Overview of University projects

This project is open to refugees (N, F, B or S residence permit) living in Basel who either have attended university in their home country and wish to continue their education or are interested in studying for the first time. 

Offer

• Admission to three lectures at Basel University as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits) 
• Language classes at Basel University Language Centre 
• Peer mentoring (‘Buddy Programme’) 
• Social events (meals, regular informal get-togethers etc.)  
• Access to all university sports facilities and clubs 
• Discounts at the campus canteen and cafeterias 
• Payment of travel costs for participants with no means of financial support 
• Certificate of attendance
  

 

Admission criteria 

• Language skills: German (B1–B2 level or higher) and English (B2 level or higher). No certificate required, assessed by interview
• Sufficient availability to attend lectures and language classes 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: info@offener-hoersaal.ch 

Website 

If you are interested in studying at the University of Basel, then you need to contact the Coordination Office for Refugees. In an initial, non-binding consultation, the Coordination Office will clarify whether you fulfil the admission requirements and/ or which additional requirements (if any) you still need to fulfil to matriculate at the University of Basel. If studying is not an option, the Coordination Office will help you to find the source of information you need. The offer is aimed at refugees who are interested in studying or who are already enrolled.

Offer

Free, personal counselling and support on:

• Finances, budgeting
• Day-to-day questions
• Accommodation
• Correspondence with various official bodies (e.g. Immigration Office, social security)
• Networking/ triage with internal offices at the University of Basel and external offices in the Basel region

 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Anna Meier

Email: annalea.meier@unibas.ch

Website

Compass UniBE enables qualified refugees interested in studying to hone their language, methodological, and organizational skills in preparation for taking up a study program.

The project will start in the fall semester of 2023 and is initially limited to two pilot years.

Offer

• Language courses (German up to level C1 and English)
• Mathematics course
• The opportunity to attend modules or lectures in the discipline of your choice
• Courses on learning technique and methodology
• Individual counseling and support with the admission process
• Mentoring by the students’ union (SUB)
• Access to various university services
• Information and orientation events

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Ann-Seline Fankhauser und Solvej Sörensen

Email: kompass@unibe.ch

Website

Flyer (in German)

Article  in German in “bsz – bärner studizytig” (12.3.2023)

Article in German in”Bund” (30.10.2023)

This project is open to refugees who are interested in studying for a degree or exploring the higher and/or continuing education opportunities available to them in Switzerland. 

Offer

• Admission to five lectures at Bern University as an as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits) 
• 1:1 peer mentoring 
• Side events: kick-off event, networking events, session with BIZ (careers advisory and information service) and farewell event  
• Campus account: access to university documentation, email account, library access 
• Access to university sports facilities and clubs 
• Language classes at the BoG department of the University of Teacher Education, Bern 
• Loan of VoCHabular, German language self-teaching materials 
• SUB Hüsli: access to student union facilities (lounge, kitchen, photocopiers) 
• Essential study materials: laptop on loan, memo pads, pens etc. 
• Free counselling service 
• Certificate of attendance
  

 

Admission criteria 

• N, F, B or S residence permit
• Sufficient language skills (German or English depending on course choice) 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: offener-hoersaal@sub.unibe.ch 

Website 

The integration pre-study program is an initiative of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University Lucerne and the Lucerne University of Teacher Education. The objective of the one-year pre-study program is to make it easier for well-educated and ambitious people with a refugee background to gain access to regular studies. The bridging offer is aimed at people with a residence permit B, F, S or N. As part of the integration pre-study program, refugees can attend German courses, mentoring offers and selected modules as auditors at one of the three universities from autumn 2024, depending on the intended focus of their studies.

