Quick Summary
Situated in Bern, Switzerland, University of Bern is a public established in 1834. Ranked #161 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19297 students including 17% from outside Switzerland. Known for strengths in Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Theology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage city, it offers world-class research in space exploration and climate change within a stable, high-quality-of-life environment.
Subject Strengths
DentistryVeterinary ScienceTheologyGeophysicsSpace ScienceMedicineClimate Sciences
Founded1834
TypePublic
Total Students19297
Intl Students17%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusUrban / City-wide
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsInselspital (Bern University Hospital)
AccreditationSwiss Accreditation Council
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#161
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#116
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Continuing Education, Diploma of Advanced Studies
Programs
PhD in Science, PhD in Biomedical Sciences, PhD in Humanities, PhD in Economics and Social Sciences
PhD Programs
CAS/MAS programs in health and law; limited full online degrees
Online Programs
Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, World Trade Institute (WTI)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Swiss Accreditation Council
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPANot Available
GREOptional / Required for specific Master's programs
GMATOptional / Required for specific Business programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure proficiency in German for undergraduate programs as most are taught in German; Master's programs increasingly offered in English require high language test scores.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Swiss Franc
UG Tuition
CHF1,500/yr
per year · CHF
Living Cost
CHF24,000/yr
per year · CHF
PG Tuition
CHF1,500/yr
per year · CHF
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
CHF25,600/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CHF
Scholarships AvailableSwiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Master Grant for International Students
Avg Scholarship$22,000
Financial AidCantonal grants and university-specific hardship funds
Work-StudyAvailable (limited to 15 hours per week for international students)
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Continuing Education, Diploma of Advanced Studies programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Veterinary Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Physics (Space Research) | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Climate Sciences | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Law and Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$85,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Swiss federal administration and international NGOs
Industry Connections
Strong links with the Swiss space industrypharmaceutical sectorand diplomatic missions
Notable Alumni
Albert Einstein (Lecturer), Paul Klee, Kurt Wüthrich, John le Carré (David Cornwell), Friedrich Dürrenmatt
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Student lodges and private market)
Sports Facilities
University Sports Bern (ZSSw) offering over 100 disciplines
Student Clubs
Over 50 student organizations and faculty-specific associations
Library Resources
University Library Bern (UB) with extensive digital and physical archives
Exchange Programs
SEMP (Swiss European Mobility Programme), ISEP, and worldwide faculty agreements
Summer Programs
Bern Summer School on Climate Change, WTI Summer Academy