University preparation course

Admissions are subject to the following requirements:

• School-leaving certificate
  You have at least one certificate that is comparable to the Swiss baccalaureate (Matura).
• Study experience
  It is helpful, but not essential, to have studied at a university before
• Work experience
  Ideally, you have already worked in the field you are interested in.
• Residency status
  You have a N, F, B or S permit under Swiss asylum law.

Cost of the university preparation course: it is covered by the Swiss Confederation.

Cost of the Passerelle scheme:

Residency in the canton of Bern

• Registration fee*: CHF 150
• Course fee: CHF 1,600
• Total: CHF 1,750

Residency in another canton

• Registration fee*: CHF 150
• Course fee: CHF 1,600
• Additional course fee (contribution from canton): CHF 5,600
• Total: CHF 7,350

_{*The registration fee must be paid immediately after sending your application. 
**The cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft pay the cantonal contribution in full.
Other cantons: contribution upon request.}

To sign up for the course, please fill out the form in full. The preparation course and the Passerelle scheme are linked. You can register for both courses with just one click.

Please send following documents with your application:

• Current tabular resume
• OASI number
• Baccalaureate certificate (equivalent to Swiss matura) with grade sheet (German, English or French).
• An official translation and legalisation are required for documents in another language.
• Copy of your passport or ID card
• Copy of your permit for living in Switzerland
• If your first language is not German or French: German or French language certificate (level: B1)
• If you do not have a certificate, you will need to take a short language test.
• For the Passerelle scheme in Data Engineering, Computer Science or Medical Informatics:
  upload an additional English language certificate (level: A2) if available.

Important note

• The registration fee of CHF 150 is due from the moment you confirm and send your application.

• You will receive the invoice by e-mail.

• You must pay the fee, even if your application is rejected.

• We process applications once they have been confirmed, paid for and sent.

Structure

• University preparation course
  April to July: language course (one afternoon per week)
• Passerelle scheme
  August to October: specialised preparation course and coaching (four days per week)
• Mathematics
  In addition, you can attend a mathematics course after the Passerelle scheme. This course is not compulsory, but it will help you improve your maths skills. It is particularly useful if you want to study engineering or computer science later.

All courses take place on our premises. Your attendance is compulsory.

Can I just attend the university preparation course?

No, when you enrol on the course, you are also enrolling on the Passerelle programme at the School of Engineering and Computer Science. You must complete both courses before you can apply to study at BFH.

What is the Passerelle scheme?

To study at a Swiss university of applied sciences, you must complete the university preparation course and a one-year work placement. Our Passerelle scheme helps you meet this requirement. You will be one step closer to joining one of our study programmes.
Find out more on the Passerelle scheme

What if my foreign certificate has not yet been recognised?

Swiss regulations apply in this regard. All the information is available here:
Recognition of foreign diplomas

Not sure if your old qualifications are good enough?

You may have to repeat parts of your education or provide evidence of what you have already learned. This is assessed individually for each applicant.
Please contact Thomas von Burg.