Offer

• German language course level B2/C1
• Modules as a auditors (selection from module offerings)
• Mentoring by local students
• Position talks by the coordination office
• Participation in sports campus activities

 

Admission criteria

• Proof of school-leaving certificate from the country of origin/ equivalent qualification to study at our university
• University experience or proof of studies completed abroad (admission is based on individual aptitude assessment)
• Proof of language skills: German level B2
• Written consent from the case management office (if available)
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Residence permit in Switzerland: B, F, S or N
• Addictional criteria:
  • Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: relevant work experience (can also be acquired after the integration pre-study)
  • University of Lucerne: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Application , Costs and Duration

• The Campus Lucerne programme lasts two semesters; entry to the programme is possible in the autumn semester.
• Information on the application process and deadlines can be found here.

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact persons: 

• HSLU: Sandra Sommer & Jeremy Sigrist
• UNILU: Uta Zehnder
• PH Luzern: Anne Schillig

 

Email: campusgefluechtete@hslu.ch

Website

“START! Study– University Integration Program” at UZH is a two-semester educational programme offered by the University of Zurich (UZH) for refugees with the potential for pursuing higher education. In the programme, participants prepare themselves linguistically, professionally and organisationally for the requirements of studying in Switzerland. START! Study thus helps to ensure that refugees are supported according to their potential and can later integrate into the Swiss labour market in the long term.

Offer

• English and German courses 
• Academic courses 
• Methodology course focusing on academic and professional skills 
• Individual counseling and support 
• Information on higher education opportunities in Switzerland 
• Exchange with UZH students 

  

Admission criteria

• At least upper secondary school-leaving certificate (e.g. Matura), ideally completed Bachelor’s degree 
• Good level of German (at least A2) 
• Good level of English is an advantage 
• Residence permit N, F, B or S (refugee)
• Residence in Switzerland 
• Agreement of the case management office 

 

Application , Costs and Duration

• Information about the application process and the deadlines can be found on the website.
• Information about the fees and the funding opportunities can be also found on the website.
• START! Study lasts two semesters; entry into the program is only possible in the Fall Semester. Classes begin in mid-August and end in early June of the following year. 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Chantal Marquart

Email: refugees@global.uzh.ch

Website

With the “Offers for Migrants” initiative, the University of St. Gallen offers selected executive education programmes for refugee migrants with a university degree who live in Switzerland.

 Offer

“Offers for Migrants” currently consists of a range of 24 programmes. These correspond to either a seminar, a CAS or a DAS and are mainly offered in German, but some are also available in English. A maximum of one education programme can be taken up per person.

Admission criteria

• Proven university degree,
• At least 5 years of professional experience (in the home and/or host country),
• Fulfilment of the respective programme requirements,
• availability of places,
• good language skills (German/English, recommended is at least language level B2),
• 100% attendance in the programme (refund in case of non-fulfilment, except in justified cases with a medical certificate)

 

Application, duration and costs

If the formal criteria are met, the first step is a free counselling interview with the HSG’s Executive Education Consultant. Interested persons can also be referred to the HSG’s Executive Education Consultant via the initiative’s cooperation partner, Heks MosaiQ, and take part in the programmes. The respective programme leader decides on final admission.

The duration varies depending on the programme.

The continuing education programme is free of charge for participants. The costs are covered by the respective institute.

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: judith.witzemann@unisg.ch (continuing education counsellor)

Website

 Media reports

• Handelszeitung (8.2.24) https://es.unisg.ch/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240208_HZ_HSG-Initiative_Offers-for-Migrants.pdf
• St.Galler Nachrichten (10.8.23) https://es.unisg.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230810_St.-Galler-Nachrichten_-Vom-Anwalt-zum-Migranten.pdf
• SRF radio report on the initiative (20.6.2023) https://es.unisg.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230620_SRF-Radio_HSG-Initiative-Offers-for-Migrants_Christina-Vetsch.mp3
• Forbes (23.03.2023, in English, p. 14f) 20230623_Forbes_How-Refugees-Are-Building-New-Lives-With-A-Business-Education.pdf (unisg.ch)

SEET supports refugee women in particular in (re)starting their studies in Switzerland by providing them with professional mentoring, a broad network, career workshops and situational financial support as part of a support study project.

