Universities of applied sciences: Overview
Since 1997 the Swiss higher education landscape has received a second university type in addition to the traditional universities. These are the universities of applied sciences (FH), originating from a concentration of around 70 specialist schools (technical schools, higher commercial schools, etc). The brief of the universities of applied sciences (FH) is to offer practical and application-orientated university-level studies for graduates of vocational education. There are seven public universities of applied sciences and one private university in total:
Universities of teacher education (PH) also belong to the universities of applied sciences (FH).
Main task and general conditions
 | The main assignment of the universities of applied sciences (FH) consists of diploma studies, further education (post diploma studies (ND) or the Master of Advanced Studies [MAS], post diploma courses (NDK), application orientated research and development, services for the benefit of third parties, co-operation with colleges and research institutes in Switzerland and abroad. |
| The Swiss Conference of universities of applied sciences, affiliated to the Swiss Conference of the Cantonal Educational Minister (FHR EDK), is the strategic and political body for all matters concerning international co-operation with universities. It coordinates the development planning throughout Switzerland and works together with the Confederation. |
| The Conference of the universities of applied sciences (KFH) represents the interests of the universities of applied sciences before the Confederation and the cantons as well as other educational and research political institutions. As a rectors' conference, it is a specialist body within the Swiss Conference of the Cantonal School Ministers (EDK) and maintains close links to the Federal Office for Vocational Training and Technologies (BBT), which regulates and jointly finances the universities of applied sciences (FH) at a Swiss level. |
 More details on universities of applied sciences |
| Further information |
| Institutions responsible for universities of applied sciences |
