Universities of applied sciences (UAS): overview
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Since 1997, the Swiss higher education landscape has included a second university type in addition to the traditional universities. These are the universities of applied sciences, originating from a concentration of around 60 colleges of higher vocational education and training. The universities of applied sciences offer practical and application-oriented university-level studies, which provide Bachelor-level professional qualifications. Since 2008, they also teach in-depth, specialised and research-supported content at the Master level, preparing the students for graduation with advanced professional qualifications.
In total, there are 7 regional public universities of applied sciences and 2 recognised private universities of applied sciences:
 | Bern University of Applied Sciences |
| University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland |
| University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland |
| University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland |
| Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland |
| Zurich University of Applied Sciences |
| The Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences is affiliated with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland. It is recognised by the Confederation and offers correspondence courses in the fields of economics, computer science and engineering. |
| Kalaidos Private University of Applied Sciences |
| Les Roches-Gruyère Private University of Applied Sciences. |
Universities of teacher education also belong to the universities of applied sciences.
Core tasks
The main assignment of the universities of applied sciences comprises teaching (education and continuing education), application-oriented research and development, services for the benefit of third parties, and cooperation with universities and research institutes in Switzerland and abroad.
Governance and general conditions
Core tasks
The main assignment of the universities of applied sciences comprises teaching (education and continuing education), application-oriented research and development, services for the benefit of third parties, and cooperation with universities and research institutes in Switzerland and abroad.
Governance and general conditions
| The universities of applied sciences are regulated on the basis of the Federal Law on Universities of Applied Sciences. With the exception of the 2 private universities of applied sciences, they are the responsibility of the respective cantons. Approval for operating a university of applied sciences is issued by the Swiss Federal Council. Within the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (FDEA), the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET) is responsible for the universities of applied sciences. The Federal Commission for Universities of Applied Sciences (FCUAS) advises the Swiss Federal Council and the FDEA on policy issues regarding universities of applied sciences. |
| The Swiss Council for Universities of Applied Sciences, affiliated to the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK), is the strategic and political body for inter-cantonal cooperation in all matters concerning universities of applied sciences. It coordinates the development planning throughout Switzerland and works together with the Confederation. The ministers of education responsible for the universities of applied sciences in each corresponding canton or region are members of the Swiss Council for Universities of Applied Sciences. |
| Most rectors of Swiss universities of applied sciences belong to the Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, which represents the interests of the universities of applied sciences before the Confederation and the cantons as well as other political institutions involved in education and research. This conference is a partner of the Swiss Council for Universities of Applied Sciences and maintains close contact with the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET). |
| The universities of applied science themselves, as well as their courses of study, must be accredited. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs (FDEA) is responsible for this accreditation, which can also be delegated to recognised accreditation agencies. |
Legal basis
The following comprise the legal basis for the universities of applied sciences:
The following comprise the legal basis for the universities of applied sciences:
| Federal Law on Universities of Applied Sciences of 6 October 1995 |
| Ordinance on the Structure and Governance of Universities of Applied Sciences of 11 September 1996 |
| FDEA Ordinance on the Admission of Studies at Universities of Applied Sciences of 2 September 2005 |
| FDEA Ordinance on the Courses, Post-Diploma Studies and Titles at Universities of Applied Sciences of 2 September 2005 |
| Additional regulations for specific fields (e.g. accreditation, establishment of Master courses etc.) |
| The Inter-Cantonal Agreement on Universities of Applied Sciences as of 2005, which was established on 12 June 2003, applies on the inter-cantonal level. This agreement regulates inter-cantonal access to universities of applied sciences and the payments to be made by the students' cantons of residence to the bodies responsible for the universities of applied sciences. |
| On the basis of the Federal Law on Universities of Applied Sciences, the cantons have developed cantonal laws on universities of applied sciences, which regulate the structure and governance of the universities of applied sciences. |
According to the new university article in the Federal Constitution (Article 63a), the universities of applied sciences are to be governed on the federal level in the same manner as the cantonal universities. The planned Federal Law on the Advancement of Universities and Coordination in Swiss Higher Education will change the system of universities of applied sciences. When this new law comes into effect, the current Federal Law on Universities of Applied Sciences will be rescinded.
| Further information on universities of applied sciences |
 | Developments |
| Statistical data |
| Terms of admission |
| Course contents |
| Organisation |
| Further education |
| Institutions responsible for universities of applied sciences |
| Universities of applied sciences (UAS) |
