Protection and recognition of the titles of higher education qualifications
In Switzerland, protection of the titles of higher education qualifications is determined by the applicable legal bases, which depends on which authority is responsible for the given higher education institution. The protection of the titles of higher education qualifications awarded by cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education is thus determined by cantonal or intercantonal legislation.
Title protection for higher education qualifications is not regulated nationally but governed by federal or cantonal legislation. In the latter case, cantonal regulations vary significantly.
The Confederation is authorised to enact corresponding federal legislation to protect the titles of qualifications awarded by its own federal institutes. This includes the two federal institutes of technology, i.e. the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport (SFISM). In addition, special professional ordinances have been enacted to confer federal legislative protection of the titles of specific higher education qualifications.
Legal protection remains in place for titles awarded by universities of applied sciences (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and non-formal MAS diplomas) prior to entry into force of the Higher Education Act (HEdA) on 1 January 2015, as well as for qualifications granted under previous legislation.
Further information (German)
Bericht zum Postulat 12.3019: «Bericht über Titelschutz und Anerkennung formaler Bildungsgänge inklusive Weiterbildungsmaster an Fachhochschulen» vom 18.12.2013