BUAS delivers Swiss education’s excellence at prices students can afford. The university started in 1997 and now offers 70 degree programs through eight departments. A vibrant community of 6,999 students creates an environment that blends academic excellence with real industry experience.
Want to discover budget-friendly programs that could launch your career in Switzerland? Let’s explore the 9 most affordable programs at Bern University of Applied Sciences for 2025.
Business Administration Program
The Business Administration program at Bern University of Applied Sciences gives you a complete understanding of entrepreneurial, social, political, and technological challenges in today’s business world.
Bern University of Applied Sciences Curriculum
Students earn specific ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits through a modular structure. One ECTS credit corresponds to a 30-hour workload. The curriculum has these key areas:
- Accounting & Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Business Information Systems
Students can shape their individual profiles through elective and optional modules based on their interests and career goals.
Program Fees and Financial Aid
Students pay competitive tuition rates that vary between national and international students:
- National students: CHF 750 per semester
- International students: CHF 950 per semester (includes additional CHF 200 fee)
Domestic students pay total semester costs of CHF 964 while international students pay CHF 1,164. These fees cover application, tuition, examination costs, course materials, and excursions.
Duration and Schedule
Students can choose between two study options that fit their lifestyle:
Full-time Study:
- Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
- Schedule: Monday to Friday lectures
- Workload: Equivalent to a full-time job
Part-time Study:
- Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
- Schedule: First three semesters – Monday and Tuesday full day
- Later semesters: Approximately 2 days per week
- Work possibility: 50-60% employment during studies
Job Opportunities
A Business Administration degree opens doors to exciting careers in organizations of all sizes. Graduates often work in:
- Regional and national organizations
- International corporations
- Banking institutions
- Insurance groups
- Trust companies
- Management consultancies
- Start-ups
- Public administration at municipal, cantonal, or federal levels
The program is combines theory and practice to solve real-life business problems. This method creates a strong foundation for career growth in private businesses and public administrations. Graduates earn some of the highest starting salaries in the field and can advance to top management positions.
The university’s job portal helps students find current job listings, internship opportunities, and career-related events. Students can also get career guidance at the Bern Graduate Fair to make informed decisions about their future.
Engineering and Technology Studies
Bern University of Applied Sciences is stands as Switzerland’s top choice for technical education. The institution runs extensive engineering and technology programs in many disciplines. The university distinguishes itself through its cooperative master’s program that operates with eight public universities.
Course Structure at BFH
The engineering department provides specialized programs in:
- Industrial Engineering and Management Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Precision Engineering
- Wood Technology
Students can choose from 14 distinct specializations in the Master of Science in Engineering program to customize their education path. To research the units and industry partners work with students to ensure their studies remain practical.
Key specializations include:
- Computer Science: Students can develop state-of-the-art ICT systems
- Data Science: Students is creating evidence-based intelligent applications
- Electrical Engineering: Students shape innovations in the digital world
- Mechatronics and Automation: Students support resource-efficient manufacturing
Tuition and Living Costs
The program keeps fees affordable:
- Semester fees: CHF 750 for domestic students
- International student fees: CHF 950 per semester
Monthly living expenses in Bern break down to:
- Accommodation: CHF 620-800
- Health insurance: CHF 180-400
- Food and household items: CHF 400-500
- Public transport: CHF 100
- Course materials: CHF 100
- Miscellaneous expenses: CHF 100-300
The total living costs is naturally range from CHF 1,500-2,200 monthly. Students in Geneva and Zurich should expect higher costs, usually above CHF 1,700 per month.
Entry Requirements
Programs have different admission criteria based on level and background:
Bachelor’s Programs:
- Completed vocational training in construction industry with Swiss vocational training higher national certificate
- Higher secondary school certificate
- Technical college training
- Personal interview for equivalent foreign qualifications
Master’s Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- One-year professional experience for specific programs
- Portfolio submission depending on specialization
Students gain practical experience through:
- Project-based learning
- Industry partnerships
- Research integration
- Six-month internship opportunities
The engineering programs is maintain strong ties with leading national and international research institutions. Graduates benefit from valuable networks and excellent career prospects in research and industry. The university’s steadfast dedication to applied research and development matches market and employer needs perfectly.
