Universität Bern

The University of Bern offers top quality across the board: it enjoys special recognition in cutting-edge disciplines, is reputed for the excellent quality of its teaching and offers a delightful setting. The campus environment is intimately linked to the social, economic and political life of the city - the capital of Switzerland.

The university’s comprehensive offering includes eight faculties and some 160 institutes. The university was founded in 1834, however, some of the institutes date back to the sixteenth century. With more than 14,000 students, it is of mid-range size among Swiss universities. Unlike the bigger institutions, it retains a human dimension and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The University of Bern hosts two centers of competence in "climate science". The Bern-based national center of competence, "North South," works on governance and conflict, health and sustainability. Research is also strong in computer science and space research. Theatre studies are based in Bern uniquely. In the humanities, three new focal points in research and teaching were founded in 2008: the center for cultural studies, the center for global studies and the center for the study of language and society. Students in these fields have first class researchers as their teachers.

"Creating your timetable" - some branches of study have a fixed timetable that can be viewed on the institute's website. Many institutes have noticeboards where you can find details on classes and practical exercises for the upcoming or current semester. For others, creating a timetable involes an orientation, planning and decision-making process that can be complicated at the beginning. If you have questions about planning your studies, we recommend that you take a look at the FAQs on your institute's website or contact the academic student advice service.

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  Main Campus

  Bern, Switzerland

  5,000 - 20,000 on Campus

  100,000 - 250,000 residents in Bern

  Language(s) spoken on campus: German

  The city of Bern, founded in 1191, is one of the most splendid examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. UNESCO has placed Bern on its list of World Cultural Heritage sites. The city is safe and attracts young people with its many bars, restaurants and theaters. Einstein developed his theory of relativity while living in Bern, and the largest collection of Paul Klee works is housed in town. The city is green and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing in winter and swimming in the Aare River and various city swimming pools in summer. Bern is the capital of Switzerland and is situated in the center of the country and Europe. Zurich, Basel, Lausanne and the Bernese Swiss Alps are all within an hour by train. Paris and Milan are within a three to four hour journey.

  An event and excursion program for exchange students is available for a low cost. The Student Union, the University Big Band, the choir, the international students club, religious groups, sports teams and many other organizations are open to all students. Sports facilities are excellent and most are free of charge including supervised training in different sports: climbing, skiing, fencing, fitness, swimming, games, dance and martial arts. The University of Bern has modern sports facilities including tennis courts, a swimming pool and interior courts for volleyball, basketball and other team sports. In addition, the sports association schedules trips for hiking, mountain climbing, paragliding and skiing.