University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
"A public university in Switzerland's capital city"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#184 (QS)
PSW VISA
6 months
About University of Bern
The University of Bern is a public research university in Bern, the Swiss federal city. It was founded as a university in 1834, with roots in a theological school of 1528. It has about 19,000 students in eight faculties covering theology, law, business and social sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, humanities, human sciences and science. It is known for climate and space research and for its medical school. Bachelor's teaching is mostly in German, and several master's programmes are taught in English.
Rankings & Recognition
#184
Ranked #184 (joint) in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#191 joint in QS 2027).
Accreditations & Memberships
swissuniversities
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with University of Bern's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
38.0#
Employer Reputation
26.0#
Faculty / Student
49.0#
Citations / Faculty
99.3#
Intl. Faculty
100.0#
Intl. Students
52.9#
Intl. Research Network
95.5#
Employment Outcomes
37.2#
Sustainability
68.9#
#
Key Facts
1834
Founded
About 19,000
Total Students
2,259 (QS)
International Students
8
Faculties
#184
QS 2026
Popular Programs
Climate Sciences
International and Monetary Economics
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Biomedical Engineering
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Precision Engineering
Application Details
Application Route
Online + paper documents
Deadline (autumn)
31 May 2027
Deadline (spring)
31 Dec 2026
Application Fee
CHF 155
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
English (Climate Sciences MSc)
|
C1 (CEFR) |
|
German (Law, Psychology, Pharmacy)
|
C1 (CEFR) |
|
GMAT / GRE
|
Some economics and engineering MSc |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
85%
I-20 Processing
D visa + B permit (study)
Post-Study Work
6 months (job-seeking)
Green Card Pathway
Work permit (quota)
Financials
Application Fee
CHF 155
Avg Scholarship
N/A
Career Outcomes
37%
Placement Ratio
6 months
Post-Study Work
15
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff (QS) — 1,173
International Staff — 56%
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
The university is a city university in Bern, with buildings around the main building on the Hochschulstrasse, the vonRoll and Unitobler sites, and the Insel university hospital. Bern's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Campus Details
Sites
across Bern
about
19000 students
Campus Forecast
Warmest (Jul): 13 to 25 C
Coldest (Jan): -3 to 3 C
Climate: Temperate oceanic
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Housing: Student residences and private rental
Dining
Dining: University mensa
Health & Wellness
Health: Mandatory Swiss health insurance (or approved student cover)
Activities & Clubs
University Sports
Student Union (SUB) groups
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students (QS)
11,398
International Students
2,259
Undergraduate
42.7%
Postgraduate
57.3%
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition - international
CHF 950 / semester
Tuition - Swiss / resident
CHF 750 / semester
Semester fee
CHF 34 / semester
Application fee (int. degree)
CHF 155
Intakes & Deadlines
Master's programmes start in the autumn semester (September) and some also in spring (February). Applicants with an international degree apply by 31 May for autumn and 31 December for spring, then post their documents. Medicine, Dental Medicine and Veterinary Medicine have earlier deadlines.
Scholarships at University of Bern
0 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Recognised secondary certificate; German proficiency
Postgraduate
Relevant degree (3+ years); English or German C1 by programme
English Proficiency
English (Climate Sciences MSc)
German (Law, Psychology, Pharmacy)
GMAT / GRE
Some economics and engineering MScRequired Documents
Passport copy
Secondary school leaving certificate (bachelor)
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript (master)
Academic transcripts with grading scale
English (or German / Italian / French) language certificate
CV and motivation letter
Certified translations if not in English, German, French or Italian
Letter of admission (visa)
Proof of sufficient funds (visa)
Swiss health insurance
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme page for entry requirements, language of instruction and the deadline for applicants who need a visa.
2
Apply online
Submit the online application with transcripts, CV, motivation letter and language certificate, and pay the application fee.
3
Receive admission
Wait for the admission decision and the official letter of admission from the institution.
4
Study visa
Non-EU/EFTA applicants apply for a national D visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate with the admission letter and proof of funds.
5
Arrive and register
Register with the local residents office (commune) within 14 days of arrival to receive a B residence permit for study.
6
Enrol and insure
Pay the semester or term fees, complete enrolment and take out Swiss health insurance within 3 months.
Campus & Location
The university is a city university in Bern, with buildings around the main building on the Hochschulstrasse, the vonRoll and Unitobler sites, and the Insel university hospital. Bern's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Master's
4
University of Bern
📍 Bern
Master's
Climate Sciences
University of Bern
📍 Bern
Master's
International and Monetary Economics
University of Bern
📍 Bern
Master's
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
University of Bern
📍 Bern
Master's
Biomedical Engineering
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