Life Sciences and Health Program
The Master of Science in Life Sciences at Bern University of Applied Sciences uses advanced developments where food science meets nutrition. Students become experts who connect what consumers need with what’s technically possible.
Program Overview
The program builds on proven methods and gives you the skills you need throughout the value chain. The main courses include:
- Food Quality and Safety from Farm to Fork
- Food Regulation and Consumer Perception
- Technology meets Nutrition
- Bioactive Food Ingredients
- Public Health Nutrition
Students get direct exposure to food and nutrition industries through guest lectures, excursions, and case studies. The program is flexible with full-time and part-time options. You can finish the degree in 3 semesters as a full-time student, or take 4-6 semesters part-time.
Fee Structure at BUAS
Here’s what you’ll pay each semester:
Semester Costs:
- Application fee: CHF 100
- Matriculation fee: CHF 100
- Tuition for domestic students: CHF 750
- Tuition for international students: CHF 950
- Examination fee: CHF 80
- Social and cultural services: CHF 24
- Student association membership: CHF 15
Career Prospects
Our graduates work in a variety of sectors:
- Product development and research in food industry
- Public and private research institutions
- Specialty food producers
- Nutritional advisory services for retail chains
- NGOs and charities focused on nutrition
- International organizations
- Public administration
- Independent consultancy practices
The program’s mix of disciplines prepares you for research and management roles in Swiss and multinational food companies.
Admission Process
You’ll need these qualifications to join the program:
Academic Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or Nutrition and Dietetics from a Swiss university with minimum 5.0 grade
- We’ll review equivalent education and professional experience case-by-case
- English proficiency at B2 level or higher on European Language Portfolio
The Head of Degree Program is reviews each application based on education and work experience. While classes are taught in English, you can write your master’s thesis in German, French, or if requested, in Italian or Spanish.
The program’s partnership with four Swiss universities of applied sciences gives students access to expert knowledge and industry connections. This all-encompassing approach will give a graduate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to tackle today’s challenges in food production and human nutrition.
Wood Technology and Management
The Wood Technology program at Bern University of Applied Sciences leads sustainable resource utilization. This program builds on decades of experience in natural resource management. Students learn innovative approaches to wood science and technology that prepare them for the timber industry’s needs.
Course Components
The curriculum combines hands-on training with theoretical knowledge. Core modules cover:
- Leadership and Communication
- Fiber-Reinforced Composites
- Wood-Based Panels Theory and Laboratory
- Bio-based Polymers and Adhesives
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Advanced Wood Processing
Students is work in laboratories to study wood anatomy, physical analysis, and surface treatment. The program provides specialized training in LED UV systems and polymer development for blue-light hardening applications.
Research into bio-based resins for building materials makes this program unique. Students tackle innovative projects like developing HMF-based resins and studying bark extracts from European species to produce fire-resistant insulating materials.
Study Costs
The program offers competitive fees for domestic and international students:
- National students: CHF 1,500
- International students: CHF 1,900
Living expenses in Bern cost between CHF 1,655 and CHF 2,130 monthly, including:
- Accommodation
- Public transportation
- Utilities
- Books
- Groceries
Industry Connections
The program inspires strong partnerships with Switzerland’s leading companies, which brings many benefits:
Students access advanced facilities, including:
- Digitally networked CNC machines and robots
- Testing equipment for façade elements
- Furniture testing laboratories
- Construction elements analysis tools
- Load-bearing structures assessment facilities
The program maintains industry connections through:
- Active research projects
- Technology Park collaborations
- Internship opportunities
- Industry-sponsored workshops
Students learn to handle key challenges in the wood industry through specialized training in:
- Product development processes
- Material sciences
- Bonding technology
- Advanced testing methodologies
The program exposes students to advanced technologies in:
- Linear friction welding of wood
- Surface modification techniques
- Development of synthetic and natural adhesives
- Chemical analysis of organic materials
Students work on eco-friendly solutions such as:
- Low-emission materials
- Odor-free furnishings
- Thermal insulation technologies
- Biocide removal procedures for cultural assets
Arts and Conservation Studies
Bern University of Applied Sciences runs a trailblazing Conservation-Restoration program that helps preserve cultural heritage. Students can earn a specialized master’s degree that teaches them to protect valuable artifacts using multiple disciplines.
