Bern University of Applied Sciences
Bern, Switzerland
Quick facts
- World rank
- #1,691
- 2025
- Acceptance rate
- —
- Students
- 7,900
- International students
- —
- Institution type
- Public
- Founded
- 1997
Overview
Bern University of Applied Sciences (Berner Fachhochschule, BFH) is a public university of applied sciences founded in 1997 and located in Bern, Switzerland, with additional campuses in Biel, Burgdorf, Zollikofen, and other sites. It offers 86 degree programmes across eight schools: Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering; Health Professions; Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL); Bern Academy of the Arts; Social Work; Engineering and Computer Science; Business School; and the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen. Teaching languages include German, French and English. BFH is known for its practical and applied research orientation, multilingual teaching, and programmes unique to Switzerland such as Automotive Engineering and Wood Technology. The institution was institutionally reaccredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council (AAQ) in September 2024, with accreditation valid until September 2031.
Fields of study
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Business
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Food Sciences
- Forestry
- Health Professions
- Social Work
- Arts
- Sport
- Wood Technology
Accreditation: Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ)
Admissions requirements
- IELTS (minimum)
- —
- TOEFL iBT (minimum)
- —
- GPA (minimum)
- —
- Intakes
- Autumn
- Application deadlines
- 31 July for autumn semester (place guaranteed until 31 March). Programme-specific deadlines may vary (e.g. Agriculture: 30 April for 2027/28 intake). Visa applicants advised to register by 31 March.
- Rolling admissions
- No
- Admissions contact
- international@bfh.ch
Requirements differ between programs. Check the program page and the university's admissions office for the latest criteria.
Tuition & costs
International students
CHF 2,550 / semester
From about $5,763 / year
Domestic students
CHF 850 / semester
Tuition fee for domestic students: CHF 850 per semester (AS 2026/27). Tuition fee for international students (stay for study purposes): CHF 2,550 per semester; transitional rate for students who started before autumn 2026: CHF 1,050 per semester. Examination fee: CHF 80 per semester. Social, cultural and sport offerings fee: CHF 24 per semester. VSBFH membership fee: CHF 15 per semester. Material fee: CHF 95 per semester. Application fee: CHF 150 per application (plus CHF 10 processing fee if paying by invoice). Subject to change without notice.
Tuition varies by program. Confirm with the university before applying.
Official fee source (opens in a new tab)Programs
| Program | Level | Duration | Tuition | Deadline | Intakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Agriculture (opens in a new tab)German, French · Full Time | Bachelor's | 3 years | Varies | Varies | Autumn |
| BSc Automotive Engineering (opens in a new tab)German, French · Full Time | Bachelor's | 3 years | Varies | Varies | September |
| BSc Digital Business & AI (opens in a new tab)German, English · Full Time | Bachelor's | 3 years | CHF 2,550 / semester | Varies | Autumn |
| BSc International Business Administration (opens in a new tab)English · Full Time | Bachelor's | 3 years | CHF 2,550 / semester | Varies | Autumn |
| BSc Mechanical Engineering (opens in a new tab)German · Full Time | Bachelor's | 3 years | Varies | Varies | September |
| BSc Wood Technology (opens in a new tab)German · Full Time | Bachelor's | 3 years | Varies | Varies | Autumn |
| MSc Biomedical Engineering (opens in a new tab)English · Full Time | Master's | 2 years | Varies | Varies | September |
Information last verified Oct 3, 2026. Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Fees, deadlines and requirements change — always confirm with the university.