1 Video,
University of Bern: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
3 Scholarships for studying in Switzerland- Estd. 1834
Last updated on 3 Mar '26University of BernWhat's new?
- The University of Bern application deadline for Bachelor's and Master's Non-Medical study programs is Apr 30, 2026
- ETH Zurich and the University of Bern lead a new centre of Competence in Research. The researchers from the Uni of Bern are also involved in the NCCR Genesis, which shall investigate the origin of life and possibility of life in universe.
About University of Bern
Located in Bern, Switzerland, the University of Bern, is a public research university, founded in 1834. It is financed and regulated by the Canton of Bern. In terms of academics, there are 8 faculties at the University of Bern. As of 2025, the total number of students enrolled at the University of Bern was 19,741. Out of this, 4,200+ students are foreign nationals. Also Check: Top 10 Reasons to Study in Switzerland
The student enrollment makes the University of Bern the third largest university in Switzerland. The University of Bern acceptance rate is around 20%, making it a very selective university. Notable faculty members are associated with the Uni of Bern. Albert Einstein taught Theoretical Physics and Anna Tumarkin became the Russian Philosopher.
University of Bern Information
Bern University conducts cutting-edge research. The focus areas of research the Uni of Bern are Matter and the Universe, Sustainability, Intercultural Knowledge, Health and Medicine, and Politics and Administration. A few of the facts about the University of Bern are given below-
|
University of Bern |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Established |
1834 |
|
Location |
Hochschulstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland |
|
Founded by |
Government of Bern |
|
Also known as |
UniBE |
|
Acceptance rate |
Around 20% |
|
Popular Streams of Studies |
Business & Managerment, IT & Software, Engineering, Humanities & Social Sciences |
|
Total Students |
19,741 |
| Faculties |
|
|
Total no. of UG students |
8,014 |
|
Total no. of PG students |
5,213 |
|
Notable Alumni |
Emil Theodor Kocher, Christa Rigozzi, Kurt Wuthrich, Walter Benjamin & John le Carre |
History
Though UniBE formally came to be known as a university in 1834, its history can be traced back almost 200 years to its official establishment, when the Reformation forced the creation of a higher education institution, i.e. the University of Bern. The Bern government converted what was previously a School of Theology into an Academy comprising of four faculties. The institute educated ministers, lawyers & physicians along with the priests.
Want to know more about the University of Bern? Then check out its latest annual report: University of Bern Annual Report
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
University of Bern admission requirements for international students comprise of proof of proficiency in the English language as a major entry requirements. University of Bern accepts IELTS/TOEFL scores as a proof of proficiency in the language and students can refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:
| English Proficiency Exam | Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
6.0 or higher | |
92 or higher |
Note: Applicants must submit their English language exam score no later than Feb 15, 2024 for the Fall semester and Aug 31, 2024 for the Spring semester.
The University of Bern acceptance rate is around 20%. Indian students who want to take admission to this university should have a good academic record. For admission to the Uni of Bern UG courses, Indian students are required to have completed an upper secondary school qualification. Those who want to take admission to the PG courses of Bern University, a Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline is required.
To get admission to the University of Bern, the applicants are required to meet the entry requirements for bachelor’s or master’s programs. Given below are the University of Bern requirements for international students.
- Bachelor’s program: The applicants are required to have a high-school leaving certificate or degree. For Indian students, 1st university degree is required
- Master’s program: To be admitted into the master’s degree, the applicants are required to have an international university degree (bachelor's) in an academic degree programme that is of 3 years duration
- Doctoral program: The applicants are required to have a master’s degree or equivalent
Also, to study at the University of Bern, meet the language requirements too.
Also Check: Criteria you must know to Study in Switzerland
No, studies at Bern University are not free, however, they are very much affordable. Bern being a public institution charges tuition costs than some other private universities in Switzerland.
The per semester tuition fee is CHF 750 (INR 81 K approx), while internatonal students are also required to pay an additional per semester fee worth CHF 200 (INR 21.5 K), which still keeps the overall per semester fees under CHF 1,000.
