Are you interested in studying at Bern University of Applied Sciences? Learn more today about our study opportunities and requirements.
BFH gives you a modern, practice-oriented, research-based education and opens up a world of attractive career opportunities.
Degree programmes at BFH are entirely modular. You can study full-time or part-time alongside a job or childcare.
Full-time bachelor’s degree programmes generally last three years. The standard length of a master’s degree is one and a half to two years.
Most bachelor’s degree programmes can also be taken part-time. You spend eight to twelve semesters studying over at least four years. Some master’s degree programmes can also be taken part-time. Depending on the programme, the course length may be extended to a maximum of six or eight semesters.
You will study modules. These are self-contained units of study focusing on specific themes. A degree programme is made up of a variety of modules, some of which can be freely selected, that together form a coherent course of study.
There are compulsory, optional and elective modules: compulsory modules are obligatory; optional modules can be chosen from a predefined list, and elective modules can be selected to reflect your own personal interests. You complete your modules through contact hours (lectures, exercises) and self-study (independent and accompanied).
Each module is worth a certain number of ECTS credits.
We follow the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and in selected programmes, your learning outcomes are measured in credit points (ECTS credits). ECTS is the European system for the recording, transfer and accumulation of learning achievements.
One ECTS credit is equivalent to 30 student working hours. The workload amounts to 1,800 hours per academic year (full-time studies).
|
Full-time academic year |
60 ECTS credits |
|
Semesters full-time |
30 ECTS credits |
|
30 hours of work |
1 ECTS credit |
|
Bachelor’s degree programmes |
180 ECTS credits |
|
Master’s degree programmes |
90 or 120 ECTS credits |
Most degree programmes offer one or more specialisations. The topic for your bachelor’s or master’s thesis gives you another opportunity to specialise and prepare for professional practice. If you wish, you can work on your bachelor’s or master’s thesis with a partner organisation.
Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH nurtures its distinctive global network. We help students and staff gain and develop skills for a globalised world of education and work
by providing opportunities to participate in various exchange programmes, e.g. SEMP (Swiss European Mobility Programme, formerly ERASMUS) and helping our students find internships in Switzerland and abroad. More international opportunities are constantly being added to our offer.
Teaching and research at BFH are closely connected: we share research results and methodologies with students as appropriate to the level of their studies and conduct our own research. Our teaching is, of course, also informed by all the latest research methodologies and findings. Many bachelor’s and master’s theses are based on work undertaken in the context of industry partnerships in the field of research and development.
Your success is supported by the expertise and exceptional teaching skills of lecturers at BFH. Some of them already have many years’ experience in industry as subject specialists and managers; many are also involved in applied research and development.
Here you can find the entry requirements for studying at BFH. The final admission decision is made by Student Administration or, in some programmes, the Head of Degree Programme.
Before studying at a university of applied sciences, you have to fulfil certain entry requirements based on your educational background and chosen degree discipline.
To be admitted onto a bachelor's degree programme, you have to fulfil the following requirements:
You have basic training in a profession related to your desired degree discipline and a federally recognised vocational baccalaureate. You can find a list of related professions on the ‘Admission and Application’ page for your chosen department or in the regulations.
You have a specialised baccalaureate in a professional field relevant to the degree discipline. In Health Professions, Social Work, Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences and some of the arts, a specialised baccalaureate (supported, if necessary, by sufficient practical experience) is usually enough for direct entry. For all other programmes, please contact the programme head.
You have a federally recognised baccalaureate. You can be admitted onto a bachelor’s degree programme if you can demonstrate one year’s professional experience in a field related to your desired degree discipline (exception: for the Department of Health Professions, you need only complete a two-month work placement before the start of your course). Some programmes at Bern University of the Arts have no work experience requirement.
You have a recognised qualification equivalent to a baccalaureate plus experience or have taken an entrance examination that fulfils the requirements of a vocational baccalaureate.
You have a tertiary level education from an institution other than a university. Provided that you demonstrate the required knowledge and fulfil the requirements for the programme, you may be admitted onto the bachelor’s degree programme.
The work experience requirements are generally based on the academic requirements (see above). Depending on the programme, other specific conditions may also apply. You can find more information about these on the Admission and Application pages for each programme or department.
