FAQ BFH Business School

Is attendance compulsory?

Yes. As a general rule, you are required to attend at least 90% of the study days in all CAS, courses and Short Advanced Studies (SAS). If you have more days of absence, compensation may be possible, but only after consultation with the head of the CAS/course programme. We work with attendance or absence lists.

What are Business Clubs?

Stay connected and up to date with the BFH Business School's business clubs.
Regular meetings and input presentations are held. Our clubs: Digital Pioneers Club, Mindful Business Club, Positive Leadership Club, Project Management Club and Leadership Club. If you have any questions about the clubs, please contact the club management.

What is the Business Skills Box?

The Business Skills Box is the link between research, services and continuing education at BFH Business School. The Business Skills Box enables continuing education tailored to your needs. The programme includes Micro Courses, Digital Snacks and pop-up lectures. You can also stay connected with our Business Clubs.

Does the BFH hold certificate/diploma ceremonies?

Whenever possible, we hold a summer party before the summer break to celebrate your graduation. We will announce the date in good time. We send out the certificates and diplomas by mail in December and June.

Furthermore, for graduates of a DAS, EMBA or MAS, there is a small graduation ceremony.

What further education qualifications does the BFH award?

• SAS: Short Advanced Studies
• CAS: Certificate of Advanced Studies
• DAS: Diploma of Advanced Studies
• EMBA: Executive Master of Business Administration
• MAS: Master of Advanced Studies

Upon successful completion, you will receive a transcript of grades in addition to your certificate or diploma.  

For Short Advanced Studies (SAS) and courses, you will receive a course confirmation and, depending on the scope of your achievements, a transcript of records.

If a CAS is not successfully completed, we will issue a confirmation of participation.

How large are the classes?

We generally limit classes to a maximum of 24 participants. For details, please refer to the course page.

Do I have to attend this course?

No. Participation is voluntary, but highly recommended.
Exception: Compulsory for graduates of Passerelle programmes.

What is the content of this course?

You will learn about transfer-oriented learning models and techniques and how to reflect on your learning biography.

How is the course conducted?

Online lessons, duration: ½ day.

When does the course take place?

It is held at the start of the semester. You can find the dates on our website.

How do I register?

No registration is necessary. Simply click on the participation link via Zoom on the relevant date.

How much does the course cost?

This offer is free of charge for our CAS students.

Do I have to attend this course?

Without a university degree, participation before or at the beginning of the first CAS is mandatory. If you have a university degree (university, university of applied sciences, ETH, PH), you do not have to attend this course. We will inform you whether you need to complete the course in your confirmation of admission.

What is the content of this course?

Teaching the necessary skills for academic work, e.g. research, citation, etc.

How is the course conducted?

Two days of classroom teaching, study group assignment/session (four hours) and self-study (approx. 20 hours).

When does the course take place?

Before and around the start of the semester, several sessions.

How do I register?

Online via the course page.

How much does the course cost?

CHF 600

What is the difference between the Methodology Transfer Report and Introduction to Academic Writing?

Methodology Transfer Report (MTB), free of charge
MTB is compulsory for all CAS participants who are writing their first transfer report in a CAS. Participants will learn about the specific framework conditions of the transfer report. Duration: approx. ½ day, part self-study, followed by 2 hours of online teaching. Attendance check.

Introduction to Academic Work (EWA), fee required
This course is mandatory for all CAS participants who have not previously dealt with ‘academic work’. Participants are familiarised with the central principles, formal aspects (citing) and techniques (literature research). There are competency tests that must be passed. Duration: approximately 4 working days in total.

Do I have to attend this course?

This course is compulsory for the first CAS, which requires a transfer report as proof of competence. The course will prepare you for writing a transfer report and teach you how to write a good report.

How long does the course last?

Four hours, including two hours of online self-study and two hours of online teaching.

What is the content of this course?

You will learn about and understand the exact task and how to write a transfer report.

When does the course take place?

There are several online sessions at the beginning of the semester, from which you can choose one. You can find the dates on our website. You will receive access to the self-study tool shortly before the start of the CAS.

How do I register?

No registration is necessary. You can join via Zoom on the desired date.

How much does the course cost?

This offer is free of charge for our CAS students.

Do I have to attend this course?

No, participation is voluntary, but highly recommended.

What is the content of this course?

You will receive support in writing your report and benefit from active peer consultation. You will present your unfinished work ‘in progress’ and receive feedback from the audience and from an expert.

How is the course conducted?

online lessons, duration: 1½ hours.

When does the course take place?

There are several sessions in the second half of the semester, from which you can choose one. The dates can be found on our website.

How do I register?

No registration is necessary. Simply join the session on the relevant date using the participation link via Zoom.

How much does the workshop cost?

This offer is free of charge for our CAS students.

Which DAS degree is right for me?

