BFH enters new academic year with around 7,900 students

Some 2,300 new students have enrolled at Bern University of Applied Sciences for the autumn semester. That is a decrease of just under 7% on the previous year. While the number of new students enrolling on bachelor’s programmes was only down slightly, there was a sharper fall on master’s programmes. The total student population also fell slightly which is mainly due to lower numbers on master’s programmes.

Higher numbers on programmes at the School of Health Professions and the School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering

The trend in student numbers varies from one school to the other. The overall number of students at the School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering and the School of Health Professions is up on the previous year. This is mainly due to the rise in students enrolled on bachelor’s programmes at both schools. Student numbers have fallen at the other schools.

Higher tuition fees curb demand

The downturn is partly explained by the cantonal government’s decision to increase tuition fees for the autumn 2026 semester. There has been in particular a decline in the number of candidates from abroad. Programmes with a strong international outlook have been mainly affected.

“The latest figures show that financial circumstances can have an impact on where students choose to study, especially for programmes with an international outlook. It is all the more important to offer students outstanding quality and the skills required for career entry and advancement,” explains Sebastian Wörwag, President of Bern University of Applied Sciences.

Drop in number of students taking the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate in the canton of Bern

In addition to higher tuition fees, the number of students sitting the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB) is another factor in the level of demand for places. The number of students passing the FVB level 1 decreased by 6% between 2024 and 2025 and by 8% for FVB level 2.* This significantly reduces the pool of candidates for BFH programmes – most other Swiss universities of applied sciences face a different situation as the number of students passing the FVB in their catchment areas has fallen less sharply or has actually even gone up.

Graduate employment rate above average for universities of applied sciences

BFH graduates still have outstanding career prospects. A look at the 2024 graduation year (according to the survey on graduates from institutions of higher education in 2024 from the Federal Statistical Office) indicates that BFH graduates are in high demand on the labour market after obtaining their degree. Their employment rate is above the average for all Swiss universities of applied sciences at both bachelor’s and master’s programme level.

“I am absolutely delighted that BFH graduates are so sought after on the labour market. This indicates our programmes are well aligned with industry requirements and our graduates are seen as specialists with outstanding future career prospects,” said Sebastian Wörwag, President of Bern University of Applied Sciences.

About Bern University of Applied Sciences: applied research and innovative education

Through its applied-research projects and innovative education programmes, Bern University of Applied Sciences participates in the strategic thematic fields of Caring Society, Humane Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development. Thirty-two bachelor’s and 27 master’s degree programmes, well-founded research, consulting services and a wide range of continuing education programmes define its profile based on an industry-relevant, interdisciplinary and international approach. BFH’s seven schools are located on various campuses in Bern, Biel, Burgdorf and Zollikofen. Bern University of Applied Sciences accepts students from all over the world.

* FVB level 1 is completed while taking an apprenticeship and FVB level 2 afterwards. Both qualifications enable students to gain entry to specialist bachelor's programmes at a university of applied sciences.