Switzerland stands as a major educational and research hub in Europe, home to numerous esteemed institutions. Among them, the University of Bern has consistently ranked highly on the global stage, making it a preferred choice for many students seeking to study abroad. What programmes does the University of Bern offer? Are the admission requirements stringent? This article will address these questions comprehensively, helping you to devise an ideal academic plan and making your dream of studying in Switzerland attainable.
Overview of the University of Bern
Located in the heart of Switzerland’s capital, Bern, the University of Bern seamlessly blends historical significance with modern research excellence. Originating in the 16th century, this institution not only boasts a rich historical heritage but also excels in academic and research capabilities. The university comprises eight faculties and approximately 160 research institutes, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to life sciences, making it one of Switzerland’s foremost comprehensive universities [1].
How Does the University of Bern Rank?
Recent international rankings highlight the University of Bern’s impressive standing across various authoritative lists:
- 2026 QS World University Rankings: Ranked 184th globally, placing it among the top institutions in Switzerland [2].
- 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Positioned at 108th worldwide [3].
- 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Global University Rankings: Ranked 114th globally [4].
Source: University of Bern
Popular Disciplines and Academic Characteristics at the University of Bern
The University of Bern offers a diverse range of programmes, including Theology, Law, Business Economics and Social Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Human Sciences [5]. The university places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Below are three particularly popular fields among international students:
Faculty of Medicine
As one of the largest medical faculties in Switzerland, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bern trains nearly 2,500 students in Medicine and Dentistry. The faculty's curriculum is highly focused on practical application and is renowned for its innovative strengths and diverse research themes. A core feature of this programme is its close integration of fundamental research, clinical practice, and engineering sciences, enabling students to flourish in a premier academic environment [6].
Faculty of Science
Comprising five departments, the Faculty of Science includes Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, and Earth Sciences. The faculty is known for its high-quality teaching and internationally recognised research standards, offering comprehensive academic training at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. It has a rich interdisciplinary focus and hosts several National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR) and cross-faculty research collaboration networks, alongside a dedicated graduate school that supports doctoral and professional master’s programmes [7].
Vetsuisse Faculty
The Veterinary Medicine programme at the University of Bern is recognised as one of Europe’s leading veterinary schools. The faculty is committed to enhancing the welfare of animals, humans, and the planet, translating academic knowledge into practical services and training programmes through university veterinary clinics and research institutes. The curriculum not only focuses on animal welfare and health but also drives sustainability through collaboration with related disciplines [8].
Admission Criteria and Requirements for the University of Bern
To successfully gain admission to this prestigious Swiss institution, candidates must meet specific academic and language standards. Given the high entry thresholds for Swiss public universities, it is advisable to carefully review the following application requirements for the University of Bern [9].
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
The admission criteria for Bachelor’s programmes at the University of Bern are rigorous, encompassing the following key points:
- Educational Background: Applicants must possess a secondary school diploma of a general educational nature, indicating the completion of at least 12 years of schooling, with the final three years comprising academic high school coursework.
- Subject Requirements: During the final three years of high school, students must have studied a minimum of six designated academic subjects, including: first language (native language or language of instruction), second language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and one elective subject.
- Students from Hong Kong with results from the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) should note that all six specified subjects must achieve at least Level 3 or higher. Additionally, applicants are generally required to submit proof demonstrating that they possess “qualifications for university entry at a local university in Hong Kong.” If these criteria are not fully met, certain disciplines may require students to pass a “Supplementary Examination” (ECUS) organised by the university, or to complete one to two years of coursework at an accredited university before gaining formal admission.
German Language Proficiency Requirements
Most Bachelor’s programmes at the University of Bern are conducted in German; therefore, non-native German speakers must demonstrate proficiency at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or an equivalent standard. Applicants may submit an accepted German language certificate or choose to take a German test conducted by the university approximately three weeks before the commencement of the autumn semester. The test evaluates proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, requiring C1-level skills with an extensive academic vocabulary to be eligible for enrollment [10].
Source: University of Bern
Application Process and Required Documentation
Having understood the University of Bern’s stringent academic and language requirements, the next step involves preparing the application process. As the review process for Swiss universities can be complex, students are advised to allocate sufficient time to prepare the required documentation and complete the online application systematically to ensure timely submission before the deadline.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
International students (including those from Hong Kong) requiring a student visa must submit their applications by the designated deadlines. Failure to submit all necessary documents by the deadline will result in the application being deemed incomplete and consequently rejected. Therefore, prospective applicants to the University of Bern should prepare their transcripts, graduation certificates, and language qualifications well in advance to prevent missing opportunities [11].
Autumn Semester
- Application opens: Early January each year
- Standard Deadline: 30 April (For restricted disciplines such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or Sports Science, the deadline is 15 February)
- Semester starts: Mid-September
Spring Semester
- Standard Deadline: 15 December
- Note: Most undergraduate programmes do not offer spring admissions; this deadline generally pertains to higher-year transfers or Master’s programmes.
Although the university does have a late application process (typically until 31 August with an additional fee), this is not applicable for students who require a visa. Given that the processing time for Swiss student visas is approximately 8 to 12 weeks, the university strongly advises applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries to complete their applications by 30 April to avoid issues with visa delays that could hinder timely commencement of studies.
Required Application Documents
Some programmes at the University of Bern may have additional application conditions, such as a personal statement, research proposal, letters of recommendation, or interviews, particularly for competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, or certain Business and Social Science courses. Thus, students are encouraged to discuss application strategies with education consultants in advance.
Overview of Tuition Fees at the University of Bern
In comparison to popular study destinations such as the UK and the USA, tuition fees at Swiss public universities are relatively reasonable. The University of Bern’s fee structure is calculated per semester, with specific amounts adjustable based on the student's nationality and residence [12].
- Basic Tuition Fees: The total semester fees for regular students (including the University of Bern’s Student Association (SUB) membership fee) amount to CHF 850.
- International Student Fee: For non-Swiss students who were not residing in Switzerland or Liechtenstein at the time of qualification (which includes the majority of Hong Kong students), an additional fee of CHF 1,700 per semester applies.
- Other Expenses: The aforementioned fees include the SUB membership fee; if a student opts to withdraw from the association, the base fee can be reduced slightly to CHF 784 (plus the international student surcharge). Moreover, students should set aside extra funds for educational materials (such as textbooks, laboratory supplies, etc.), with actual amounts dependent on the chosen disciplines.
Source: University of Bern
Planning Your Studies in Switzerland: Grove Education Can Help You Seize Admission Opportunities at the University of Bern
With its consistently high international ranking, a broad spectrum of disciplines, and ample research resources, the University of Bern is an excellent choice for students aspiring to pursue quality education at a public university in Switzerland. Regardless of the programme that piques your interest, it is essential to review official information ahead of time to ensure your qualifications meet the university’s rigorous admission criteria. If you have further questions regarding the application process for the University of Bern, please consult Grove Education, where we provide comprehensive planning support to facilitate your successful admission to this historic institution.
References:
1. University of Bern - History and mission
2. QS World University Rankings - University of Bern
3. Times Higher Education - University of Bern
4. U.S. News Education - University of Bern
5. University of Bern - Faculties and Institutes
6. University of Bern - Faculty of Medicine
7. University of Bern - The Faculty of Science
8. University of Bern - Vetsuisse Faculty
9. University of Bern - Academic Year 25/26 Admission Requirements
10. University of Bern - German Test at the University of Bern for Admission at Bachelor Level
11. University of Bern - Application for admission to study
12. University of Bern - Tuition fees from fall semester 2026