Best IB tutors in Zurich & online

ETH Zurich asks IB applicants for 38 of 42 points and three named Higher Level subjects, so for families with ETH in mind, choosing the HL subjects matters as much as the points total. Lanterna's IB teachers, specialists with examiner experience and 40+ point graduates teach one-to-one online, on weekday evenings and weekends on Central European Time, for students from Adliswil and Zumikon to Wallisellen and the Rämibühl Gymnasien, from £58 (~65 CHF) an hour. Common starting points are IB Maths AA, IB Physics and the Extended Essay.

IB tutors & teachers
700+
Per hour, starting price
£58
Avg. grade increase per subject
1.5+
Of families would recommend us
96%

IB tutors for Zurich students

Tell us whether your child is heading for ETH, UZH or a university abroad, and we begin with a tutor for the Higher Level subject that route leans on most.

Maja

Maja

IB graduate

IB Biology Tutor8 years' tutoring43/45 IB graduateImperial College London

My name is Maja and I am currently a PhD student at King’s College London working on therapies for blindness. Before this, I got a BSc in Biochemistry and MSc in Neuroscience at Imperial College in London. I graduated from the IB with 43 points and 7s in my HLs of Biology, Chemistry and maths. I’ve been tutoring since I graduated from school and have 8 years of experience with students 1-on-1 and in group settings. I try to take a personalised approach to each student and focus on exam strategies that really work. I am also happy to advise on career paths and university admissions.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
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Maria

Maria

IB graduate

IB Biology Tutor43/45 IB graduate

I'm Maria, an IB graduate who achieved 7s in Biology HL, Chemistry HL, and English A Language & Literature HL. I now study Biomedical Science at Monash University and tutor all three subjects at both SL and HL. I have strong experience in Chemistry and Biology and a solid background in academic writing and communication that informs my English tutoring. I teach both content and provide IA/HL essay support. All my IAs and my HL essay individually received high 7s, and I have extensive experience helping students refine their ideas, structure and phrase writing appropriately, and strengthen scientific reasoning to meet the IB criteria. I really emphasise a personalised and interactive approach to teaching - I design each class around your goals, learning style, and pace. Rather than lecturing or just “delivering content,” my lessons are conversational and collaborative - I ask you questions, sketch diagrams on screen, break concepts down visually, and encourage you to work through ideas with me. My goal is to help you understand why something works, not just memorise what the syllabus says. I focus on exam-centric strategies, confidence-building, and creating a supportive environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and engaging deeply with the material. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy music, art, and getting lost in a good book! I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you in achieving your academic goals!

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English Lang & Lit
  • Internal Assessment
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Peter

Peter

IB teacher

IB Economics Tutor15+ years' teachingPhD in Business Economics

I have over 15 years of experience teaching both face-to-face and online across a range of international curricula. I currently teach Economics and Business, delivering the IB Diploma Programme Economics (HL & SL), Cambridge AS/AL Economics, OCR GCSE Economics, Cambridge IGCSE Business and Economics, Pearson GCSE Economics, and Pearson International Advanced Level Economics and Business. In addition, I serve as an examiner and assessment specialist for several awarding bodies, including OCR, Cambridge, and Pearson.

  • Economics
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Vatsal

Vatsal

IB graduate

IB Physics Tutor42/45 IB graduateUniversity of Cambridge

I’m Vatsal, an IB graduate with 42 points who now studies Natural Sciences at Cambridge. I did 4 HLs in IBDP - Maths AA, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and achieved a 7 in all of them. I have tutored for around 2 years, both online and for friends in person. My style is to understand a student's experiences and interests and relate concepts being taught to those. I like working on fundamentals and first principles as well as an emphasis on problem-solving. I see myself as a mentor as much as a tutor. Outside of academics, I love sports (especially tennis, NBA, F1), eating, and photography.

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Maths AA
  • Biology
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Angela

Angela

IB specialist

IB English A Lang & Lit TutorHead of English30+ years' teaching

Hi, I’m Angela, an experienced IB educator and Head of English at Pathways School Gurgaon. With over 30 years in international education, I’ve guided students through both MYP and DP English Language & Literature, helping them discover not only how to write well but how to think deeply.

