Universities of Applied Sciences
The Universities of Applied Sciences are comparable with the other universities in terms of status but are different, in that they offer university-level education to people who have completed vocational training. Previously this level of education was only open to people who had been to gymnasium.
There are around sixty colleges of higher education in Switzerland which are grouped into seven higher education regions and which together offer around two hundred courses. These are demanding, practice-oriented training and further education courses in engineering, technology, economics, arts and design, healthcare, social work, music and plastic (responsibility of the federal government) and teacher education (responsibility of the cantons).
Entrance Requirements
Students who wish to enrol at a Swiss University of Applied Sciences must have a good command of the language of instruction. They must also have an Advanced Federal Certificate and a Professional Baccalaureate. A Gymnasial Matura is necessary for some courses, for example the teacher training courses at the universities of teacher education. Candidates with a Gymnasial Matura must usually have at least one year's practical experience. Swiss Abroad who have foreign educational qualifications should clarify the entrance requirements to the university of applied sciences of their choice, as each individual university of applied sciences is entitled to make their own decision in such cases (there is no central admissions organisation).
Length of Study
The two-tier Bachelors-Masters system will also be introduced at Universities of Applied Sciences. Bachelor's courses generally provide qualifications for a profession and normally last a minimum of three years. Masters courses provide additional in-depth specialisation in the relevant subject and can be completed within a minimum of one and a half years.
Content
College of higher education courses are advanced vocational training with an academic basis, mainly in the areas of applied research and development. It is, therefore, possible for people who have successfully completed an apprenticeship to undertake further studies at university level. Thanks to the practical emphasis of courses at colleges of higher education, graduates of such institutions have good career prospects because their experience allows them to easily adapt to professional life and to quickly integrate into a company.
Teacher Training Universities
Teacher training courses for pre-school and primary levels last three years and are completed with a Bachelors degree. For secondary level 1 the teacher training course is in two parts, starting with a Bachelors and ending with a Masters. Teacher training for secondary level II covers specialised studies (Masters) and studies in educational sciences and didactics.
Admission
The requirement for admission to primary and secondary level I and II teacher training courses is generally a high school Matura, and for pre-school teacher training a diploma from a recognised specialised middle school, a vocational Matura or a high school Matura.
Length of Study
The length of study depends on the level of study: for pre-school and primary level it lasts three years, for the secondary school, level 1 between four and a half and five years, and for secondary level 2 a minimum of five years. The examinations at the end of the courses are different, although in most cases it will be a dissertation and an assessment of teaching practice.
Content
Due to their mandate, Teacher Training Universities are accorded the status of Universities of Applied Sciences. Like these, they are mandated to provide instruction (further and continuing education), conduct applied research and development, and provide services (consulting and other services).
