rate, the program has a focus on research, program requirements, admission procedures and deadlines, and applications for scholarships. The Director of University Guidance provides careful, personalized attention to the needs of each individual student to ensure each student reaches their full potential and achieves their goals.
Student Services
NJC offers a small class size ratio and accommodates students who may require additional support. Through academic support, peer support and tutoring, NJC students receive support beyond the classroom. Our dedicated faculty, supportive homestay families, and engaged alumni offer encouragement and guidance every step of the way. Whether through academic mentoring or emotional support, we ensure every student feels cared for and supported throughout their NJC journey.
Resource Centre
The Resource Centre at NJC includes university resources and reference materials. Here, guidance counselors hold guidance and advisor meetings, and the space is available for student use during the entirety of the school day, as well as after school and on weekends. Additionally this room is used for exams or study provisions for students with Individual Education Plans, and as a breakout room for group projects.
Neuchâtel Junior College Class of 2024 graduates received offers of admission into highly competitive programs and will be attending universities across Canada, the United States and Europe.
For more information on the universities our graduates attend, please contact admissions@neuchatel.org
“All of [the] experiences at NJC will help me in the future, to be more responsible, more organized, and know how to connect with people in life.”
Lex ’24 - Toronto, ON Huron College at Western University, Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies
“My viewpoints were widened, and NJC encouraged flexibility and resiliency. I gained a greater understanding of cultural distinctions and similarities, as well as how to function well in new situations.”
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Students have many opportunities to become involved in a variety of leadership initiatives throughout their time at NJC.
THE FOYER COUNCIL
This group of leaders organizes student activities and is similar to Student Council in other schools.
THE CHARACTER & WELLNESS COMMITTEE
Works to foster character development as it pertains to personal, academic and social success; it also promotes and supports student health and wellness – physical, emotional and mental.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
NJC competes in international conferences semi-annually. This club meets weekly at the school.
Jack’ 24 - Toronto, ON University of Denver, Business
“I have a high degree of confidence and enthusiasm because of everything I have learned this year, both inside and outside of the classroom. We certainly packed in a lot over the year –coursework, university applications, travelling and forming solid friendships.”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS
Neuchâtel Junior College provides a wide range of extracurricular activities organized by the school and involving local high schools as well as other international schools. Teams may compete in tournaments in the local community and amongst members of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS).
NJC is a part of the Youth Ambassador Program Switzerland that is led by young adults with a passion for human rights and social progress.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
Students are encouraged to get involved in NJC’s International Program. Neuchâtel Junior College offers a variety of internationally-focused opportunities, including:
International Competitions
Model United Nations minimum once each semester.
International Service Projects
Charitable Giving
A number of charitable events throughout the school year.
Global Leaders
Visiting the Canadian Embassy in Bern, the United Nations in Geneva, the Red Cross, CERN, or being addressed by a member of the United Nations’ High Commission for Refugees, gives students a better understanding of how their careers might one day have an impact as leaders beyond Canada’s borders, within the global arena.
NJC Community Resources
NJC is fortunate to have connections to a range of community resources including sports teams, music and language interests.
Rebecca ’24 - Toronto, ON University of Edinburgh, Business Management
“Being granted the opportunity to live in a brand new country with like-minded people who seek new experience and adventure was absolutely amazing. I will be forever grateful for the way this year has shaped me.”
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
Living ‘En Pension’
By living ‘en pension’, our students become integrated with Swiss culture and daily life. Our students live as Europeans. Most pension families have welcomed students into their homes for many years. Pension families typically take one or two NJC students. Our dedicated Pension Coordinator takes great care in matching students with pension families.
So a ‘24 - Belgium
University of Leiden, International Studies
“The time I spent living with my host family has helped me grow as a person and has helped me develop my French. I have grown so attached that I find it hard to leave them now, as I already feel like I am part of the family and this is my home.”
TRAVEL PROGRAM
NJC offers structured, school-organized travel to expose students to a variety of cultural, scientific, environmental and historical sites across Europe. These trips are often integrated into the curriculum, enriching the academic program, the learning process and students’ understanding of the world in which they live and will lead. The travel is divided into four areas; défis et découvertes (challenges and discoveries), mandatory travel, optional travel and independent travel.
Local Excursions: “Les Dé s et Découvertes”
•Mountain hikes
•Jura cross-country / snow excursion
•Château Chillon in Montreux
•Basel and the Fondation Beyeler
•The International Olympic Museum in Lausanne
•Fribourg and environs
Optional School Trips
•Munich, Germany or Krakow, Poland
•Model UN
•Geneva
•Winter break: School service or independent travel or travel return flight home
•Semester Break: Zermatt, Switzerland Trip
•Florence, Italy or ski trip
Mandatory Travel
•September orientation trip in Switzerland
•November trip to Belgium and France for Remembrance Day
•Spring Break curriculum or service-based trip
•late spring Normandy trip
Independent Travel
Independent travel inspires confidence, personal discovery, strong friendships and maturity. Following the first report card, students are permitted to organize a trip and travel independently in small groups for a maximum of three weekends per semester.
Lachlan ’24 - Toronto, ON McGill University, Management
“I developed a deeper understanding of the world’s complexity and of what it means to be a conscious and responsible global citizen.”
ADMISSIONS AND APPLICATION FOR THE 2025-26 ACADEMIC YEAR
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and admission offers are made accordingly. The Admissions Committee reviews applications throughout the year.
APPLY NOW AT WWW.NJC.CH
A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDES:
• Online application
• High school transcript and mid-term report card for the 2024-25 academic year
• Admission essay
• Character reference letter
• Student interview
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS? PLEASE CONTACT ADMISSIONS@NEUCHATEL.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Application fees are non-refundable.
Applicants from outside of Canada and the United States are required to contact the admissions office regarding tuition fees.
Isabella ’24, Calagry, Alberta. Dalhousie University, Arts
“[NJC] has prompted me to look for and appreciate the beauties of the little things in life ...and finally, has empowered me to take advantage of the world around me that might otherwise be overlooked.”