  • English Lang & Lit
  • English B
  • Kiswahili B
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Monika

Monika

IB teacher

IB German B Tutor20+ years' teachingPublished author

I am Monika, a certified German and English teacher with extensive international experience in IB MYP and DP programmes. I have been teaching IB German A, B (SL/HL), and Ab initio for several years across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, preparing students for outstanding results in their final exams. With a Master’s in German Language and Literature, plus a BA in both German as a Foreign Language and English Language and Literature, I bring deep subject knowledge and over 20 years of teaching experience, from UK curricula to international schools. I have also authored student books and digital learning materials used in the classroom. My teaching style focuses on creating engaging, learner-centred lessons, building confidence, and developing exam strategies tailored to individual learning needs. I value clear communication, cultural context, and helping students think critically in the target language. Beyond teaching, I love reading and exploring literature, sewing and designing clothes, swimming, gardening, travelling and taking long walk with my dog.

  • German B
  • German A Lang & Lit
  • German ab initio
  • English ab initio
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Anna

Anna

IB specialist

IB History Tutor14 years' IB teaching42/45 IB graduate

I have taught a range of IB subjects, particularly in group 3 (History, Global Politics) and Theory of Knowledge, and am specialised in helping English language learners succeed in the IB Diploma. I focus on building foundational comprehension and critical thinking skills, and supporting approaches to learning that help students gain confidence and autonomy.

  • History
  • Global Politics
  • TOK
  • English Lang & Lit
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Fiona

Fiona

IB teacher

IB Chemistry Tutor9+ years' teaching

I am Fiona, a passionate and empathetic IBDP Chemistry & MYP Science educator with over nine years of experience teaching IBDP Chemistry and Cambridge Chemistry both online and in international schools. I hold a Bachelor of Education (Science) in Chemistry and Mathematics and an IB Educator Certificate (IBEC) from the University of British Columbia. I’m also pursuing a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching through the University of the People, funded by the International Baccalaureate. I have completed IB Category 1 & 2 workshops in Chemistry and Category 3 training in Approaches to Teaching and Learning, enhancing my ability to deliver engaging, concept-based lessons. My online sessions simplify complex Chemistry concepts, strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills, and build confidence for IAs, EEs, and exams through targeted guidance and feedback. I believe in making Chemistry meaningful by linking theory to real-life applications. My approach combines clarity, empathy, and encouragement to help every learner grow in confidence and understanding. Outside teaching, I enjoy working with the community, spending time with the less fortunate, and engaging in service initiatives that inspire compassion and purpose.

  • Chemistry
  • Internal Assessment
  • Extended Essay
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Susanne

Susanne

IB specialist

IB German A Lang & Lit Tutor15+ years' IB teaching

My name is Susanne, IB teacher since 2010. I have been teaching the IB A courses for over 15 years now and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with IB students. I am also very familiar with the demands of the Cambridge IGCSE First Language course. I have worked as an IB examiner for several of the A Language components, including the Extended Essay. I have worked with German A students of all abilities and a number of different national and international backgrounds. I am aware of neurodiverse conditions, learning needs and gifted and talented special considerations. I have always been able to cater for all my students in a tailored way and numerous thank-you-letters from both students and their parents bear witness to this. My special field of interest is the supervision of the Extended Essay. I was EE coordinator for several years and I am an IB EE examiner. I have looked after students’ EEs in German B and English B, but mainly in German A. Most of them achieved a B or an A, often close to, or reaching, full marks. To me, the Extended Essay is the most fascinating of the DP core elements: it is a process of personal and academic growth and a matter of pride for students to have accomplished this task. I have always felt privileged to be part of this process. Each student brings their own core of subject and general knowledge to the session. I find where this connects with the skills and the content they need to know at the end of our time together. I give my students clear guidance and timelines and will always provide them with enough work and feedback to achieve the best version of learning for them. My lessons usually include a sizeable portion of laughter and discussion because voicing opinions and exploring topics without the fear of ridicule is the most efficient way to learn precise language and careful appreciation of other people and their texts. This includes the student’s own written work and every work of literature or media publication we deal with in class. This is even easier in 1:1 sessions when I can tailor content and pace exclusively. My life outside of tutoring contains a lot of line dancing, theatre, cooking and baking, music, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of our planet.