The study languages at BFH are German and French. Some individual (master’s) degree programmes are taught in English.
Do you have an overseas degree? If so, you have to submit different documents and provide proof of language proficiency. Please contact the appropriate programme head in plenty of time to find out more about the process and required documentation.
If you don't fulfil the required conditions, in exceptional cases, you may be able to apply ‘sur dossier’. This decision is made by the programme head.
Bern University of Applied Sciences offers consecutive master’s degree programmes that follow on directly from its bachelor’s degree programmes.
These programmes are aimed at graduates who have completed their bachelor’s with an above-average grade. We generally require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university degree.
Every programme has different admission procedures, aptitude tests and requirements.
If you don't have the required practical or professional experience, Bern University of Applied Sciences offers a variety of preparatory courses and Passerelle options.
Our Passerelle scheme provides a pathway between baccalaureate programmes and university studies in engineering, information technology or architecture.
Students without relevant practical experience can take a mentored 12-month preparatory work placement. Candidates with training in a semi-related profession can complete a condensed form of the preparatory work placement.
If you want to study at BFH, you can apply easily online. Learn more about the application process and dates now.
Would you like to take a course at Bern University of Applied Sciences? Then apply now. By applying online, you’ll be kept up-to-date at every stage of the process.
If you have missed the registration deadline, the head of the relevant study programme will be happy to inform you whether subsequent registration is possible.
Please submit the following documents in electronic format and as appropriate for your educational background (passport documentation: PDF/images: JPG):
* compulsory
Other documents may be required depending on your chosen programme and educational background, for example:
If you’re applying for a master’s degree programme, you must submit the certificate for your first degree (bachelor’s or equivalent qualification), as well as a transcript of records.
Please visit the web page for the relevant degree programme or contact the programme head:
| A–Z of degree programmes | Spring semester 2022 | Autumn semester 2022 | Spring semester 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | |||
| Architecture | |||
| Art Education | |||
| Automotive Engineering | |||
| Business Administration | |||
| Business Information Technology | |||
| Civil Engineering | |||
| Computer Science | |||
| Conservation | |||
| Electrical and Communication Technology | |||
| Fine Arts | |||
| Food Science | |||
| Forest Science | |||
| Industrial Engineering and Management Science | |||
| International Business Administration | |||
| Literary Writing | |||
| Mechanical Engineering | |||
| Medical informatics | |||
| Microtechnology and Medical Technology | |||
| Midwifery | |||
| Midwifery for qualified nurses | 15.07.2021 | ||
| Multimedia Production | |||
| Music (Classic and Jazz) | |||
| Music (Sound Arts) | |||
|
Music and Movement/ Rhythmics |
|||
| Nursing | |||
| Nursing for FaGe/FaBe | |||
| Nursing for qualified nurses | |||
| Nutrition and Dietetics | |||
| Physiotherapy | |||
| Social Work | 31.10.2021 | 28.02.2022 | |
| Sport | |||
| Theatre | 15.10.2021 | ||
| Visual Communication | |||
| Wood Engineering |
If you have missed the application deadline, you are welcome to contact the programme head to ask if they will accept a late application.
|
A–Z of degree programmes |
Spring semester |
Autumn semester |
Spring semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 31.10.2021 | ||
| Art Education | |||
| Business Administration | |||
| Business Information Technology | |||
| Design | |||
| Digital Business Administration | |||
| Conservation-Restauration | 01.10.2021 | ||
| Contemporary Arts Practice | |||
| Engineering (Civil Engineering) | 31.12.2021 | ||
| Engineering (Engineering and Information Technology) |
31.12.2021 |
||
| Life Sciences | |||
| Midwifery | |||
| Multimedia Communication & Publishing | |||
| Music Composition (Contemporary Jazz) | |||
|
Music Composition (Creative Practice) |
|||
| Music Pedagogy (Eurythmics and dance in context) | |||
| Music Pedagogy (Eurythmics and performing arts) | |||
|
Music Pedagogy (Classical Music) |
|||
|
Music Pedagogy (Jazz) |
|||
|
Music Pedagogy (Music SII) |
|||
| Music Performance (Jazz) | |||
| Music Performance (Classical) | |||
| Nursing | |||
| Nutrition and Dietetics | |||
| Physiotherapy | |||
| Social Work | 22.01.2022 | ||
| Specialised Music Performance (Classical) | |||
| Specialised Music Performance (Opera) | |||
| Sport (Sport Sciences) | |||
| Theatre | 01.11.2021 | ||
| Wood Technology |
If you have missed the application deadline, you are welcome to contact the programme head to ask if they will accept a late application.