Program Details
The master’s curriculum blends hands-on expertise with theoretical knowledge through:
- Extended practical units in specialized studios
- Week-long thematic block modules
- Independent research projects
- Hands-on experience in workshops and laboratories
Students choose one of four major specializations that make up most of their studies. The program structure promotes shared learning with art historians, cultural scientists, and technicians to create proper conservation recommendations for cultural artifacts.
This program gives students specialized training in:
- Documentation of installations and kinetic art
- Preservation of code-based and software-based art
- Analysis of synthetic materials
- Conservation treatments for modern materials
Tuition Breakdown
The program has two different fee structures:
Annual Tuition:
- International students: CHF 1,900 per year
- National students: CHF 1,500 per year
Living expenses in Bern typically range between CHF 1,655 and CHF 2,130 monthly, which covers:
- Accommodation
- Public transportation
- Utilities
- Books
- Basic necessities
Future Opportunities
A Master of Arts in Conservation-Restoration opens doors to many professional roles that meet European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers’ Organizations (E.C.C.O.) standards. Career paths include:
Institutional Positions:
- State museums and galleries
- Church preservation projects
- Communal heritage sites
- Private conservation facilities
- Research institutions
Specialized Services:
- Technological documentation
- Collection management
- Archive preservation
- Exhibition consulting
- Project planning
Students benefit from mutually beneficial alliances through the Swiss Conservation Restoration Campus, with access to extra facilities in Riggisberg, Mendrisio, and Neuchâtel. This network helps students by:
Students learn diverse conservation techniques at multiple institutions. They get access to specialized equipment and expertise. Research projects often involve collaboration between institutions.
The curriculum matches current industry standards and tackles new challenges in preservation science. Students become skilled at preventive conservation measures, documentation methods, and ethical restoration practices. Graduates leave ready to solve complex conservation challenges in cultural heritage settings of all types.
Biomedical Sciences Program
The Biomedical Sciences program at Bern University of Applied Sciences creates a vital link between scientific research and medical practice. Students prepare for careers in state-of-the-art biomedical research without taking on direct patient care duties.
Curriculum Structure
The program takes a systematic approach by blending natural sciences with medical education. Students start with basic sciences before they tackle intensive medical coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. The curriculum covers:
- Clinical immunology fundamentals
- Advanced tumor biology concepts
- Pharmacological principles
- Pathogenesis of infectious diseases
The first year lets students get into clinical-pathophysiological mechanisms of key organ systems:
- Heart and lungs
- Liver function
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Blood composition
- Connective tissue systems
Research methodology training builds skills in scientific writing, advanced imaging techniques, and statistical analysis. A standout feature is the specialized course in Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics Modeling taught by industry experts.
Program Expenses
Student fees vary based on origin:
Annual Tuition:
- International students: CHF 1,900
- Domestic students: CHF 1,500
Living costs in Bern range from CHF 1,655 to CHF 2,130 monthly. These expenses cover:
- Accommodation
- Public transportation
- Course materials
- Daily necessities
Career Paths
Graduates find opportunities in many sectors. Their mix of theoretical knowledge and practical research experience leads to:
Research Positions:
- Academic research institutions
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Clinical research organizations
- Biomedical laboratories
Many graduates also excel in:
- Health economics
- Healthcare administration
- Scientific journalism
- Industrial pharmaceutical research
A three-week laboratory internship sets this program apart. Students work alongside research teams at both the University of Bern and the University of Fribourg to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.
Students spend their final six months on an intensive master’s thesis project and contribute to ongoing research initiatives. This practical experience combined with detailed theoretical training prepares them exceptionally well for doctoral studies or immediate entry into the biomedical research sector.
Strong connections with pharmaceutical industries and research institutions boost graduate employment prospects. Students access advanced laboratory facilities and research methods to stay current with industry developments.
Engineering Specialization Studies
Bern University of Applied Sciences and the University of Bern have joined forces to create a cutting-edge Master’s program in Precision Engineering. Students can choose between two specialized paths: Advanced Optical Engineering and Advanced Ultraprecision Engineering.