  • German A Lang & Lit
  • German A Lit
  • Extended Essay
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Sahir

Sahir

IB specialist

IB Economics & Business Management Tutor15+ years' teaching

I’m Sahir, a seasoned IB Economics and Business Management educator with over 15 years of experience teaching the IBDP, A-Level, and IGCSE programmes across Europe, North America, and Asia. I hold advanced IB certifications (Category 3) and have taught at prestigious international schools including École des Roches in France and Gaudium et Studium in Poland. Alongside classroom teaching, I serve as an IB Economics and Extended Essay examiner and contribute to the IB’s global risk assessment and quality control team—ensuring fair and consistent marking worldwide. With over 8,000 hours of one-to-one tutoring experience, I’ve helped countless students achieve top 6–7 grade outcomes and a 100% pass rate. My tutoring style focuses on building conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and exam technique, combining data-driven teaching with practical strategies that help students feel confident and in control. Outside of teaching, I’m passionate about behavioral economics, and exploring local cultures during my travels. I speak English and Urdu, and enjoy connecting with students from diverse backgrounds who share a curiosity for global learning.

  • Economics
  • Business Management
  • Extended Essay
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Two universities, two rules

What ETH and UZH ask of an IB student

ETH Zurich admits IB holders without an entrance exam only with 38 of 42 points, bonus points excluded, and three named subjects at Higher Level: Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology, and a Language A. The three Standard Level subjects must also come from ETH's list of sciences, humanities, one further language and computer science. A student who misses the rule can sit ETH's reduced entrance examination instead; the next sitting runs from 18 to 28 January 2027, according to ETH's page for applicants with a foreign certificate.

The University of Zurich uses the general Swiss rule of 32 points and three Higher Levels, which our Switzerland overview sets out. Its harder test for many international-school students is language: UZH teaches its bachelor's degrees mainly in German and asks for German at C1 unless the student spent the last three school years taught in German in a German-speaking region. English A doesn't count as that proof, as our English Lang & Lit page explains, and UZH takes autumn applications from 1 January to 30 April.

Out of 42, not 45

Both thresholds ignore the up to three bonus points from TOK and the Extended Essay, though a failing core still costs the whole diploma; our TOK page works through the arithmetic.

ETH accepts no late applications after 31 March 2027 for the autumn 2027 intake, weeks before the first IB papers.

State school, two qualifications

Rämibühl and the bilingual Matura with the IB

Literargymnasium and Realgymnasium Rämibühl describe themselves as currently the only public schools in canton Zurich where students can earn the Swiss Matura and the IB Diploma together. Both joined the IB in March 2004 but run separate programmes: the Literargymnasium teaches maths, biology and history in English, the Realgymnasium maths, biology and geography. There are no school fees, though parents pay the IB exam fees, which the Literargymnasium puts at a maximum of CHF 900.

At the Literargymnasium, German and English are always taken at Higher Level, the IB exams come in May before the Matura, and the Extended Essay doubles as the Matura paper. One essay therefore carries two qualifications, which is a reason to settle the research question early; our guide to structuring and planning the Extended Essay is a useful start.

Pairing a bilingual Matura with the IB is more common around Zurich than in any other Swiss city: SIS in Wallisellen and Pfäffikon and Obersee Bilingual School in Wollerau do it too. A tutor works on the IB side, in English, and leaves Matura-only subjects to the school.

Around the lake and beyond

Zurich IB schools we support students from

Most of the Zurich area's 8 Diploma schools sit outside the city. Inter-Community School in Zumikon has taught the Diploma since 1993, longer than any other school around Zurich, and is the only one offering all three IB programmes; Zurich International School in Adliswil lets students choose an IB or an AP pathway. Obersee Bilingual School and SIS Pfäffikon are across the cantonal border in Schwyz.

In the city itself, the two Rämibühl Gymnasien stand in the university quarter, and Academic Gateway in Kreis 1 became an IB World School in June 2025, offering the Diploma full-time, part-time or by self-study.

Schools around Zurich our tutors have taught students from

  • Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) Zumikon
  • Zurich International School (ZIS) Adliswil
  • Obersee Bilingual School (OBS) Wollerau
  • Realgymnasium Rämibühl (RG) Hochschulen
  • Literargymnasium Rämibühl (LG) Hochschulen
  • SIS Swiss International School Zürich Wallisellen
  • Academic Gateway Kreis 1
  • SIS Swiss International School Pfäffikon-Schwyz Pfäffikon SZ
Zurich, 2026–27

When Zurich's spring holidays meet the IB exams

In canton Zurich, compulsory schools set their own holidays apart from the school start and Christmas, and the Kantonsschulen's dates vary from school to school too, so the dates below are for the city of Zurich's schools and Kantonsschulen.