Offer 

• Accompaniment and support in applying for studies and scholarships
• Group meetings
• Workshops
• In some cases financial support
• The focus is on mentoring

 

Admission criteria 

• (Female) refugees with N, F, B or S status.
• Possess some of the prerequisites for study
• Good language skills (B2)
• They intend to start a course of study or training in Switzerland within one to a maximum of two years

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

E-mail: seet@seet.ch

Website

Do you work together with people from different cultures and religions? In this study programme you will acquire the basics of mediation in order to recognise and resolve tensions and irritations in good time. The study programme lasts one year (May 2023 to May 2024) and is aimed at professionals from the fields of social work, diaconia, education, health care and counselling, as well as volunteers and honorary workers.

Offer

• The study programme provides you with the necessary tools for your intercultural and interreligious engagement and makes you more confident in dealing with diversity.
• The course teaches you the basics of mediation in order to recognise and intervene in conflicts at an early stage.
• It takes place in cooperation with the association “House of Religions – Dialogue of Cultures”.

 

Admission criteria

• To all persons with a tertiary qualification and 2 years’ professional experience.
• Admission sur dossier possible for persons without a tertiary degree.
• Knowledge of German min. B2, theses can also be written in other languages.

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION 

Contact persons: Prof. Daniela Oppliger

E-mail: daniela.oppliger@bfh.ch

Website (in German)

The 15-month preparation course comprises a language and a technical preliminary course as well as the start of an internship. It enables refugees with suitable previous education to access a university of applied sciences course at the Department of Technology and Computer Science. The project is funded by the Canton of Bern and the SEM and is a pilot project and will be carried out for the first time.

Offer

• Language course
• Preliminary course
• Internship
• Coaching
• Access to libraries
• Preparation for regular studies (admission requirements must be met at the beginning of the course)

 

Admission criteria

• Residence permit N, F (refugees and provisionally admitted persons), S and B
• At least Matura, but preferably study experience in the country of origin
• German and/or French B1
• Canton of Bern (exceptions are possible)

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION 

Contact persons: Marlis Zbinden and Thomas von Burg

E-mail: marlis.zbinden@bfh.ch and thomas.vonburg@bfh.ch

Website

This project is aimed specifically at refugees with a background – educational or professional – in art, music or design. The project gives refugee artists an opportunity to expand their network, experience university life at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and familiarise themselves with its admission requirements if they wish to start regular stuides. It is free of charge. 

Offer 

• Participants can attend several classes – visual communication, fine arts, music, theatre etc. as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits)
• One to one mentoring 
• Language exchange (“tandems”)
• Certificate of attendance (upon request) 

 

Admission criteria 

• N, F, B or S residence permit 
• Previous experience in the field of art, music or design 
• No specific language skills required; beginners may also apply. Where necessary, the appropriate language classes will be sourced for the participant. 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: ag.kulturesk@gmail.com 

Website 

Facebook 

Refugees (status N, F, B or S) who qualify for university studies should be given access to a Bachelor’s degree programme at the UAS Grisons through a preliminary bridge year. In this preparatory/bridge year (2 semesters), students can choose from the following Bachelor’s degree programmes: Tourism, Computational and Data Science, Mobile Robotics, Information Science, Civil Engineering, Photonics. In addition to modules specific to the degree programme, participants attend support modules such as German or mathematics and preferably complete an internship in an occupation relevant to the degree programme in a company in the Grisons region. Completing the bridge year should improve the participants’ training and labour market skills.

Offer

The bridge year lasts 1 academic year and can be completed in 2 variants:

• Option 1 with internship: Students complete a part-time internship (approx. 40%) for 12 months in a company specific to their degree programme. If the student is suitable and interested, the internship can be converted into a part-time position after successful completion of the bridge year, which provides financial security and independence in addition to part-time studies and improves the student’s employability after graduation.

 

• Option 2 without internship: If desired, the bridge year can also be completed without a part-time internship. However, this requires proof of the necessary practical experience, which is required as a condition of admission to the degree programme.