Should you decide to withdraw your registration, you can notify us of your decision by e-mail. A verbal withdrawal of the registration will not be accepted.
Beginning of studies in the autumn: 31 July
Beginning of studies in the spring: 31 January
The following deadlines apply to Bern University of the Arts students: autumn semester 15 June / spring semester 15 December.
If the notification is duly received, any semester fees already invoiced shall be cancelled and refunded as necessary.
Fees and contributions vary depending on the degree programme and field of study. Departmental offices will be happy to provide you with more information on average costs.
Here, you will find helpful information about financing your studies at BFH. Details regarding individual living costs are not covered, however.
The cost of study includes tuition and examination fees, as well as costs for teaching materials and excursions.
At BFH, different fees apply for programmes and examinations.
|
Application (per application)* |
CHF 100 |
|
Matriculation** |
CHF 100 |
|
Tuition fees (per semester) |
CHF 750 |
|
Tuition fees for international students*** (per semester) |
CHF 950 |
|
Examination fee (per semester) |
CHF 80 |
|
Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester) |
CHF 24 |
|
Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester) |
CHF 15 |
|
* plus CHF 10 processing fee if paying by paying-in slip/paper invoice. |
There is also a fixed fee for material, which can vary from programme to programme, and additional costs for teaching materials, specialist literature, supplies, etc.
An invoice for the application fee is generated upon applying online and must be paid within 10 days. If payment is made by paying-in slip/paper invoice, a processing fee of CHF 10 is applied. There are no waivers or refunds for withdrawn or abandoned applications.
The application is processed after payment has been received.
The additional fees for admission or aptitude tests vary from programme to programme but are currently between CHF 150 and CHF 200.
Average living costs (in CHF) per month:
|
Average living costs per month |
from | to |
| Course costs (Tuition fees, learning materials excluding study trips / study weeks) |
CHF 140.– | CHF 180.– |
| Fixed costs (Sickness / accident insurance at non-reduced rate, taxes / social insurance, travel costs) |
CHF 420.– | CHF 500.– |
| Personal Expenditure (Clothes / shoes, spending money / mobile phone, hairdressing / grooming) |
CHF 250.– | CHF 350.– |
| Medical expenses (Healthcare costs: excess rate, deductible rate, dentist) |
CHF 60.– | CHF 60.– |
|
Rent / shared accommodation costs |
CHF 300.– | CHF 600.– |
| Other accommodation costs (Electricity, telephone / radio / TV / Internet, home contents and personal liability insurance) |
CHF 70.– | CHF 100.– |
|
Food / drink, including refectory |
CHF 400.– | CHF 500.– |
| Other houskeeping costs (Washing powder and cleaning products, general toiletries, waste removal costs) |
CHF 20.– | CHF 40.– |
| Total | CHF 1700.– | CHF 2550.– |
|
Meals outside the home CHF 8 to CHF 10 per meal |
Source: Budgetberatung.ch
Annual average living costs for students living alone or in shared accommodation. The effective yearly amount may vary between approximately CHF 18,000 and CHF 27,000.
Financial aid is available through grants and loans. Grants are one-off or ongoing payments that don’t usually have to be paid back provided you complete your course. Loans are one-off or ongoing payments that must be paid back after you finish your course.
Grants and loans for Swiss students and overseas students are generally paid out by the canton where the students’ parents are tax residents.
Students who have been tax residents in the Canton of Bern for at least two years are able to apply for cantonal grants and loans. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office at the Department of Education.
Further information (incl. financial aid calculator):
The websites stipendien.educa.ch, stipendium.ch and European Funding Guide cover all the key information about grants in Switzerland and overseas.