  1. Feb 2027

    Sport holidays

    City schools and the Kantonsschulen in Zurich break from 15 to 27 February, while Winterthur and Uster choose other weeks. Zurich International School's winter break falls from 15 to 19 February.

  2. Mar–Apr 2027

    A short Easter, then Sechseläuten

    Easter is brief at the Kantonsschulen (26 to 29 March), while ZIS takes its spring break from 30 March to 9 April. Sechseläuten closes city schools on Monday 19 April, days before the first IB papers.

  3. Late Apr–May 2027

    Holidays during the exams

    The spring holidays at city schools and Kantonsschulen run from 26 April to 8 May, the first two weeks of an exam session that lasts from late April to mid-May. Rämibühl's IB students sit papers while the school's other classes are on holiday, and Ascension Day (6 May) changes nothing for the IB.

  4. June–July 2027

    Results before term ends

    ZIS finishes on 17 June, but state schools stay open until 16 July. May results arrive in early July (the 2027 date isn't announced yet), so Rämibühl students may see theirs in the last weeks of term. If a grade falls short, our IB retake support covers the November session.

Sources: the canton's school holidays page, the Mittelschulen 2026–27 dates and ZIS's 2026–27 calendar. Schools in other towns differ; check your school's calendar.

Reviews

What IB families say about Lanterna

“Her engaging teaching style, and unwavering patience have made a significant impact on my son’s learning journey. She tailors lessons to individual needs, making complex grammar and vocabulary accessible while fostering a genuine love for the language.”
Patricia J., parent International School of Helsinki · Class of 2025 · Languages
Grade 4 to 6
“Miljan managed to make complex physics concepts more accessible with real world examples, while also making learning enjoyable and providing many exercises for practice.”
Francesca R., student St. Andrew's College, Dublin · Class of 2026 · Physics
Grade 6 to 7
“Clearly had an in depth understanding of the subject as well as specifically what the examiners were looking for. Was very helpful in making me understand where I could get marks.”
Olivier D., student LIL Winston Churchill · Class of 2026 · Languages

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These reviews come from IB students and parents we have taught; read more on our reviews page.

FAQs

Questions Zurich families ask

My child is aiming for ETH Zurich. Which IB subjects should tutoring focus on?

The three that ETH names at Higher Level: Maths, the science your child chose from Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and a Language A. Those must be taken at HL, while the 38 of 42 points (bonus points left out) can come from any of the six subjects, so lessons help most in whichever subjects have the most room to rise. We can't promise the total, but in the free consultation we look at current grades and suggest where lessons would move it most. Our overview of IB scores for top universities shows how ETH's bar compares with universities abroad.

Can a tutor support a Rämibühl student taking the Matura and the IB together?

Yes, on the IB side. That means the subjects Rämibühl teaches in English (maths and biology at both Gymnasien, plus history at the Literargymnasium or geography at the Realgymnasium), the internal assessments, and the Extended Essay, which at the Literargymnasium also counts as the Matura paper. For subjects examined only in the Matura and taught in German, your child's teachers remain the right guide, and we say so in the consultation.

Does a tutor come to our home in Zurich, or are lessons online?

Lessons are online and one-to-one, on Lanterna's own platform. Zurich's IB schools are spread from Zumikon and Adliswil to Wallisellen and Wollerau, so teaching online means your child works with a specialist in the subject rather than whoever happens to live nearby, and lesson times are agreed around the school week on Central European Time.

Can lessons carry on during the Zurich spring holidays, when the exams begin?

Yes. In 2027 the city's schools and Kantonsschulen are off from 26 April to 8 May, the first fortnight of the IB exam session, and online lessons don't depend on the school being open. Many students prefer short sessions between papers to long ones; our exam-day checklist helps with the practical side of those weeks.

Will my child need more than IB grades to study at UZH?

Often, yes. Besides the IB rule, UZH asks for German at C1 unless the last three school years were taught in German in a German-speaking region, so a student at an English-medium school in Zurich usually needs a certificate as well. Our tutors work on the IB subjects and the points while your family arranges the language certificate; the section above links to UZH's own list of accepted certificates.

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