Conversion rate: 1 CHF = INR 107.87
University of Bern Ranking 2026
University of Bern is one of the finest universities for higher education in the Switzerland. When it comes to University of Bern rankings, it is one of the top ranked universities worldwide. In the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2026, University of Bern has an overall ranking of #6 in the Switzerland and #114 in the world. Shiksha Popularity Rankings also ranked University of Bern courses that are listed below-
| University of Bern Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (Country) |
|---|---|---|
| LL.M. | #286 | #6 |
| MSN | #284 | #5 |
| M.A. | #208 | #5 |
| MFA | #98 | #2 |
| Others PG | #96 | #3 |
| MS | #252 | #4 |
| MIM | #467 | #10 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. It ranks University of Oulu at #342 in 2026. University of Oulu ranking stood at #392 as per US News in 2025 and #251 by THE in 2026, globally.
Also Check: Top 10 Universities in Switzerland
#114
#6
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
University of Bern is not just one of the best universities in Switzerland, but also a part of the top 150 global universities. Refer to the table below for University of Bern rankings:
| Ranking Body, Category & Year | University of Bern Rankings |
|---|---|
| QS Rankings - Best Global Universities 2024 | #126 |
| QS Rankings - Europe University Rankings 2024 | #29 |
| QS Rankings - Sustainability Rankings 2024 | #306 |
| US News - Best Global Universities 2024 | #107 |
| US News - Best Global Universities in Europe 2024 | #39 |
| US News - Best Global Universities in Switzerland 2024 | #4 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) - World University Rankings 2024 | #116 |
The Uni of Bern is consistently ranked among the Top 200 Universities in the world. In the 2026 QS rankings, the Uni of Bern ranks at #184. In the 2026 rankings by Times Higher Education rankings, Bern University ranks at #108 in 2026.
In 2026 Times Higher rankings for the world, the Uni of Bern ranks at #108. A few of the subject rankings of this university in THE rankings are-
- Medical and Health: #68
- Social Sciences: #101-125
- Physical Sciences: 101-125
- Psychology: #126-150
University of Bern Courses
University of Bern offers courses at the UG and PG levels. Over 15 courses are offered by Bern University. Study areas for the courses available at the Uni of Bern are Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Linguistics, English, etc.
University of Bern Popular Courses
The University of Bern popular courses are MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Statistics and Data Science, MSc in Bio-informatics and Computational Biology, etc. Though the university offers many courses, some courses are more relevant among students than others including, M.Sc, MS and M.A. at the graduate level. The overall duration of a course varies with the level of the course and the specialization, with graduate course having an average duration of 18 months to 2 years.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
At the University of Bern, a few of the master’s degree programs are offered in English language. Other courses are mainly held in German. For some degree programs, the applicants require a very good command of the English language. In case, no language certificate is required for the chosen master’s program, then it is the responsibility of the applicants to make sure that they are proficient in the language of instruction.
The MSc in Computer Science course at the Uni of Bern is 3 semesters. The language of instruction of this course is English. Admission intakes of this course are Fall and Spring. For admission to this course of the Uni of Bern, Indian students are required to have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
The Uni of Bern MSc in Statistics and Data Science course is taught in English. This course spans over 3 semesters. For admission to this course of the Uni of Bern, students are required to have a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Computer Science.
University of Bern Admissions 2026
Students who want to take admission to the University of Bern can apply via the university's application form. An application fee of CHF 100 (Around INR 11k) has to be paid too.
University of Bern Application Deadlines
Two admission intakes are there at the University of Bern, Spring and Fall. The application deadlines for the Uni of Bern are-
| Semester | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fall | Apr 30, 2026 |
| Spring | Dec 15, 2026 |
Bern University Eligibility for Indian Students
Here are some of the documents that are required for admission to the University of Bern-
- CV
- Academic studies transcripts
- German or English language profiency score
- Valid passport
- Any other course-specific document
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
Indian students must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized foreign university for admission to the Uni of Bern PG courses. German or English language proficiency as required by the courses must be submitted.
Undergraduate Admission Requirememts
Those who want to take admission to the UG courses of the Uni of Bern must have completed an upper secondary school qualification. C1 German language proof is required.