You can find information on the relevant programme pages. Contact us for a personal, no-obligation consultation. Overview of DAS programmes.

What does a DAS consist of?

You complete two CAS and write a DAS thesis. Your elective CAS determines the DAS degree (title). You find all necessary information on each programme page.

How do I register for a DAS degree?

Please contact the study organisation on 031 848 34 02 or at weiterbildung.wirtschaft@bfh.ch.

How long do I have to complete a DAS degree?

The maximum total duration of study is five years, starting from the beginning of your first CAS. 

Can other CAS programmes be credited towards a degree?

The DAS programme director decides on the crediting of internal and external CAS degrees. Please contact us at an early stage. We will be happy to look into possible crediting.

How much does the DAS thesis cost?

The cost of the DAS thesis is currently CHF 1,300.

How long does a CAS take?

Approximately 6 months, followed by the completion of proof of competence, if applicable.

How long do I have to complete a CAS?

You complete a CAS within one semester (6 months). Any deviations for individual CAS are indicated on the websites. If a CAS consists of individual SAS (Short Advanced Studies) and you do not complete them directly one after the other, the maximum duration of study is three years from the first day of the CAS. All programmes are subject to change.

How long do I have to complete a CAS (in case of interruption)?

A maximum of 3 years in case of unavoidable interruption, calculated from the first day of instruction in the CAS. In such a case, it is essential to contact the programme manager. Together, we will try to find a suitable solution.

Are there exams?

Written exams are a very rare exception in our adult-oriented continuing education programmes. ‘Traditional exams’ are only still used in one or two CAS and one or two SAS programmes. Practical or final presentations, reflection reports, etc. are practice-oriented, sustainable and goal-oriented. You can find more information on this on the programme pages.

Which EMBA or MAS degree is right for me?

Our modular system offers you several EMBA programmes and two MAS programmes to choose from. You can find information and requirements on the relevant programme pages. We would be happy to advise you on your individual needs and work with you to plan the optimal course of study. Contact us for a personal, no-obligation consultation. Overview of EMBA/MAS programmes.

What does an EMBA or MAS consist of?

Usually four CAS and a master's thesis.

How do I register for an EMBA or MAS degree?

You start your education with the first CAS, for which you register via the portal. Towards the of your studies, you register with the study organisation.

Please contact the study organisation on 031 848 34 02 or at weiterbildung.wirtschaft@bfh.ch.

How long do I have to complete an EMBA/MAS degree?

The maximum duration of study is eight years, starting with the first day of your first CAS. If you complete all CAS in succession and then write your Master's thesis, the duration of study is 2.5 years.

Can other CAS programmes be credited towards a degree?

The respective programme director decides on the crediting of internal and external CAS degrees. Please contact us. We will be happy to check which CAS courses we can credit.

How much does the EMBA Master's thesis cost?

The costs for the Master's thesis in the EMBA programme (currently CHF 2,500) are waived if all CAS have been completed at BFH Business School.

How much does the MAS Master's thesis cost?

The tuition fee for the Master's thesis module is CHF 4,000. It is reduced by CHF 1,000 for each CAS completed at BFH Business School. The remaining students pay the full fee.

When will the course/tuition fees be charged?

You will receive the invoice shortly after the first day of class.

Is it possible to pay in instalments?

Tuition fees are normally due shortly after the first day of class. For CAS programmes, two or three instalments are possible upon request. There are no additional fees.

Can my employer pay part of the invoice?

No, it is not possible to split the invoice. If your employer is paying the invoice, please provide us with this information/address before we issue the invoice.

Will I receive a refund if I drop out of the course/programme?

No, the full amount is due.

Is there a study fee confirmation?

Yes, we will be happy to provide you with one upon request.

What should I do if I am unable to attend due to illness or accident?

Contact the head of the CAS/course and submit a doctor's certificate to the study organisation. In such cases, it is possible to interrupt your studies. Together, we will find a suitable solution so that you can complete your education at a later date.

Who are our lecturers?

Our lecturers are proven experts with in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge. They work at BFH or externally and have a university degree and many years of experience in adult education. This allows us to combine theory and practice in a beneficial way.

Where can I find the legal basis and regulations?

The current continuing education regulations of Bern University of Applied Sciences (WBR) and the implementing provisions for the continuing education regulations are available for download on each programme page.

Legal basis of BFH

Where do the classes/courses take place?

At Schwarztorstrasse 48, 3007 Bern. Some courses or modules take place at Haslerstrasse 30, 3005 Bern (a 2-minute walk from Schwarztorstrasse).

How can I get to Schwarztorstrasse 48?

It is about a 10-minute walk from Bern main station or you can take the tram to Kocherpark or Hasler.

Is there parking available?

In the City West car park (five minutes' walk away). There are no parking spaces available at Schwarztorstrasse 48 itself. Parking in the blue zone is possible with a day ticket (subject to availability).

