Workshop and Course Registration
Register participants for workshops and courses in Switzerland with this professional template covering course selection, experience level, dietary needs, payment, and cancellation policy.
About this template
The Workshop and Course Registration template is designed for Swiss training providers, continuing education institutions (Weiterbildung), professional associations, community centres, and individual instructors to collect registrations for workshops, short courses, seminars, and training events. It handles participant details, course selection, experience level assessment, logistical preferences, payment method, and acceptance of the cancellation policy.
This template is equally suitable for in-person, online, and hybrid events. It can be adapted for single sessions or multi-day courses, and supports both paid and free events.
Data protection notice
Participant data collected through this registration form is processed in accordance with the Swiss nFADP (nDSG). Data is used exclusively for organising the event and will not be shared with third parties without consent. Participants may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal data at any time.
What this form collects
- Participant name and contact details
- Organisation or employer (where relevant)
- Course or workshop selection
- Participant experience level and background
- Dietary requirements (for events with catering)
- Accessibility or accommodation needs
- Payment method and invoice address
- Cancellation policy acknowledgement
- Participant signature
How to use this template
Use this template
Click 'Use template' to create a copy in your dashboard.
Update course options
Edit the course selection question to list your specific workshop titles, dates, and prices.
Customise the cancellation policy
Update the cancellation policy text to reflect your specific terms (deadlines, refund percentages, administrative fees).
Configure payment
Add a payment link or invoice instructions in the success page message if payment is processed separately.
Set a registration limit
Use the Max Responses setting to close registration when the course is full.
Running workshops and courses in Switzerland: a practical guide
Switzerland has a vibrant continuing education sector (Weiterbildung / formation continue). Courses and workshops are offered by federal universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), cantonal adult education institutions (Volkshochschulen), professional associations, and a growing landscape of independent trainers and private schools.
The Federal Act on Continuing Education (WeBiG), in force since 2017, establishes the overarching framework for continuing education policy in Switzerland, though it does not regulate individual course providers. Provider quality is managed through voluntary accreditation schemes such as eduQua (quality label for continuing education institutions) and sector-specific certifications.
What are the legal requirements for course registration contracts?
Course registrations are contracts under Swiss OR. The key elements are: offer (the course description and pricing), acceptance (the registration), and consideration (payment). Once a registration is confirmed, a binding contract exists. Providers should ensure their terms and conditions — especially the cancellation policy — are clearly communicated at the point of registration and that participants explicitly acknowledge them.
What should a cancellation policy include?
A professional cancellation policy should specify: the cancellation deadline (e.g. 14 days before the course), the refund structure (e.g. 100% refund up to 14 days, 50% up to 7 days, no refund within 7 days), whether cancellations must be in writing, whether a substitute participant is allowed, and what happens if the provider cancels the course (typically full refund). The policy should be clearly displayed before payment and confirmed at registration.
Are there VAT obligations for course providers?
In Switzerland, educational services are generally exempt from VAT (MWST) if they qualify as 'services in the area of education' under Art. 21 Para. 2 No. 11 MWSTG. However, this exemption does not apply to all course types — commercial workshops, professional training billed to employers, and courses not leading to a recognised qualification may be subject to VAT. Providers should seek advice from the Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) or a tax advisor if uncertain.
How should dietary and accessibility needs be handled?
For events with catering, collecting dietary requirements in advance avoids day-of complications and demonstrates professionalism. For accessibility needs, it is important to ask open-endedly rather than presenting a limited checklist — participants know their needs best. Providers are not legally required to accommodate every accessibility need, but should make reasonable efforts and communicate honestly about the venue's capabilities.
How can event registration data be used for marketing?
Under nFADP, sending marketing communications to past participants requires an appropriate legal basis — either legitimate interest (for communications closely related to the service provided) or explicit consent. Best practice is to include a clear opt-in for newsletter subscription during registration, and to honour unsubscribe requests promptly. Participant data should not be used for unrelated marketing or shared with third-party marketers without explicit consent.