Qualifications awarded by Swiss higher education institutions

All institutions within the Swiss higher education sector award Bologna-compliant qualifications based on three levels of study: Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD. This three-tiered system is described in the Swiss Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (nqf.ch-HS). A qualifications framework serves the purpose of mapping out the various qualifications within the national education system. Descriptors are used to indicate the minimum requirements for each level.

Bachelor of Arts BA / Bachelor of Science BSc

The first level of study (Bachelor’s degree) provides students with a solid foundation and general knowledge.

Master of Arts MA / Master of Science MSc

The second level of study (Master’s degree) provides students with more extensive and specialised knowledge. This is a more advanced, professionally qualifying degree.

Additional information

Admission to bachelor's and master's degree programs is governed by the Higher Education Act (HEdA; Art. 23-25) and the Higher Education Council Ordinance on the Coordination of Teaching at Swiss Higher Education Institutions. Admission requirements for Bachelor's degree programmes vary according to the type of higher education institution.

Alongside the qualification, a diploma supplement may be issued in English and the language of instruction, detailing the course content and the academic and professional qualifications attained.

The official names and classifications of Bachelor's degree programmes can be obtained from the respective institution or from the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions (swissuniversities).

PhD

The third level of study (PhD) can only be issued by Swiss cantonal universities and federal institutes of technology.

Continuing education

Continuing education is part of the higher education mandate, primarily targeting individuals with a (university) degree and initial professional experience. Programmes are structured as follows: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS; min. 10 ECTS), Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS; min. 30 ECTS), and Master of Advanced Studies (MAS; min. 60 ECTS). Swiss higher education institutions also offer other continuing education courses.

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

Higher Education Policy