Are there any catering facilities?

There is a cafeteria at Schwarztorstrasse 48, as well as several restaurants and takeaways in the surrounding area.

When does the Passerelle programme start?

The Passerelle programme starts with the course «Introduction to Academic Writing». For details, see the programme page.

How do I register for the Passerelle programme?

You will find the link on the relevant programme page.

When does the Passerelle programme start?

The Passerelle programme starts with the course «Introduction to Academic Writing». For details, see the programme page.

How do I register for the Passerelle programme?

You will find the link on the relevant programme page.

Does BFH offer pop-up lectures or presentations?

Yes, we would be happy to visit you. Please contact us if you are looking for a specific presentation. 

How do I register for a course, Short Advanced Studies (SAS) or CAS? 

You can register online via our registration portal. You will find the link on the relevant course page (orange button). To register via our portal, you will need a Switch edu-ID.

Switch edu-ID

The Switch edu-ID is your digital educational identity and enables lifelong learning, whether as a student, lecturer, employee or private individual.

How do I register for a DAS, EMBA or MAS? 

You start with the first CAS, for which you register via the portal. Only during the course of your further education you do register for a DAS, EMBA or MAS (see below).
Our modular system offers various combination options for your desired degree. We would be happy to advise you on your individual study plan. Please contact the study organisation on 031 848 34 02 or at weiterbildung.wirtschaft@bfh.ch. 

• CAS registration -> via the programme pages
• DAS registration -> via the study organisation
• EMBA/MAS registration -> registration for the master's module during the last CAS

How do I register for the Business Skills Box micro courses?

You can register online via our website. The micro courses take place online. All you need to do is register; you do not need to submit your CV or diploma.

Which documents do I need to register for a CAS or SAS? 

Usually a photo, your CV and your highest degree certificate. Please note the information on the websites of the programme.

When is the registration deadline? 

Usually six (CAS) or three (courses) weeks before the start date. Details can be found on the course page. If places are available, registration is possible after the registration deadline.

Can I reserve a place on the course?

No. To secure your place on the course, please register directly via the registration link on the course page (orange button). This also applies if we already have a waiting list. If you are unable to attend, you can cancel your registration free of charge up to the registration deadline before the start of the course. 

How can I cancel my enrolment? 

Send your cancellation by email to the study organisation
weiterbildung.wirtschaft@bfh.ch. 

What are the costs if I withdraw? 

You can withdraw free of charge up to the registration deadline before the start of the course/programme. After that, 50% of the fees are usually charged.  

What are the costs if I have to postpone my studies at short notice due to hardship (e.g. accident, illness)? 

If we are unable to pass on the study place, we are usually accommodating. Please contact us as soon as possible.

Can I interrupt my studies or do I have to withdraw?

In case of compelling reasons (e. g. illness/medical certificate), an interruption is possible, so that withdrawal is not necessary. Please contact the course/CAS management. 

What are SAS?

As of mid-August, specialist courses in continuing education at BFH Business School became Short Advanced Studies (SAS).
SAS are high-quality short continuing education courses worth 1 to 9 ECTS credits. They are open to anyone interested. Participants can complete them with or without ECTS credits. Depending on the course and content, these microcredentials can be combined to form more comprehensive continuing education programmes (e.g. a CAS or MAS).

When do the CAS run?

Spring semester: in most cases, from calendar week 17 to calendar week 42.
Autumn semester: in most cases, from calendar week 43 to calendar week 16.

Minor deviations are possible. The semesters are arranged so that you can usually complete the CAS one after the other without overlap. If we have several classes for one CAS, then the dates may vary.

Was ist a Switch edu-ID?

The Switch edu-ID is your digital educational identity and enables lifelong learning, whether as a student, lecturer, employee or private individual. Since mid-2025, you need a Switch edu-ID to register via our portal.

Can I get a place on a waiting list if a course is fully booked?

Yes, provided that the registration link on the course page is still available. You need to register via our portal in order to be placed on a waiting list. We do not accept registrations by email.

Can I maintain my workload during my studies?   

The continuing education programme is completed on a part-time basis. Many of our students work full-time alongside their studies (but do not work overtime during this period). The workload varies from CAS to CAS, so it is not possible to make a general statement. The head of the CAS programme will be happy to advise you. 

How much time do I need to set aside for a CAS?    

Each ECTS credit requires 30 hours of work. For the entire CAS, you should expect to spend 360 hours on teaching, self-study and completing the competence assessments. Depending on your prior knowledge and learning speed, the individual workload may be reduced. It is not uncommon for some tasks, such as transfer reports, to be completed during working hours. This reduces your workload.

How much time do I need to plan for tasks and preparation?

The didactic concept of the CAS determines the ratio of classroom and self-study. Please contact the head of the CAS programme for advice.