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SWITZERLAND · BERN

University of Bern

public · Founded 1834 · Languages: de, en, fr

In short

The University of Bern, founded in 1834, is a public research university in Switzerland's capital, known for interdisciplinary excellence and strong international collaborations. It offers comprehensive study programs across humanities, sciences, and more, with world-ranked research in climate science and biomedicine.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1834
Students: 19,608
International students: 4,000
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition (intl): €1–1k/yr
Languages: DE, EN, FR
Location: Bern, Switzerland

The University of Bern (UniBern), founded in 1834 in Switzerland's federal capital, is a comprehensive public research university renowned for interdisciplinary excellence and strong international collaborations. Its eight faculties cover humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, natural sciences, and theology, attracting students and researchers from more than 100 countries. With around 19,600 students, UniBern consistently ranks among the world's top 200 universities. The university is particularly distinguished in climate science through the Oeschger Centre, planetary and space research, and biomedical innovation, positioning it at the forefront of solutions to global challenges.

Why study here

World-ranked research in climate science, planetary sciences, and biomedicine — direct impact on global challenges.
Located in Bern, Switzerland's UNESCO-listed capital city, offering an outstanding quality of life and Alpine proximity.
Comprehensive innovation ecosystem with seed funding (CHF 100k fellowships), grants, and startup competitions for researchers.
Strong international research network with access to EU Horizon programmes and SNSF funding.
Growing range of English-taught Master's programmes alongside traditional German-language curricula.

Student life

Bern's compact, walkable city centre makes student life uniquely convenient. The university's campus is integrated into the historic Altstadt (Old Town), with libraries, labs, and faculties within walking distance. Students enjoy a rich cultural scene including museums, theatres, and the Gurten festival, plus easy access to the Swiss Alps for skiing and hiking. The student association (SUB) organises social events, study support, and sports activities. University housing and private flat-shares are available throughout the city.

Fees

InternationalApprox. CHF 900–1,800 per semester (EUR 950–1,900) — Swiss cantonal tuition is among the lowest in Europe. Many Master's programmes have the same fee regardless of nationality.

HomeApprox. CHF 900 per semester for Swiss/EU-resident students.

LivingLiving costs in Bern are approximately CHF 2,000–2,500/month including accommodation, food, transport and leisure.

Tuition fees are set by the Canton of Bern and are subject to annual revision. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland (approx. CHF 300–400/month for students).

Admissions

Bachelor's entrySwiss Matura or recognised equivalent. International students may need to pass an aptitude test or provide additional documentation.

Master's entryRelevant Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Minimum GPA requirements vary by programme.

LanguageMost programmes taught in German; English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+.

IELTS6.5 overall

TOEFL iBT90

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026184

Times Higher Education World RankingsTop 201–250

Shanghai ARWUTop 201–300

University scholarships

UniBE Venture FellowshipCHF 100,000

UniBE Digital Venture FellowshipCHF 100,000

UniBE INNO GrantCHF 10,000

SNF Postdoc.MobilityFlat-rate fellowship for 12–24 months abroad

Swiss Government Excellence ScholarshipsCovers living expenses + tuition waiver

Accreditation

Accredited by swissuniversities and recognised by the Swiss Confederation. Member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and Universitas 21.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Bern · Switzerland

AI Language Tools in Studies

This learning unit focuses on understanding how AI language tools function and exploring their potential applications in academic studies and scientific writing. It emphasizes a balanced approach to using generative AI, advising against both complete avoidance and exclusive reliance. The unit aims to help students find the optimal way to integrate these tools into their academic work. Upon completion, students will receive a confirmation of participation.

University of Bern · Switzerland

Doctoral Degree

The University of Bern offers doctoral programs for early-career researchers across all disciplines. The program serves as a central hub providing comprehensive information on doctoral studies, career development both within and beyond academia, continuing education, transferable skills, funding opportunities, and advisory services. It aims to support students throughout their doctoral journey.

University of Bern · Switzerland

Master's in Human, Dental, and Veterinary Medicine

The University of Bern offers Master's degree programs in Human Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine. These programs have limited places and require an earlier application process compared to other courses. International applicants with a bachelor's degree from a recognized university must meet general admission requirements as well as specific criteria outlined in the University Ordinance. For international applicants whose secondary education was not conducted in German, proof of sufficient German language proficiency (C1 level or higher) is mandatory for admission to Medicine and Dental Medicine programs.

University of Bern · Switzerland

Sport Science: Major or Minor

The University of Bern offers a Bachelor of Science program in Sport Science, available as a major (120 ECTS credits) or a minor (60 ECTS credits). This program is designed for students interested in the scientific aspects of sports. Due to limited places, early application is essential. The program focuses on the academic study of sport, rather than professional sports training.

Scholarships

for Switzerland

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full funding

CYD Campus, EPFL and armasuisse Science and Technology

Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships

Open to Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates of all nationalities pursuing or planning to pursue research in cyber-defence in Switzerland. Master Thesis Fellowship applicants must be enrolled Master's students at a Swiss institution; Doctoral Fellowship applicants need a Master's degree and admission to a Swiss PhD programme; Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applicants must hold a completed PhD with a strong publication record. All candidates need strong academic performance and a research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals.

University of Basel – eikones Center for the Theory and History of the Image

University of Basel NOMIS Fellowships

Open to junior and senior scholars of any nationality who hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, have published either one scholarly monograph or three peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, can propose a research project on the theme 'Images as Models', and are fluent in German or English.

Cyber-Defence Campus (armasuisse Science and Technology)

CYD Doctoral Fellowships

Open to applicants of all nationalities who are enrolled, or plan to enrol, in a PhD programme at a Swiss university and have a confirmed endorsement from a Swiss professor who will supervise the doctorate. All PhD stages are eligible, though early-stage applicants are preferred, and there is no age restriction. Research must fall within cyber defence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, cryptography, computational and data science and engineering, systems security, or security technologies.

CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)

CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics

Researchers who hold (or are about to defend) a PhD in theoretical physics with no more than six years of research experience after the PhD. Open to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States, with a limited number of places under the Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme. Current CERN staff members are not eligible.

University of Basel PhD Positions in Advanced Data Management

Open to candidates worldwide who hold an MSc in Computer Science or a related field with software-development experience, show a clear interest in research toward a PhD in advanced data management, have practical or theoretical expertise in databases, multimedia data management or information retrieval, are proficient in English, and can work effectively in a team.

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

For students with an excellent academic record applying for a master's programme at ETH Zurich, of any nationality. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it as part of your ETH master's admission application, by the December deadline, and selection is by ETH.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Bern?

Tuition fees for international students typically range from approximately CHF 900 to 1,800 per semester. Many Master's programs have the same fee regardless of nationality. These fees are set by the Canton of Bern and are subject to annual revision.

What are the living costs for students in Bern?

Living costs in Bern are estimated to be around CHF 2,000–2,500 per month. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities.

Does the University of Bern offer programs taught in English?

Yes, the University of Bern offers a growing range of Master's programmes taught in English. However, many traditional programmes are taught in German, and proficiency in German may be required for those.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

For English-taught programmes, students generally need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 90.

What are the University of Bern's strengths in research?

The University of Bern is renowned for interdisciplinary research, particularly in climate science through the Oeschger Centre, planetary and space research, and biomedical innovation. These areas are at the forefront of addressing global challenges.

What is Bern like as a student city?

Bern, Switzerland's capital, offers a high quality of life with a UNESCO World Heritage old town, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to natural landscapes like the Swiss Alps. The university campus is integrated into the city centre, making student life convenient.

Last updated 3 July 2026