When considering a subject with strong real-world applications and broad career pathways, Switzerland’s universities of applied sciences (UASs) offer practice-oriented study across many fields. These institutions help connect academic knowledge with professional skills through laboratories, applied research, industry projects, and other forms of practical experience.
Switzerland also offers beautiful cities, a well-developed higher education system, a wide range of universities, and close links between education and industry. Check out these top universities of applied sciences in Switzerland.
Top Universities of Applied Sciences in Switzerland
| INSTITUTION NAME | SELECTED PROGRAM AREAS |
|---|
| ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences | Engineering, Business Administration, and Social Work |
| Bern University of Applied Sciences | Agriculture, Business Administration, and Computer Science |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland | Business Administration, Computer Science, and Architecture |
| Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts | Civil Engineering, Banking and Finance, and Business Administration |
| HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland | Engineering and Architecture, Business and Management, and Health Sciences |
1. ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences operates in Winterthur, Zurich, and Wädenswil. The university comprises eight schools covering fields such as engineering, management and law, health sciences, applied psychology, and social work.
ZHAW combines academic study with practical application and collaboration with professional partners. Its degree offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Business Administration, offered through the School of Engineering and the School of Management and Law, respectively.
2. Bern University of Applied Sciences
Bern University of Applied Sciences, known in German as Berner Fachhochschule or BFH, has eight departments and locations that include Bern, Biel/Bienne, Burgdorf, and Zollikofen. Its languages of instruction are German, French, and, for some programs, English.
BFH offers bachelor’s and master’s programs across a broad range of disciplines. Undergraduate examples include the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor’s Degree Program in Food Science and Management, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. These are separate degree programs rather than a single combined Agriculture and Food Science degree.
3. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
With a practice-oriented and interdisciplinary approach, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland equips students to apply academic knowledge to professional and societal challenges.
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, or FHNW, comprises ten schools. They include the schools of Business, Computer Science, Engineering and Environment, Life Sciences, and Architecture, Construction and Geomatics. Its degree offerings include bachelor’s programs in business administration and architecture, as well as bachelor’s and master’s programs in computer science, architecture, construction, and related fields.
FHNW’s tuition fees vary according to a student’s citizenship and domicile. Under the fee rules, semester tuition is CHF 750 for Swiss citizens and students domiciled in Switzerland, CHF 1,000 for students domiciled in EU or EFTA countries, and generally at least CHF 5,000 for students domiciled outside Switzerland and the EU or EFTA. A separate CHF 1,250 rate applies to Art and Music programs for the latter group.
4. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, or Hochschule Luzern, offers practice-oriented bachelor’s and master’s programs. Its schools cover Engineering and Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Social Work, Design, Film and Art, Music, and Health Sciences.
Examples of its degree offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and the Master of Science in Banking and Finance. The university also offers a Master of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Civil Engineering through its School of Engineering and Architecture.
5. HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland
HES-SO is a network of 28 schools distributed across seven cantons in Western Switzerland. It enrolls more than 21,000 students and offers programs in six principal fields: Art and Design; Business, Management and Services; Engineering and Architecture; Music and Performing Arts; Health Sciences; and Social Work.
HES-SO provides official information about study costs, grants, and student loans. Financial assistance is not guaranteed, and eligibility depends on the relevant canton or funding authority and each student’s circumstances..
With institutions such as SUPSI, HSLU, BFH, and the other universities on this list, international students can explore a wide range of professionally oriented study options in Switzerland.
We hope this article on the best universities of applied sciences in Switzerland has helped you narrow down your study options. For more information about studying abroad, visit the Switzerland Page and explore Available Courses in Europe for International Students.
