The public sector is at a crucial turning point: it must become more digital, agile and resilient to ensure public services for everyone in Switzerland in the 21st century.
However, transformation requires more than technology – it requires people with vision, responsibility and the determination to shape the future. Benefit from practical teaching, interdisciplinary research and in-depth expertise in our new Master's degree programme in Digital Government.
If you need to apply for a visa, we recommend that you register early, by March 31.
In Bern, you will study in the heart of Switzerland – close to political reality and within a network of industry partners, innovative projects and committed fellow students.
You will work with experienced lecturers and researchers on social issues and current topics. Do you want to actively transform the public sector? Then our programme is your springboard. Register now. Contribute your ideas. Become part of the transformation.
Focus on topics related to administrative modernisation:
Focus on external topics related to digital government and the public sector:
Focus on technical skills:
Teaching, practice and research are closely connected at BFH. During your Master’s degree programme, you will be able to gain experience in a range of research fields.
The programme is aimed at specialists and managers from the public sector and government-related organisations, as well as motivated career changers with an interest in digital transformation.
Our graduates are qualified to work in various professional fields in public administration (federal, cantonal, municipal, associations), in public-law institutions and government-affiliated enterprises. Typical job profiles include:
The Master of Science in Digital Government allows you to combine your studies and professional life effectively. The programme follows a combined mode of study with on-campus sessions, learning cycles and virtual (self-)study.
In the compulsory modules, you will acquire in-depth knowledge and proven methods that enable you to actively shape digital administration and navigate the digital public sector with confidence.
These modules will deepen your methodological skills: you will learn to conduct research, understand the scientific process and prepare systematically for your Master's thesis – in a structured, practice-oriented and supervised manner.
You can select two application-oriented modules based on your interests – practice-oriented, with individual assessments. An exciting study trip offers you insights into digital administration at an international level.
Our diverse elective modules allow you to define your own focus areas and specialise in topics that are particularly relevant to your professional goals.
We maintain contacts with partner universities worldwide, and international exchanges are possible. Further information can be found at the International Office.
You may participate in the Business School mentoring programme during your studies.
More information: Mentoring programme
The Certificate of Global Competence gives you the opportunity to gain skills in the areas of inter- and transculturalism as part of your regular studies.
The Certificate of Engagement provides proof of the time and effort you dedicated to the BFH Business School.
The supplementary Certificate of Engagement in Sustainability recognises your social commitment and the additional effort you put into expanding your knowledge and skills pertaining to sustainability.
There are many paths leading to the Master of Science in Digital Government.
Graduates in business administration, economics, political science, computer science, law, or related fields who want to make the public sector resilient, sustainable, and efficient.
You need to meet the following provisions:
Do you have a university degree?
You must also provide proof of six months of professional experience in the field (business administration).
This programme is taught in German and English.
University qualifications from other countries must be equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree/university of applied sciences degree. Equivalence will be assessed by the head of the degree programme.
Once you have applied, an advisory interview will take place with the Programme Assistant or the head of the programme.
The Pre-Master's programme offers five modules of 3 ECTS credits each in the areas of Business Administration, Finance, HRM, Marketing and Strategic Management, which are completed online as self-study. The modules can be completed at any time, but must be completed by the time of the oral examination. Each chapter of a module is completed by taking a self-test, and the final assessment takes place in an oral examination on site. The number and selection of modules to be completed is determined in advance with the head of the degree programme. Further information can be found in our factsheet.
Secure your place early.
You can always submit any missing documents later.
Application deadline: 31 July (place guaranteed until 31 March)
Start date: calendar week 37
Request for credit transfer: 15 August
Deadline to withdraw application: 31 July
You will need to make PDF or JPG copies of the following documents:
At BFH, different fees apply for programmes and examinations.
| until SS 2026 | per AS 2026/27 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (per application)* |
CHF 100 |
CHF 100 | |
| Tuition fees (per semester) |
CHF 750 |
CHF 850 | |
| Tuition fees for international students** (per semester) |
CHF 950 |
CHF 2,550 | |
| Examination fee (per semester) |
CHF 80 |
CHF 80 | |
| Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester) |
CHF 24 |
CHF 24 | |
| Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester) |
CHF 15 |
CHF 15 |
|
Subject to change without notice.
* plus CHF 10 processing fee if paying by paying-in slip/paper invoice. A new application fee of CHF 150 will be implemented for registrations for the spring semester 2027. |
In addition, there is a material fee (excl. costs for teaching materials, specialist literature, consumables, etc.) of CHF 95 per semester.
There are two ways to finance your studies: loans and grants. More information here:
Still have questions about the programme? Get in touch or visit one of our information events.
Visit one of our information events and find out all about the degree programme, the admission requirements and your career prospects. Our students will share their experience of life at the business school.
Pursue your master’s degree on our ‘green campus’ in Bern’s Marzili district and at Haslerstrasse / Effingerstrasse. Both locations are a 10-15 minute walk from Bern railway station.
We generally recommend travelling by bus or on foot.
There are no parking spaces available for students. Please use the public parking facilities.
Travel by bus and on foot:
Our green campus offers a wide range of facilities.
Haslerstrasse 30 / Effingerstrasse 47
You can reach the location from Bern railway station in seven minutes by tram/bus to the Kaufmännischer Verband stop.
Tram Nr. 6, direction Fischermätteli
Tram Nr. 7, direction Bümpliz
Tram Nr. 8, direction Bern Brünnen Westside
Bus Nr. 17, direction Köniz Weiermatt
There are no parking spaces available.
Haslerstrasse is a 15-minute walk from Bern railway station.
The cafeteria is located at Schwarztorstrasse 48.
