The aim of full association from 2027 represents a quantum leap for the FHNW
Crucial months lie ahead for Swiss European policy: as part of the overall Switzerland–EU package, the Swiss Council of States and National Council are currently debating future relations between Switzerland and the EU. The funding decision on the country’s re-association with Erasmus+ is due to be taken as early as December.
A look back: How did the current ‘third-party country’ status come about?
In 2014, following the referendum on the mass immigration initiative, Switzerland was excluded from the Erasmus programme by the EU. Since then, it has been regarded as a so-called ‘third-party country’, in the same way as the United Kingdom for example.
To ensure that exchanges with European partner universities could still take place, the federal government stepped in with its own solution: the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP). Whilst this interim solution continues to guarantee the mobility of students and staff, it has one major drawback: Switzerland acts as a ‘silent partner’: Swiss universities can usually only participate in European cooperation projects, but cannot take on project leadership roles or initiate European projects themselves, and are excluded from many EU funding opportunities.
Looking to the future: from follower to equal partner
A return to Erasmus+ from 2027 is far more than an administrative system change. It brings clear benefits for teaching, research and organisation:
- Genuine equality & visibility: Switzerland is back at the table as an equal partner. Swiss teams can develop their own European innovation and pilot projects, lead consortia and thus increase their international visibility enormously.
- New mobility formats: In addition to traditional semester-long exchanges, Erasmus+ opens the door to more flexible formats (e.g. short intensive programmes and blended learning) and a broader range of target groups.
- A different funding model: Access to the €26.2 billion EU programme funds opens up new and broader finance opportunities for universities.
- Engaging with future-oriented topics: The FHNW regains full access to European networks, tools and working groups (such as those focusing on the digitalisation of learning environments or micro-credentials).
A look behind the scenes: Intensive preparations in the International Offices
To ensure that everything runs smoothly for the planned full association from the 2027/28 academic year onwards, a mammoth project is already underway behind the scenes: In parallel with regular SEMP operations, the International Office is preparing the new system. All bilateral partnership agreements must be renegotiated across Europe, and the entire administration is being migrated to, and accredited under, the EU’s digital systems.
For students and staff, the existing system remains the basis for mobility until official access. For now, all study periods abroad and collaborative projects will continue to be managed and funded via the existing Swiss system (SEMP).
Further information
The International Office at the FHNW School of Life Sciences is closely monitoring developments and preparing for possible re-association. We are happy to help with any enquiries regarding current exchange opportunities and future projects.