Course Overview
Students pick their specialization path during their second and third semesters. The Creative Engineering Lab stands out as a key feature where students turn theory into real-life solutions through projects with industry partners.
The program gives you:
- Detailed precision engineering knowledge
- Scientific research methodologies
- Professional qualification training
- Practical application skills
The Creative Engineering Lab I & II helps students build practical expertise through:
- Novel design projects
- Team-based implementations
- Industrial collaborations
- Product development cycles
Your master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits) needs:
- Written documentation
- Public oral presentation (20-30 minutes)
- Questions and answers session
- Six-month completion timeline
Cost Analysis
Here’s a clear breakdown of the fees:
Per Semester Costs:
- Application fee: CHF 100
- Matriculation: CHF 100
- Regular tuition: CHF 750
- International student tuition: CHF 950
- Examination fee: CHF 80
- Social and cultural services: CHF 24
- Student association membership: CHF 15
You’ll need to budget for:
- Course materials
- Excursion costs
- Laboratory equipment usage
- Project implementation resources
Financial help comes from:
- Hirschmann grants
- BFH Burgdorf Foundation
- Stiftung Kaderschulung Holztechnik
- Various loan opportunities
Professional Prospects
Strong ties with leading research institutions worldwide open many career paths. Our graduates excel in:
Industry Positions:
- Research and development
- Product design
- Manufacturing optimization
- Quality assurance
- Technical management
Research Opportunities:
- Academic institutions
- Research laboratories
- Innovation centers
- Doctoral programs
Graduates leave the program with:
- Multidisciplinary work experience
- Communication skill development
- Project implementation expertise
- Management capabilities
The Creative Engineering Lab mirrors real-life scenarios and builds student confidence in:
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Technical implementation
- Industry collaboration
Mandatory complementary skills courses in the second and third semesters prepare students for:
- Academic careers
- Industrial positions
- Entrepreneurial ventures
Strong partnerships with leading national and international institutions give graduates access to valuable professional networks. This creates excellent career prospects in both research and industry.
Healthcare Management Program
Bern University of Applied Sciences offers a Healthcare Management program that shapes future healthcare leaders through specialized education. This program helps professionals meet the needs of transnational healthcare services. Students learn to understand different health systems and work with various healthcare management cultures.
Program Features
The modular curriculum blends theory with real-life scenarios. Students become skilled at:
- Complex management challenges in healthcare settings
- Business administration methods tailored to healthcare
- Financial management and tariff structures
- Supply chain and quality management
- Personnel management and labor law principles
Students benefit from partnerships with the University of Bayreuth (Germany) and Edge Hill University (UK). These alliances help students learn different views of healthcare management.
Fee Details
The program offers competitive pricing:
Core Program Costs:
- Total course fee: EUR 9,900
- Course materials included
- Lunch and refreshments during teaching days
- Additional costs for accommodation and travel
The CAS Business Administration in Healthcare includes:
- Program fee: CHF 8,500
- All compulsory literature included
- Examination costs covered
- Course materials provided
Industry Applications
The program serves professionals in healthcare sectors of all sizes:
Target Positions:
- Middle and senior management roles
- Healthcare industry leadership
- Insurance sector management
- Governmental organization positions
- International healthcare projects
Graduates excel in:
- Strategic positioning of healthcare facilities
- Organizational development
- Forward-looking hospital strategies
- Outpatient service optimization
- Resource management
Special modules in Healthcare Data Ecosystems Management and Lean Healthcare Management set this program apart. Students gain experience through:
They work on hands-on projects with healthcare organizations. They learn about international healthcare systems through cross-border cooperation. Industry experts share knowledge through guest lectures and workshops.
Applicants need an undergraduate university degree and significant professional experience in healthcare or allied health professions. The program welcomes professionals who work across borders or hold international positions.
Students learn healthcare economics, applied statistics, and research methods. This knowledge prepares graduates to excel in:
- Hospital administration
- Insurance companies
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Health authorities
- Medical practices
- Care facilities
Performing Arts Studies
The Institute of Theater Studies at Bern University of Applied Sciences fosters a versatile academic approach to performing arts education. The detailed program structure helps students learn about historical, esthetic, and theoretical aspects of theatrical and performative phenomena.