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
The language of instruction for MS in CS is English. The University of Bern requirements for international students for MS in CS are given below:
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is required
- 3 years bachelor’s degree is required
Check more about the University of Bern MS in CS from here
In order to secure an enrollment, all overseas applicants are required to fulfill the University of Bern admission requirements for international students, which are listed below:
- International university degree from a state or state-recognized university in an academic degree programme that lasted at least three years;
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL);
- Resume/CV;
- Motivation letter; and
- Course-specific requirements.
University of Bern accepts international applications through the Application Portal available on the university's website. While applying, candidates must a registration fee of CHF 100 = INR 10,788. Additionally, applicants who apply post the regular deadline will have to pay an additional CHF 100 fee.
Conversion: 1 CHF = INR 107.89
University of Bern accepts international applications through the Application Portal available on the university's website. While applying, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Photocopies of all official records of academic achievements with grades;
- English proficiency exam scores;
- Resume/CV;
- Motivation letter;
- Authorized form; and
- Photocopy of valid passport or official identity card.
University of BernUniversity of Bern Scholarships
University of Bern offers generous scholarships to their international audience through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Some of the most popular University of Bern scholarships for international students are:
- Research Scholarships: Available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree is the minimum qualification required).
- Art scholarships: Art scholarships are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial arts master’s degree in Switzerland.
Applicants must appply separately for these scholarships in order to avail the financial aid, along with fulfilling the eligibility criteria listed below:
- Candidate profile;
- Quality of the research project or artistic work; and
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, the University of Bern offers generous scholarships to their international audience through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Some of the most popular University of Bern scholarships for international students are:
- Research Scholarships: Available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree is the minimum qualification required).
- Art scholarships: Art scholarships are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial arts master’s degree in Switzerland.
Applicants must appply separately for these scholarships in order to avail the financial aid, along with fulfilling the eligibility criteria listed below:
- Candidate profile;
- Quality of the research project or artistic work; and
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation.
18 monthsUniversity of Bern Placement
The University of Bern Placement rate is around 75%, per data curated from multiple unofficial sources, with Bern graduates receiving job offers from the likes of Insel Gruppe, Selbsttandig, UBS & University of Bern itself among some other top Swiss companies.
Top Industries
The table below lists the top industries employing University of Bern graduates:
| Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Business Development | 14.57% |
| Education | 12.44% |
| Healthcare | 9.52% |
| Research | 8.88% |
| Legal | 5.92% |
Top Courses Pursued
The University of Bern graduates have access to a wide variety of courses across different levels of studies, however, they tend to pursue some courses more than others. Mentioned below are the top courses & the percentage of graduates who pursued them:
| Course | Percentage of Graduates Who Pursued |
|---|---|
| Law | 16.78% |
| Economics | 13.73% |
| Business Administration & Management | 13.62% |
| Psychology | 11.68% |
| Medicine | 8.97% |
Top Employers
University of Bern graduates are always of demand to a number of top companies in Switzerland, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of respective areas of studies, attention to detail, & ability to solve complex tasks efficiently.
Given below are some of the top recruiters at the University of Bern:
| University of Bern | Number of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| University of Bern | 1,783 |
| Insel Gruppe | 640 |
| SBB CFF FFS | 589 |
| Selbstständig | 471 |
| UBS | 438 |
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The University of Bern placement rate is 75%, per multiple unofficial sources. The institute's graduates are on the receiving end of job offers from a number of top organizations, across industries.
The table below lists the top industries employing University of Bern graduates:
| Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Business Development | 14.57% |
| Education | 12.44% |
| Healthcare | 9.52% |
| Research | 8.88% |
| Legal | 5.92% |
The University of Bern graduates are on the receiving end of job offers from a number of top organizations in Switzerland & abroad. This includes: Swiss Armed Forces, Swisscom, UBS, Selbstständig, University of Zurich & Insel Gruppe.
The table below lists the institute's top recruiters & number of Bern graduates they employ:
| University of Bern | Number of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| University of Bern | 1,783 |
| Insel Gruppe | 640 |
| SBB CFF FFS | 589 |
| Selbstständig | 471 |
| UBS | 438 |
University of Bern Fees
The University of Bern fees (average) is CHF 809 (INR 95 K) per semester, with international students also subject to an additional fee of CHF 200 (INR 21.5 K) per semester. The actual per semester cost of studies may vary with the course & the specialisation, students opt for. Students can check the course-wise University of Bern tuition fee from this page.
