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The Canton of Bern increases university tuition fees
24.11.2025 Bern University of Applied Sciences is introducing higher tuition fees for the autumn semester 2026/27, thus implementing a political decision of the Canton.
Key points at a glance
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On 19 November 2025, Bern’s Cantonal Government decided to increase tuition fees at the canton’s universities as part of a revision of the cantonal university ordinances.
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The increase affects students at the University of Bern and BFH.
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From the autumn semester 2026/27, tuition fees at BFH will rise to CHF 850 per semester, and to CHF 2,550 per semester for international students (those of foreign nationality).
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International students who began their degree programme at BFH before autumn semester 2026/27 will pay fees of CHF 1050 from the autumn semester 2026/27 onwards until the completion of their respective bachelor or master’s degree. In accordance with the Regulation Governing Bern University of Applied Sciences, switching from a bachelor to a master’s programme is classified as starting a new degree programme, which case the new fee policy applies.
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The increase at BFH is based on a political decision of the Canton.
In order to implement a political request by the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern, the Cantonal Government decided to increase tuition fees at Bern University of Applied Sciences. The corresponding revision of the University Ordinance, which includes an indirect partial revision of the Regulation Governing Bern University of Applied Sciences, was adopted by the Cantonal Government on 19 November 2025. In order to comply with the new ordinance, BFH is increasing its tuition fees for the start of the autumn semester 2026/27.
Main changes
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The tuition fee will increase from CHF 750 to CHF 850 per semester as of the autumn semester 2026/27.
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For international students who have come to Switzerland or Liechtenstein for the purpose of studying, the tuition fee will increase from the current CHF 950 to CHF 2,550 per semester.
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As a result of a decision by the Bernese Cantonal Government, these students will now pay tuition fees of CHF 2550 (tuition fees of CHF 850 plus a supplemental fee of CHF 1700) from autumn semester 2026/27 onwards.
“International students” are defined for the purpose of this document as persons who fulfil the following three criteria: foreign nationality; residence permit for the purpose of studying; and parents not resident in Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
The decisive factor is their status at the start of the degree programme at BFH. -
The tuition fee supplement of CHF 1700 for international students does not apply if a Swiss canton or the Principality of Liechtenstein contributes to the tuition costs in accordance with the FHV Student Personal Data Form (EDK), or if the students had their main place of residence in Switzerland or Liechtenstein when they obtained their entrance qualification for bachelor-degree level study (vocational, specialised or academic baccalaureate). For details see factsheet.
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There is a special transitional arrangement for international students who are already enrolled: those that started their degree programme at BFH before the autumn semester 2026/27 will pay fees of CHF 1,050 from the autumn semester 2026/27 onwards until the completion of their respective bachelor or master’s degree programme. In accordance with the Ordinance concerning Bern University of Applied Sciences, switching from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree programme is classified as starting a new degree programme, in which case the new fee policy applies.
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The registration fee is also set to increase. Beginning with registrations for the spring semester 2027, the fee will be CHF 150 (instead of the current CHF 100).
Financial support
Various financial aids are available for BFH students, such as grants, loans and other funding options.
Note: Content updated on 29 January 2026.