Course Highlights
The degree program teaches specialist knowledge in a variety of cultural phenomena. The main focus areas are:
- Theater and dance performances
- Dramatic and choreographic practices
- Cultural and historical movements
- Contemporary theatrical creation
Students experience a unique blend of practical examination and theoretical discourse. They study European theater and dance history along with contemporary theater creation from both regional and global views. The program excels through its inter-disciplinary research practice that continues through all study stages.
Tuition Information
Student categories determine different fee structures:
CAS Program Costs:
- CHF 7,900 for CAS Vermittlung and CAS Performative Künste
- CHF 6,200 for MAS program components
The full fee package includes:
- Study materials
- Mentoring services
- Break refreshments
- Matriculation charges
- Course documentation
Students can pay in installments, making the program available to different student groups.
Career Development
Students get ready for diverse career paths through hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. Professional paths include:
Graduates can work at municipal theater institutions as company members. They can become freelance theater practitioners and dancers with artistic independence. On top of that, they can take roles as choreographers and stage directors to lead creative projects.
The program’s networking strength comes from:
- Connections with many guest lecturers
- International collaborations
- Professional field connections
Mandatory internships at cultural institutions are a great way to get professional development. This practical experience helps students:
- Apply their study skills
- Build professional networks
- Learn about the industry
Strategic collaborations with cultural institutions give students valuable work experience. These connections help students develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing them for successful careers in performing arts.
Comparison Table
Program Name | Annual Tuition (International) | Program Structure | Key Focus Areas | Career Opportunities |
Business Administration | CHF 1,900 | 3 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time) | Accounting & Finance, Management, Marketing, Business Information Systems | Corporate roles in regional and international companies, banking, insurance, consulting and public administration |
Engineering and Technology | CHF 1,900 | Multiple specializations available | Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation | Positions in research institutions, industry roles, technical management |
Life Sciences and Health | CHF 1,900 | 3 semesters (full-time) or 4-6 semesters (part-time) | Food Quality & Safety, Food Regulation, Bioactive Ingredients, Public Health Nutrition | Roles in product development, research institutions, nutritional advisory services and NGOs |
Wood Technology and Management | CHF 1,900 | Not mentioned | Leadership, Fiber-Reinforced Composites, Bio-based Polymers, Building Information Modeling | Leadership roles in industry, research positions and technology development |
Arts and Conservation | CHF 1,900 | Not mentioned | Documentation, Preservation, Analysis of Materials, Conservation Treatments | Positions at museums, galleries, church preservation projects and private conservation facilities |
Biomedical Sciences | CHF 1,900 | Not mentioned | Clinical Immunology, Tumor Biology, Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases | Opportunities in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare administration |
Engineering Specialization | CHF 1,900 | Not mentioned | Advanced Optical Engineering, Advanced Ultraprecision Engineering, Creative Engineering | Positions in R&D, product design, manufacturing optimization and technical management |
Healthcare Management | EUR 9,900 | Not mentioned | Complex Management, Business Administration, Financial Management, Supply Chain | Roles in healthcare facility management, insurance sector and governmental organizations |
Performing Arts | CHF 7,900 (CAS Program) | Not mentioned | Theater and Dance Performance, Dramatic Practices, Cultural Movements | Opportunities in theater institutions, freelance work, choreography and stage direction |
Conclusion
Bern University of Applied Sciences provides an affordable path to Swiss higher education. The university features nine detailed programs that blend academic excellence with real-world industry experience. From Business Administration to Performing Arts, students get high-quality education at competitive tuition fees that matches what industries need.
The programs offer distinct benefits through specialized training facilities and hands-on learning opportunities. Students work in modern laboratories and participate in research projects. They also gain valuable experience through internship programs that combine practical skills with classroom knowledge.
BUAS graduates build successful careers in companies of all sizes. Business students typically land jobs in multinational corporations. Engineering graduates thrive in research and development roles. Healthcare Management professionals rise to leadership positions. Arts and Conservation students help preserve cultural heritage.
BUAS programs focus on developing real-world skills through industry projects. This ensures graduates have what employers need. The combination of practical training and reasonable tuition rates makes BUAS a smart choice for students who want quality Swiss education at an affordable price.
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