🇨🇭Switzerland’s selections for the
Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition
The largest British Parliamentary debating competition in the world, aimed at students aged 14-18
Welcome!
Are you passionate about debating and ready to test your ideas on an international stage? Welcome to the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition Switzerland.
As part of the world’s largest British Parliamentary debating competition, this event gives students the unique opportunity to compete nationally and earn the chance to represent Switzerland at the historic Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition.
Our mission is to make debating accessible to as many young debaters as possible.
Oxford Union, University of Oxford
Participation Timeline
1
Register
You can register as a team of two or individually. We’ll help you find a partner if needed. Register here.
2
Debate in Switzerland!
Compete against teams from across Switzerland in dynamic, thought-provoking debates. You will debate in teams of two using the British Parliamentary format, fully in English, at a university venue in Switzerland.
3
Represent Switzerland at Oxford!
The winning teams qualify to represent Switzerland at the international finals at the Oxford Union, joining the best school debaters from around the world.
Participation – Round 2026
Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition Switzerland 2026
We are excited to announce that one of the world’s most prestigious high school debating competitions—the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition—is coming to Switzerland for the very first time.
The competition takes place in two stages:
- Swiss National Round
The national qualification round will take place on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the University of Geneva. This round is a prestigious national-level competition open to all students in Switzerland aged 14 to 18. - International Finals at Oxford
Top-performing teams from the Swiss round will qualify to represent Switzerland at the international finals at the Oxford Union on 14 March 2026. This marks the first official Swiss representation at Oxford Schools.
What to Expect
- British Parliamentary debating format
- Debates held fully in English
- Short-preparation motions (topics are released at the competition)
- Pre-competition workshops to ensure all participants are familiar with the format
- Teams of two students from the same school
- Participation certificates from Oxford and DER Society
We strongly encourage both experienced and novice debaters to apply. Beyond competition, the national round offers the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, meet motivated peers from across Switzerland, and gain recognition for your debating achievements.
Registration
- Register as a team or individually
- Individual applicants will be matched with a teammate
- Registration is open until 20 January 2026
- Capacity is limited to 32 teams nationwide
- Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
👉 Registration form:
https://forms.gle/CnjAcrLRF53GXtvs8
We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition Switzerland and to seeing Switzerland take the stage at Oxford.
You can ask the organizers questions directly via WhatsApp and get regular updates on new opportunities for students!
Contact the Organizers
For questions regarding the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition Switzerland, please contact:
