Universität Bern

The foundations of the University of Bern were laid in the 16th century, when the Reformation made it necessary for new priests to be educated in a higher education establishment. In 1805, as part of the reorganization of higher education, the Bern government converted the former School of Theology into an Academy with four faculties. Thus, not only ministers but also lawyers and physicians could complete their entire education in Bern. The University of Bern offers top quality across the board: it enjoys special recognition in leading-edge disciplines, is reputed for the excellent quality of its teaching, offers a delightful setting, and a campus environment intimately linked to the social, economic and political life of the city. The university's comprehensive offering includes 8 faculties, some 160 institutes, 43 Bachelor- and 96 Masterprogrammes, Ph.D. in all disciplines and more than 200 executive programmes. Courses include theology, humanities, law, the economic and social sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine and sciences. With 16,000 students, it is of mid-range size among Swiss universities. Unlike the bigger institutions, it retains a human dimension and a warm and friendly atmosphere. The central geographic location and its attractive programmes, draw students from all Switzerland's language communities and from abroad. Fees remain very affordable and there is a vast choice of rented accommodation. The University of Bern academic and research organisation prides itself on its interdisciplinarity, exemplified by its strategic research centres (Fundamental Physics; Biomedical Engineering; Cognition, Learning and Memory; Development & Environment; Space and Habitability; Climate Change and World Trade) and by its four National Centres of Competence in Research: “Climate”, “World Trade Regulation”, and “North-South” (sustainable development), and TransCure. Additionally it shares the NCCR «MUST» (Molecular Ultrafast Sciences and Technology / experimental physics) with the ETH Zurich. The University is actively involved in a wide range of European and worldwide research projects, notably in the field of Space Research and Dental Medicine. During the academic year, the university offers some 300 courses, training sessions and competitions in more than 90 sports disciplines, ranging from Ragga Hip Hop to paragliding. Students are invited to join in any of the numerous groups and associations such as the Bern University Theatre, the Uni Big Band or the university choir; they can take part in many interest groups or fraternities. Most of the institutes are located in the Länggasse, a lively student quarter that offers a wide range of places to eat and drink: snack bars, restaurants and cafes are an invitation to wind down. The railway station and city centre with an abundance of shops are just a few minutes' walk from the different university buildings. The city of Bern is listed among the cities that offer the best quality of life in the world. The people of Bern are welcoming and peaceable, and the old town of Bern, nestling in a breath-taking setting surrounded by the Swiss Alps, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Swiss capital also has an outstandingly broad range of cultural activities. There are plenty of green areas in which to relax, and, for the local, there is nothing more vivifying than a daily dip in the Aare river.

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