Further education

Bachelor's degrees from universities of applied sciences constitute professional qualifications. They enable direct commencement of professional practice. In 2004, half of the graduates from universities of applied sciences had taken up employment corresponding to their studies within 2 months. 63% of graduates gained employment within 1 year. The transition to a professional career also depends on the chosen discipline. Graduates in the subject areas of social work, architecture, construction and planning were quick to find employment in their field of study after graduation. Many graduates in the subject area of fine arts and design had to wait a long time for adequate employment.

A Bachelor's degree is the prerequisite for commencement of a Master course at a university of applied sciences. Generally, a Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university enables further study at other types of university, whereby corresponding conditions must be met and additional requirements must be performed. The 3 rectors' conferences – the Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS), the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences (KFH) and the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Universities of Teacher Education (COHEP) – passed corresponding regulations in a permeability agreement in 2007. The Bologna Guidelines of the Swiss University Conference (SUC) and of the Swiss Council for Universities of Applied Sciences were extended accordingly.

Postgraduate studies and continuing education

Universities of applied sciences offer a broad range of possibilities for continuing education, from short continuing education courses to recognised multi-semester degree courses (MAS, EMBA). The following academic titles can be obtained through continuing education: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): at least 10 ECTS points, Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS): at least 30 ECTS points, Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) or Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA): at least 60 ECTS points.