Registration & Application Fee
| Fee Type | Fee (in CHF) | Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | CHF 100 | INR 10.7 K |
| Registration Fee | CHF 100 | INR 10.7 K |
| Late Application Fee | CHF 100 | INR 10.7 K |
| Semester Fee | CHF 34 | INR 3.6 K |
| Member of the Student Union (SUB) fee | CHF 25 | INR 2.7 K |
University of Bern Cost of Living
The estimated cost of living at Bern University ranges between CHF 1,500 -CHF 2,200 (INR 1.6 L-INR 2.37 L) per month. The cost of living varies based on the standard of living a student opts to pursue in Switzerland. The table below gives a detailed breakdown of the cost of living at Bern:
| Component | Cost (in CHF) | Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | CHF 620-800 | INR 66.8 K-INR 86.2 K |
| Health/Medical Insurance | CHF 180-400 | INR 19.4 K-INR 43.1 K |
| Public Transport | CHF 100 | INR 10.7 K |
| Food & other goods | CHF 400-500 | INR 43.1 K-INR 53.8 K |
| Course Material | CHF 100 | INR 10.7 K |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | CHF 100-300 | INR 10.7 K-INR 32.3 K |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(13 courses) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 100, GRE |
M.A.(2 courses) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 92 - 100 |
M.Sc.(3 courses) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT: 575 & Above, GRE: 154 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(3 courses) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT: 575 & Above, GRE: 154 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Yes, all international applicants must pay a standard semester fee worth CHF 34 (INR 3.7 K), along with an additional CHF 200 (INR 21.5 K), unless they possess a valid fee waiver.
The semester fee can be considered a type of service charge for all the services the institute provides its students.
The table below gives a detailed breakdown of the University of Bern semester fee:
| Semester Fee Component | Fee (in CHF) | Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Accident Insurance | CHF 3 | INR 323 |
| University Sports | CHF 17 | INR 1,834 |
| Social & Cultural Institutions | CHF 14 | INR 1,510 |
| Total | CHF 34 | INR 3,668 |
Conversion rate: 1 CHF = INR 107.89
University of Bern offers a range of programs in leading fields such as Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Music, Psychology, Sports, Social Sciences & Management, Vetenary Medicine, and several more for their international students through 40 bachelor's degree courses, along with about 75 master's degree courses. Annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at Bern University is less than 2L on an average, which can be considered extremely affordable as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (12 courses) | INR 2 K - 2 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 2 L |
M.A. (2 courses) | INR 2 L |
In order to secure an enrollment, Indian must fulfill the University of Bern admission requirements as per the programme they're applying for. Bern University requires a university degree (minimum duration of study: 3 years full-time) from Indian students as the general entry requirement. Other requirements include the submission of updated resume and fulfilling the English language requirements (IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL: 92).
University of Bern Notable Alumni
The University of Bern notable alumni includes prominent writers, politicians, media & public figures with the likes of John le Carre, Christa Rigozzi, Friedrich Durrenmatt, Walter Benjamin & Carla Del Ponte pursuing their higher education from Bern. The table mentioned below shows a dedata-originaliption of each of these individuals & their backgrounds:
| Alumni Name | Profession | Alumni |
|---|---|---|
| John le Carre |
|
 |
| Christa Rigozzi |
|
|
| Friedrich Durrenmatt |
|
 |
| Carla Del Ponte |
|
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
David John Moore Cornwell, also known by his pen name: John le Carre, is among those to have attended the University of Bern.
John was notably part of the UK's premier security service: MI5 & the intelligence service MI6.
However, it was his ability with a pen in his hand that made him stand out, writing a number of espionage thrillers, with some of his popular works including: The Spy Who Came From the Cold (1963) & Call for the Dead (1961).
Former Miss Switzerland (2006): Christa Rigozzi is among those to have attended the University of Bern. Rigozzi pursued a course in criminology during her time at the institute, & is currently working as an TV Entertainer & Content Creator. Rigozzi is famous for winning the title of Miss Switzerland in 2006, & also represented her country as part of the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant contest.
