Universities of applied sciences
In addition to the traditional universities, Switzerland also has a second type of university, namely the universities of applied sciences. These offer practice-oriented and application-oriented degree programmes which lead to professional qualifications. They provide practice-oriented degree programmes at Bachelor level and Master level in different specialist areas, and a wide range of continuing education and training programmes. There are nine regional public universities of applied sciences and one private university of applied sciences.
In particular, universities of applied sciences provide access to study at tertiary level for professionals who have completed vocational education and training (VET) and hold a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate or graduates holding a Specialised Baccalaurate.
The remit of the universities of applied sciences comprises teaching (initial and continuing education and training) , application-oriented research and development, services for third parties, and cooperation with universities and research institutes in Switzerland and abroad. Due to their practice-oriented degree programmes and their research oriented towards occupational fields, the universities of teacher education are classed as universities of applied sciences.
Terms of admission
Study at Bachelor level
The terms of admission are set out in the Federal Act on the Promotion of Higher Education Institutions and Coordination of the Swiss Higher Education Sector (HFKG) and the Ordinance on Admission to Studies at Universities of Applied Sciences.
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Admission to Bachelor programmes at universities of applied sciences is free of examination if the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate has been attained in combination with vocational education and training in a profession related to the field of study. If the vocational education and training involved a non-related profession, at least one year's work experience is also required.
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Holders of Baccalaureate certificates are admitted without examination if they can provide evidence of at least one year's work experience in an occupational field related to the field of study.
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Graduation from an upper secondary specialised school with an additional specialised Baccalaureate allows access to certain degree programmes at universities of applied sciences, namely degree programmes in health, social work, communication and information, design and art, music and theatre, as well as applied psychology.
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Graduates with other qualifications from upper secondary level can also be admitted to universities of applied sciences if additional conditions are met (work experience and/or entrance exam).
The final decision on admission to a degree programme is the responsibility of the respective university of applied sciences. Various fields of study also require additional aptitude assessments.
Study at Master level
A Bachelor's degree in the same field of study or an equivalent tertiary level qualification is the pre-condition for admission to Master programmes. The universities of applied sciences can set additional requirements.
Education and certificates
Study at Bachelor level and Master level
Education follows the two-tier study model with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in accordance with the Bologna Declaration. Unlike the universities, the universities of applied sciences do not offer doctoral studies.
Bachelor's degree programmes
Bachelor's degree programmes (180 ECTS points) generally provide qualifications linked with a vocational field. They enable direct commencement of professional practice. The full-time study programme takes three years; part-time study in combination with occupational work generally takes four years.
Master's degree programmes
The universities of applied sciences offer Master's degree programmes (90 to 120 ECTS points). In Master's degree programmes, more in-depth, specialised and research-based content is taught, leading the students to an advanced professional qualification. The study programme lasts one and a half to two years. The range of Master's degree programmes remains limited, because the profession-related Bachelor's degree is generally the norm at the universities of applied sciences. Degree programmes at Bachelor level and Master level lead to federally protected titles:
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Bachelor of Arts B A or Bachelor of Science B Sc (first tier of study)
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Master of Arts M A or Master of Science M Sc (second tier of study
Continuing education and training
Universities of applied sciences offer a broad range of continuing education and training, including various courses and degree programmes. Master's degree programmes in continuing education and training lead to the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree or, in the field of business and management, to the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree. For the shorter programmes, the universities of applied sciences award the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) and the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS).
Academic year
The academic year is split into two semesters. In the autumn semester, the courses begin in week 38; in the spring semester, they begin in week 8. Each semester lasts between 14 and 16 weeks.