Informations pour les hautes écoles partenaires de la BFH

CH Bern-11 //   259460 – LA – 1 – 2014 – 1 – CH – E4AKA1 – ECHE

E10208184

999623995

CH125639

BFH Bern University of Applied Sciences
Pesche Eigenmann
Director International Relations Office
Falkenplatz 24
3012 Bern

1st Semester: Week 38 (some exceptions can occur)
2nd Semester: Week 08 (some exceptions can occur)

We accept exchanges for one or two semesters.

Does BFH require insurance for all international students?

No. However, in Switzerland health insurance for stays of longer than three months is compulsory. A basic insurance plan covers medical care in case of sickness or accident.

For further information, please visit: Living in Switzerland > Insurance

Are students required to buy BFH university insurance?

No university insurance is available.

Are vaccinations required?

No vaccinations are required.

Is there a pick-up service upon arrival?

By mentor
Students, who have organized a mentor through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Bern Buddy System could organize a pick-up at the airport. Visit the Bern Erasmus Student Network website to find out more about the Buddy System: www.bern.esn.ch, or on Facebook.

Make sure to only make appointments with mentors, who are officially nominated and appointed by the Erasmus Student Network. 

By train
Switzerland has a very well-developed public transport system, which makes it easy to get around.

The application procedures vary, based on the respective program. Please find further information, a list of required documents and the necessary forms on the respective department homepage (for the main page, please visit: www.bfh.ch/en/).

Departments: 

 Engineering and Information Technology
 Architecture, Wood & Civil Engineering
 Business ( > Exchange) 
 Health Professions ( > Incoming Students)
 Social Work
 Bern University of the Arts
 School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL)
 Swiss Federal Institute of Sports Magglingen

Basic requirements are:

• Completed Application Form
• Transcript of records
• Certificate of enrolment of sending institution or copy of your current student ID
• Completed Learning Agreement approved by the sending institution

Please find information about any further requirements on the respective homepage or contact the respective international advisor (contact details above).

Most of our undergraduate (Bachelor) courses are taught in German (Level B2-C2 required). Our graduate (Master) courses are taught in English or German (basic German knowledge favorable).

Please find more information on admission requirements on the institutional website www.bfh.ch/en/ or on the departmental websites (as indicated above).

1st semester: 15 April
2nd semester: 15 October

For undergraduate (Bachelor) students an exchange is not allowed prior to the third semester of study.

The admission letter will be sent directly to the students.

Please consult our website ( > Fees + Funding)

For SEMP exchange students (Swiss-European Mobility Programme) tuition fees are waived.

During the indirect participation at Erasmus+, through the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP), a scholarship is available for outgoing AND Incoming SEMP students.

No.

The main language is German and several programs are taught in combination with French and English. German Level B2-C2 (depending on program) is required for programs taught in German. English Level B2-C1 is required for English programs (basic German knowledge favorable). Register – unt. Dep.

European language levels: Self Assessment Grid

Bachelor Level:

• Business
  International Business Administration
• Engineering and Information Technology:
  Industrial Engineering and Management Science (50% English)

Master Level:

• School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL):
  Life Sciences - Agricultural Science
  Life Sciences – Food, Nutrition and Health
  Life Sciences – Forest Science
  Life Sciences - Regional Management in Mountain Areas (partially)
• Bern University of The Arts:
  Expanded Theater (partially)
  Design (partially)
  Music Performance – Classical / Jazz (upon request)
  Specialized Music Performance – Classical / Opera (upon request)
  Contemporary Arts Practice (upon request)
  Composition (upon request)
• Business:
  Digital Business Administration
• Engineering and Information Technology:
  Engineering (partially)
  Biomedical Engineering
• Architecture, Wood & Civil Engineering:
  Wood Technology

Competency assessments are graded with marks or with the grades "fulfilled" or "not fulfilled". Marks are either numerical marks or ECTS marks. The individual study regulations specify which grading systems are used. 

BFH Bern University of Applied Sciences has no central campus and therefore no central on-campus student housing.

There is a limited number of on-campus accommodation (rooms in dormitories with shared facilities) at the School of Agriculture (HAFL) in Zollikofen and at the Institute of Sports in Magglingen. These dormitories are for HAFL students and sports students only.  

There is a wide range of different housing options and it is recommended to look at studentlodge. Commonly, students rent a room in off-campus student or private apartments. The International Offices of the respective department provide support to exchange students in finding accommodation according to local standards. 

Accommodation costs about CHF 450-750 per month. The living costs for students per month are approximately between CHF 1’500 and CHF 2’400 (including accommodation).

Yes, students need to apply for housing themselves, by using the online search tools provided above. Support can be requested from the International Office of the respective department, if necessary.

Does BFH require insurance for all international students?

No. However, in Switzerland health insurance for stays of longer than three months is compulsory. A basic insurance plan covers medical care in case of sickness or accident. For further information, please visit Living in Switzerland.

Are students required to buy BFH university insurance?

No university insurance is available.

No vaccinations are required.

By mentor

Students, who have organized a mentor through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Bern Buddy System could organize a pick-up at the airport. Visit the Bern Erasmus Student Network website to find out more about the Buddy System: www.bern.esn.ch, or on Facebook.

Make sure to only make appointments with mentors, who are officially nominated and appointed by the Erasmus Student Network. 

By train

Switzerland has a very well-developed public transport system, which makes it easy to get around.