Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH, Berner Fachhochschule) was established on 1 October 1997 and is governed by the Canton of Bern.[1] It had 7,959 students on 31 December 2025, eight departments, 33 Bachelor’s and 27 Master’s degree programmes.[1]
From the autumn semester 2026/27 tuition is CHF 850 per semester. International students who came to Switzerland or Liechtenstein to study pay CHF 2,550 (CHF 850 plus a CHF 1,700 supplement), unless an exemption applies.[2] Most courses are taught in German; some programmes offer French or English.[3]
Key facts
| Official name | Berner Fachhochschule (BFH); English: Bern University of Applied Sciences |
| Location | Bern, with sites in Biel, Burgdorf, Magglingen and Zollikofen (26 locations according to Wikipedia)[4] |
| Type | University of applied sciences; governing body: Canton of Bern[1] |
| Founded | 1 October 1997[1] |
| Students | 7,959 on 31 December 2025; around 7,900 in the 2026/27 academic year (about 2% fewer than the year before)[5] |
| Staff | 2,910 employees (1,954 full-time equivalents) on 31 December 2025[1] |
| Departments | Eight (seven cantonal departments and one affiliated university): 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; Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)[6] |
| Degree programmes | 33 Bachelor’s and 27 Master’s programmes[1] |
| Overall world ranking | Not confirmed. We found no QS World University Rankings 2027 position in the sources we read. |
| Tuition from autumn 2026/27 | CHF 850 per semester (Bachelor’s and Master’s)[2] |
| Tuition for international students from autumn 2026/27 | CHF 2,550 per semester (CHF 850 + CHF 1,700 supplement); CHF 1,050 for those who started before autumn 2026[2] |
| Language of teaching | Most courses in German; many programmes also in French and/or English; some Master’s programmes in English[3] |
| Official website | bfh.ch |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 5 November 2026.
About Bern University of Applied Sciences
BFH was established on 1 October 1997; its governing body is the Canton of Bern.[1] It has eight departments: seven cantonal departments and one affiliated university.[1] According to Wikipedia its sites are spread across 26 locations in Bern, Biel, Burgdorf, Magglingen and Zollikofen; the article’s student count is from 2019, so we use BFH’s own figures.[4]
On 31 December 2025 BFH counted 7,959 students and 2,910 employees (1,954 full-time equivalents).[1] For the 2026/27 academic year BFH reports around 7,900 students, about 2% fewer than a year earlier, and some 2,300 new students for the autumn semester, a decline of just under 7%. It names fewer candidates from abroad as one reason.[5]
How is BFH ranked?
We could not confirm a position for BFH in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and none of the BFH or Wikipedia pages we read lists a ranking. We therefore show no rank; the earlier table entry “Not ranked individually” is not something we could source either.
Rankings differ by publisher and year. How we compile rankings.
What can you study at BFH?
BFH offers 33 Bachelor’s and 27 Master’s degree programmes.[1] They are grouped in eight departments:[6]
- 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
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)
All degree programmes are modular. A Bachelor’s can be studied full time (generally three years) or part time (eight to twelve semesters over at least four years); Master’s programmes usually take one and a half to two years full time, and some can be part time.[7]
How much does BFH cost per semester?
| Item (from autumn 2026/27) | Amount (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Tuition per semester, Bachelor’s and Master’s | 850 |
| Tuition per semester, international students | 2,550 (850 + 1,700 supplement) |
| International students who started before autumn 2026 | 1,050 per semester |
| Examination fee per semester | 80 |
| Social, cultural and sports fee per semester | 24 |
| Students’ Association (VSBFH) per semester | 15 |
| Registration fee per application | 150 |
These amounts come from BFH’s fees factsheet (version 02/2026, valid from the autumn semester 2026/27).[2] The Canton of Bern decided on 19 November 2025 to raise the fees: from CHF 750 to CHF 850 for everyone, and for international students from CHF 950 to CHF 2,550. BFH’s news item was published on 24 November 2025 and updated on 29 January 2026.[8] On request the CHF 2,550 can be paid in three instalments of CHF 850.[2]
Who pays the supplement?
