About Degree Programmes

With a degree from the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), you are choosing a hands-on university education that enhances your prospects for a successful start to your career and continuing development in your professional field for the long term.

Exchange and Mobility

The FHNW is a participant in the European exchange programme "Swiss European Mobility Programme" (Erasmus+/transitional solution), which supports students in their semesters and internships abroad as part of their studies, and facilitates lecturer exchanges as well as the continuing education of general university staff within the European area. The numerous partnerships of the FHNW with European higher education institutions provide FHNW students with the opportunity to gain international experience and intercultural competence.

"Swiss European Mobility Programme": Following the vote concerning the mass immigration initiative, the EU suspended the negotiations regarding Switzerland's participation in the EU programme Erasmus+. The student exchange will continue for the time being as part of the interim solution "Swiss European Mobility Programme", based on bilateral exchange agreements.

You can find official information from the Swiss Federation in the official notification by the Federal Council. Switzerland's full participation in Erasmus+ is still the Federal Council's objective. The FHNW also offers exchange programmes outside of Europe. The individual FHNW schools can provide you with the details of these.

Students from abroad who are interested in studying at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) should contact the individual schools for further information.

University with children

You can find childcare facilities (nurseries, lunch facilities, emergency childcare, holiday services, etc.) in the FHNW region via the K&F search platform.

Military service, civilian service and civil defence

The FHNW will be happy to help you to coordinate your studies and conscription in the best possible way. Learn more about educational credits, transferring credits and postponement of military or civil defence service here.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) are CHF 700.00. (Exception: FHNW Academy of Music CHF 800.00). These tuition fees apply to all students who have their place of residence in Switzerland or in EU states. For students who have their place of residence outside of Switzerland or the EU, the FHNW schools set the tuition fees.

The registration fee is CHF 200.00.
The diploma fee is CHF 300.00.

Exchange students in the ERASMUS programme pay their tuition fees to the school they are enrolled at.

Schedule of fees of the FHNW (PDF)

The FHNW schools may charge material fees. You can find the schedules of fees for the schools under the relevant degree programme.

Grants and loans

Students' cantons of residency are responsible for grants and interest-free loans. The amounts of the grants and loans and the likelihood of applications being accepted/rejected vary because of the varying cantonal criteria. Grant applications must be made in writing to the cantonal grant office (form available from there). Grants may also be given for periods of study abroad.

Student loans (e.g. via EDUCA SWISS) have to be repaid after completion of your studies, at favourable terms, grants do not.

Further financing possibilities for your studies besides cantonal grants include training allowances from the Swiss Federation or from trusts (generally these do not have to be repaid after completion of studies). In addition, there are some public or private institutions that provide funding in certain cases. The career guidance office can provide a useful overview.

There is no overarching grant system at the FHNW. For further information, please contact the individual schools:

The following grant calculators offer a basic idea of whether or not you can make a grant application:

Grant trusts

Schweizerische Studienstiftung

As a national institution for talent development, Schweizerische Studienstiftung identifies and supports the best students at bachelor's and master's level. The foundation supports excellent students whose personality, creativity and intellectual abilities suggest future accomplishments in science, business, culture and politics. The FHNW is a member of the development association of Schweizerische Studienstiftung and thus supports the development of excellent students at the University of Applied Sciences. If you are interested, please contact studienstiftung.ch.

Other general trusts

More

Study and examination regulations

Appeals

Rulings by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) are reviewed in an internal appeal process and can be challenged with the FHNW Appeals Commission after completion of the appeal process.