She also runs a number of businesses & has more than 50K followers on Instagram.
College comparison
Compare University of Bern with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 2.16 L | #94 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 1.14 L | #48 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 76.63 K | #40 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 13.7 L - 18.97 L | #47 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 1.66 L - 4.97 L | #10 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 42.16 K - 84.33 K | #189 QS, 2026 |
CompareUniversity of BernStudying in Switzerland
Key Facts About Switzerland
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
University of Bern Campus
Based in Bern, Switzerland, University of Bern does not have single unified campus . Instead, it has a number of faculties & institutes across the city of Bern, that offer English & German taught education to Swiss & international students.
The University of Bern campus life is known for its inclusivity & diversity. The students are welcoming, & faculty are well versed in their respective areas of study. Student events are a regular theme, providing ample opportunities to students to interact, learn & grow their network.
Mentioned below are some key resources available to students as part of the University of Bern campus:
Student Support
The University of Bern provides a number of support services to its international students to make their transition easier. UniBE maintains a dedicated online support portal that can guide them with regards to a number of key things, including: Career Counselling, Mental Health, Tech Support, Food on campus & more.
Funding Entrepreneurs
Uni of Bern in collaboration with some external Swiss organizations such as bench2biz, Sef.NEXTGEN, Wave Fellowship & Talent Kick, guides & funds the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Student events such as ted talks & workshops are a regular feature which run every two to three weeks, that aims to provide ample support to future entrepreneurs.
Housing
Bern University does not maintain on-campus accommodation for its students. However, it does operate a dedicated online portal, listing some of the best sources to find student housing near the university facilities.
These include: studentlodge.ch, Stuwo, Housing Anywhere, StudentInnen Logierhaus Immoplus & Studentenresidenz Stöckacker among others.
Commonly asked questions On Others
International students in Bern are allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours a week, which can be deemed pretty low compared to the part-time work allowances in some other European countries.
Finding part time jobs in Switzerland is not an easy ask, & the same can be said for using it as a means to pay your monthly bills, since the allowed work hours are very much limited.
University of Bern FAQs
University of Bern is a beautifully built university in Switzerland and students across the globe desire to study here. Attending the University of Bern is a worth it experience as per the student reviews. However, a lot varies as per the candidate's choice of programme and its curriculum. For programs like Economics, Science, Physics, Mathematics and more, University of Bern is widely applauded. Students do work on various aasignments every week and also get exposure to practical learning. Bern University's buildings is spread all over the city and students enjoy commuting from one place to another, especially on a motor bike.
University of Bern
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 7 months ago
The Bern University ranks among the best universities in the world, securing a global rank #107 as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Ranking. Shiksha also ranks it #5 among all universities in Switzerland.
Moreover, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranks it #184 globally, as part of its 2026 rankings,
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
Based in Zurich, Switzerland, ETH Zurich ranks as the #1 university in the country, per Shiksha Popularity Rankings. The public institute also forms part of the top 10 universities in the world, in the latest Shiksha rankings, securing a rank #10.
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) too, ranks it among the top
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
Indian students seeking admission to the University of Bern can follow the admission process is listed below to get into the same:
- Create an account on the official application portal
- Search & Pick a course that best aligns with your interest & academic background
- Upload all essential personal & academ
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
The per semester fee for PhD students at UniBE is CHF 200 (INR 21.5 K), while PhD students must also pay a one-time registration fee worth CHF 100 (INR 10.7 K), as part of the application process.
This is in stark contrast to the average per semester cost of studies at the institute which is around C
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 7 months ago
Also known as "The City of Fountains", Bern is known for being one of the most scenic study abroad destinations in the world, with the presence of a number of top higher educational institutes amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Its Old town region, is now a member of the UNESCO World Heritage s
A
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University of BernLocation
| University City | Bern, Other - Switzerland, Switzerland |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,33,883 |
University of BernContact Information
University of Bern
Hochschulstrasse 4
3012 Bern
Switzerland
Bern ( Other - Switzerland)
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