BFH’s FAQ defines international students as people with foreign nationality who hold a residence permit for study purposes and whose parents do not live in Switzerland or Liechtenstein; the status at the start of the programme counts.[9] The CHF 1,700 supplement does not apply if a Swiss canton or Liechtenstein contributes to the study costs, or if your main residence was in Switzerland or Liechtenstein when you obtained your entrance qualification for Bachelor’s-level study.[2] Refugees assigned to a canton pay CHF 850.[9] Switching programme, including from Bachelor’s to Master’s, triggers a new assessment, so the CHF 2,550 applies then.[9]
Other costs
There is an additional flat-rate fee for equipment that varies by programme, plus costs for course material and literature.[2] Proof of financial means for EU/EFTA full-degree students is CHF 1,500 per month, and a residence permit costs about CHF 100 (EU/EFTA) or CHF 270 (non-EU/EFTA).[3] For living costs see our Switzerland guide and the Study in Switzerland guide. The earlier table entry of CHF 1,500 is not a fee BFH lists; for new international students the figure is CHF 2,550 per semester, so about CHF 5,100 for two semesters (our calculation).
How do you apply to BFH?
Registration details are on the page of each degree programme. BFH’s Student Administration handles admission, the aptitude test and registration. The registration fee is CHF 150 per application, plus CHF 10 if you pay by invoice.[7] Full-degree applicants from abroad need confirmation of admission to BFH and submit a personal application with the registration documents listed for their residence.[3]
Foreign students must register with the municipal immigration authority within 14 days of arrival and before starting. Non-EU/EFTA students staying more than 90 days need a Type D national visa applied for before entry.[3] Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland.[3]
The BFH pages we read do not state entry requirements for Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes, so use the programme page. We give no deadlines here because they change each year.
Which language level do you need?
Most courses are taught in German. Many programmes also offer French and/or English, and some individual Master’s programmes are taught in English. You must be proficient in the study language to be admitted.[3] The page we read gives no required CEFR level; check your programme. BFH offers German courses from level A1 with the University of Bern’s language unit, and your level is assessed when you register.[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are BFH tuition fees for international students?
From the autumn semester 2026/27, CHF 2,550 per semester (CHF 850 plus a CHF 1,700 supplement). Students who started before autumn 2026 pay CHF 1,050. Exemptions exist, for example if a canton contributes to the study costs.[2]
How much did BFH fees rise in 2026?
From CHF 750 to CHF 850 per semester for everyone, and for international students from CHF 950 to CHF 2,550.[8]
In which language are BFH programmes taught?
Mostly German; many programmes also offer French and/or English, and some Master’s programmes are taught in English.[3]
How many students does BFH have?
Is BFH a university?
It is a university of applied sciences governed by the Canton of Bern, with 33 Bachelor’s and 27 Master’s programmes.[1]
More about studying in Switzerland
- Switzerland: best universities
- Study in Switzerland: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Switzerland
- EPFL
- ETH Zurich
- FHNW
- Franklin Switzerland
- Geneva Graduate Institute
- HES-SO
- IMD Business School
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Fribourg
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Lucerne
- University of Neuchâtel
- University of St.Gallen (HSG)
- University of Zurich
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)
Sources
[1] BFH: The BFH in figures (figures as of 31 Dec 2025 (Annual Report 2025); page without a date)
[2] BFH: Fees factsheet for BFH students (2026/2027) (version 02/2026, valid from autumn semester 2026/27)
[3] BFH: Students from abroad (page without a date; footer 2026)
[4] Wikipedia: Bern University of Applied Sciences (locations; the article was last edited June 2026 but its student figures are from 2019)
[5] BFH: BFH enters new academic year with around 7,900 students (press release of 14 Sep 2026)
[6] BFH: Facts and figures (schools) (page without a date)
[7] BFH: Study at BFH (page without a date)
[8] BFH: The Canton of Bern increases university tuition fees (published 24 Nov 2025, updated 29 Jan 2026)
[9] BFH: FAQ on the increase in tuition fees (page without a date; refers to the cantonal decision of 19 Nov 2025)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.