Gymi exams in Zurich: changes and differences 2024-2025
The Central Entrance Examination (ZAP) for grammar schools in the Canton of Zurich is subject to regular adjustments. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the most important changes and differences between the 2024 and 2025 Gymi exams
and give you all the information you need to prepare successfully.
Overview: The reform of the admission procedure for the Gymi exam
In 2022, the Government Council of the Canton of Zurich adopted new admission regulations for the central entrance examinations, which have been in force since March 2023. These changes affect both the long-term grammar school (from Year 6) and the short-term grammar school (from Year 2/3) and will continue to apply for the 2024 and 2025 examinations.
Continuity between the 2024 and 2025 Gymi exams
For students preparing for the 2025 Gymi exam, it is important to know that no significant changes have been made compared to the 2024 exam. The basic regulations that were introduced in 2023 remain in place.
The most important regulations for the 2025 Gymi exam
For the long-term high school 2025
- Pass criteria: The average of the previous grade and examination grade must be at least 4.75 (before 2023: 4.5).
- Composition of the final grade: 50% examination grade (half German and half mathematics) 50% experience grade (half German and half mathematics from the February report)
- For private students: Only the examination grade counts, which must be at least 4.5 (before 2023: 4.0).
For the short high school 2025
- Examination subjects: Since 2024, there is no longer a French exam. The exam now only includes German and mathematics.
- Pass criteria: The average of the previous grade and the examination grade must be at least 4.75.
- Composition of the final grade: 50% examination grade (average of German and mathematics) 50% experience grade (average of German, mathematics, French, English, nature & technology)
- For private students and students with performance levels: Only the examination grade counts, which must be at least 4.5.
- No oral re-examination: The possibility of an oral re-examination has been abolished.
Exam dates for the Gymi exam 2025
The central entrance examination for the Langgymnasium will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025 .
The registration window for the ZAP 2025 is open from January 1, 2025 to February 10, 2025. Different deadlines apply for the Kunst und Sport (K+S) Gymnasium Rämibühl (January 1, 2025 to January 15, 2025).
Why were the changes introduced for the Gymi exam?
The tightening of the admission requirements was mainly introduced due to the increasing demand for grammar school places in the canton of Zurich. In recent years, an increasing number of pupils have wanted to attend a grammar school, prompting the cantonal government to tighten the admission requirements.
The abolition of the French exam for the short-term grammar school and the greater weighting of prior academic achievements should lead to a more balanced assessment of candidates.
Effects of the changes on the Gymi exam 2025
The increase in the pass criteria has meant that preparation for the Gymi exam has become even more important. Pupils not only have to study for the exam itself, but also perform well during the school year, as the preliminary grades are now weighted more heavily.
The examination has become particularly demanding for private pupils and pupils who do not take all relevant subjects at the highest level, as they have to achieve a higher examination average.
Evaluation of the changes in the admission procedure
The Institute of Educational Sciences at the University of Zurich is conducting a scientific evaluation of the new transfer procedure. The results of this evaluation could lead to further adjustments in the coming years, but will not affect the Gymiprüfung 2025.
Tips for preparing for the 2025 Gymi exam
In view of the higher requirements, thorough preparation for the Gymi exam is essential. Here are some tips:
- Start early: Start preparing at least six months before the exam.
- Pay attention to academic performance: Since preliminary grades make up 50% of the final grade, it is important to perform well throughout the school year, especially in German and math.
- Solve sample exams: Use the sample exams and solutions from previous years provided by the Canton of Zurich.
- Practice in a targeted manner: Identify your weak points and work specifically on them.
- Practice time management: Practice solving tasks within the given time.
Differences between public and private schools in the Gymi exam
For pupils from public schools, the previous grades are taken into account, while for private pupils only the examination grade counts. This leads to different pass criteria:
- Public schools: Average of previous grade and examination grade must be at least 4.75
- Private schools: Exam grade must be at least 4.5
This regulation applies to both the 2024 and 2025 Gymi exams.
Special features for pupils with performance levels
For pupils at a secondary school A with performance levels, the preliminary grades are only taken into account if all subjects relevant to the preliminary grades are taken at the highest performance level. Otherwise, only the examination grade counts, which must then be at least 4.5.
Conclusion: Preparing for the 2025 Gymi exam
The 2025 Gymi exam in the canton of Zurich follows the same regulations as the 2024 exam, which are based on the new admission regulations introduced in 2023. The higher pass criteria and the greater weighting of prior academic achievements place greater demands on candidates.
Thorough preparation, continuous learning during the school year and familiarization with the exam format are crucial for success in the Central Entrance Examination 2025.
For more information on the Central Entrance Examination 2025, you can visit the official website of the Canton of Zurich or contact your preferred school directly.
Successfully navigate the changes with MyTutor-Zurich
The stricter admission requirements for the 2025 Gymi exam present students with new challenges. MyTutor-Zurich has adapted its range of courses specifically to these increased requirements and offers tailored support to successfully overcome these hurdles.
Adaptation to the new regulations
MyTutor-Zurich has tailored its preparation courses specifically to the current regulations:
- Focus on German and mathematics: As these two subjects are now the only examination subjects and each account for 50% of the examination grade, the courses concentrate intensively on these core areas.
- Support for academic performance: Since the preliminary grades make up 50% of the final grade, MyTutor-Zurich offers not only exam preparation courses, but also continuous support during the school year to improve academic performance.
- Special programs for private school students: MyTutor-Zurich offers more intensive preparation programs for students from private schools who need to achieve a higher exam average.
Flexible course options for different needs
Depending on the individual situation, MyTutor-Zurich offers various course formats:
- Private lessons: Individual lessons tailored precisely to personal strengths and weaknesses. Particularly recommended for pupils who need more intensive support in certain areas.
- Group lessons: Learning in a motivating community with like-minded people. The exchange with other pupils can provide additional learning impulses.
- Vacation courses: Intensive preparation during the school vacations, when students are rested and receptive. These courses are ideal for mastering large amounts of material or reviewing everything just before the exam.
Special support for the increased requirements
The increased pass criteria (final grade of at least 4.75) require even more thorough preparation. MyTutor-Zurich offers:
- Regular performance reviews: To determine the current level of performance and work specifically on weak points.
- Exam simulations under realistic conditions: These help
reduce exam anxiety and develop a routine for dealing with exam situations. - Individual learning plans: Based on the current level of performance and personal learning goals, the experienced teachers create individual learning plans.
Why choose MyTutor-Zurich for the Gymiprüfung 2025?
- Up-to-date expertise: MyTutor-Zurich teachers are always informed about the latest changes to the examination regulations and adapt their teaching methods accordingly.
- Proven success: With a success rate of 98%, MyTutor-Zurich has proven that its methods work and optimally prepare students for the exam.
- Holistic approach: In addition to subject-specific preparation, learning strategies, time management and stress management are also taught - skills that are not only important for the Gymi exam, but for the whole of secondary school later on.
- Flexible adaptation: The courses are continuously adapted to the individual progress of the students in order to achieve optimal learning results.
Prepare now for the 2025 Gymi exam
The stricter admission requirements make early and thorough preparation essential. Register your child today with MyTutor-Zurich for preparation for the long or short grammar school and give them the best possible support for this important step in their educational career.
With the right preparation and professional support from MyTutor-Zurich, your child can successfully master the challenges of the Gymiprüfung 2025 and lay the foundation for a successful secondary school education.