There are also numerous private foundations and funds that offer financial support to students. The electronic foundation directory administered by the Federal Department of Home Affairs offers a comprehensive summary of these organisations and can be searched by keywords (e.g. student, research, financial aid, etc.). Other sources of funding include the foundation directories for individual cantons and private foundations.
The following foundations offer funding specifically to BFH students and students from other universities:
While studying at BFH, you will engage with the latest practical expertise and pioneering methods and research findings. This will equip you with the tools you need for a successful professional career.
The bachelor’s degree programme culminates in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc). The majority of bachelor’s degrees at Bern University of Applied Sciences are vocational.
The bachelor is a university degree and generally qualifies you for follow-on studies in an appropriate subject at universities of applied sciences, universities, Swiss federal institutes and teaching colleges. It also enables admission onto suitable overseas programmes. Each institution will have its own admission requirements.
The consecutive master’s degree programme culminates in a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc). It shouldn’t be confused with continuing education master’s degree programmes:
consecutive master’s studies build on a bachelor’s degree programme and are part of a student’s foundational training (Bologna level 2). Students develop detailed, specialised knowledge and gain a higher qualification that qualifies them for research and senior management positions. The consecutive master’s degree also serves as a stepping stone to a PhD (Bologna level 3). The programme culminates in a federally recognised Master of Arts or Master of Science.
The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) are designed explicitly as continuing education courses. Unlike consecutive master’s programmes, they are tailored to the needs of individuals who already have considerable professional experience. Students gain specialised or general skills, reflect on their professional practice and bring their specialist knowledge up to date.
Programmes at a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and Universität (university) are equivalent, however have different strengths: universities of applied sciences mainly offer a practice-oriented, research-based, vocational bachelor’s education. In the arts, only universities of applied sciences offer bachelor’s and master’s qualifications; most of these culminate in a master’s degree. Universities focus on academic education that prepares students for numerous professions.
A practice-oriented degree from BFH gives you the best possible preparation for starting and advancing your career.
The Career Services of the Bern University of Applied Sciences are a service for our students and recent graduates. We offer support in your preparations for your career entry and personal career development.
BFH has several locations throughout the Canton of Bern, with hubs in Biel and Bern.
BFH offers its students modern facilities designed to the latest standards in teaching and learning. Our departments have specialist libraries, cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities, refectories and much more.
At BFH, students and staff work with a broad range of cutting-edge platforms, applications and systems.
As a student at BFH, you can also take advantage of numerous offers and discounts on software and hardware.
Students can easily access a variety of Microsoft Office applications for free from the Microsoft Office Portal.
Students and staff at BFH can register in the DataQuest online shop and take advantage of discounts and promotions for Apple products.
Students and staff at BFH can take advantage of special discounts for various hardware and software products of this platform.
Hewlett Packard sells devices with discounts for students directly from the HP Student Store and www.students.ch.
In the Apple Education Store, students and university staff can take advantage of EDU prices for Mac computers, Apple software and selected accessories.
This German platform offers customers in teaching and research (teachers, professors, lecturers, research associates and students) special offers on most of its hardware range.
More information on the BFH Intranet:
At BFH, students and staff work with a broad range of cutting-edge platforms, applications and systems. BFH adapts constantly to the latest technologies.
The workspaces on the BFH Intranet help students and staff collaborate in projects, working groups and teams. They make collaboration easier and facilitate University-wide collaboration in closed user groups.
MS Teams is the latest tool from Microsoft – the hub for team collaboration in Office 365. Benefits of MS Teams:
Moodle is BFH’s central online learning platform. It supports face-to-face teaching with virtual classrooms, helps lecturers efficiently organise their lectures and allows them to supplement their courses with online materials. On Moodle, you can find teaching materials and tests, work through lessons, collaborate with other students or submit work. With the Moodle App, you can also access the platform from your smartphone or tablet.
You can access different Microsoft Office 365 applications easily and for free from the relevant portal. You can register with your BFH email address (e.g. abde1@bfh.ch) and your BFH password.
As a student at BFH, you have free access to the OneDrive cloud storage service. You can store your files, sync them with other devices, share them with other people or co-edit them. You can register with your email address (e.g. abde1@bfh.ch) and your BFH password.
We offer cloud-computing platforms for research projects and lectures.
For lectures, BFH makes available a diverse range of specialist applications for students.