 

• Course-specific modules
• Academic German course aiming at C1 (entry level B2)
• Computer Science (all fields of study except Computational and Data Science)
• Mathematics (all fields of study except Information Science)
• Scientific work (Tourism, Civil Engineering, Information Science)
• Mentoring/coaching: In the case of coaching, students receive individual support in organisational as well as academic matters from the responsible contact point at the UAS Grisons in their day-to-day studies.
• Free use of UAS Grisons services (library, sports, IT, etc.):
• Mentoring / Buddy System (by UAS Grisons students)

 

Admission criteria

• Residence permit: N, F, B, S
• Previous education: Matura certificate from the country of origin or proof of studies completed abroad.
• German language skills: Level B2
• Confirmed assessment of potential by the job coach responsible
• Written consent from the leading office/social counselling centre
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Place of residence / region: Canton Grisons

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION 

Contact person: Anne-Marie Jäger-Stevenson

Email: refugees@fhgr.ch

Website

Media coverage (in german)

• SRF Regionaljournal Graubünden (19.10.2023): Fachhochschule will Flüchtlingen Zugang zu Studium erleichtern – Regionaljournal Graubünden – SRF
• Südostschweiz (19.10.2023): Rondo News | Südostschweiz (suedostschweiz.ch)
• Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung (30.10.2023) Brückenangebot für Geflüchtete
• FH Graubünden Magazin “Wissensplatz” (Februar 2024) Brücken bauen – Fachhochschule Graubünden (fhgr.ch)

INVOST – Integrationsvorstudium an Fachhochschulen is a new collaborative programme between the Swiss Students’ Unions (VSS), the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES–SO) and the FHNW School of Engineering. Its aim is to prepare highly qualified refugees for admission to a course of study at a UAS by means of targeted support measures. Two cross-cantonal UAS – the FHNW School of Engineering (Integral Project) and the HES–SO – have seized the initiative and are taking concrete action to make equal access to higher education a reality. 

INVOST – Integrationsvorstudium an Fachhochschulen is supported by the Volkart Foundation and the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Rahel Müller Aho

Email: invost@vss-unes.ch

Further information (in German or French)

Applicants will be invited for an interview. The aim is to identify the right solution for the applicant: direct admission to a UAS course of study or admission to a preparatory course first or alternative study options. 

Offer

The preparatory course consists of a range of support services. The choice of services provided to the participant is determined by the results of their individual assessment and their specific needs: They include: 

• Counselling & support service 
• Assistance with finding internal and external traineeship positions 
• Language classes 
• Mentoring 
• Admission to modules as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits) 
• Financial support 

 

Admission criteria 

• High level of motivation for (re-)admission to a technical course of study  
• Command of German (proficiency assessments on an individual basis) 
• Prior education in the home country (school-leaving qualifications, e.g. Baccalaureate, or higher). Checks are carried out by the Integral Project Coordination Office (FHNW)  in cooperation with the competent cantonal and local authorities and advisory services. 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Stefan Czarnecki | Head of the Integral Project Coordination Office 

Email: stefan.czarnecki@fhnw.ch

Website 

 

INVOST – Integrationsvorstudium für Geflüchtete:  

Integral is a pilot project which is implemented as part of the wider cross-cantonal project INVOST – Integrationsvorstudium für Geflüchtete and in cooperation with the Swiss Students’ Union (VSS) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES–SO). 

“Access HGK” is a student-initiated association which promotes equal opportunities in access to higher education. The purpose of the association is to make it easier for prospective students with refugee experience to provide access to the Basel Academy of Art and Design (HGK Basel) by means of a bridge offer. “Access HGK” will start in the autumn semester of 2023/24 in a three-year pilot phase.

Offer

• Participation in events as a guest student
• Close support of project participants from the admission procedure to graduation
• Administrative, organisational and financial support with enrolment and studies
• Semester framework programme/activities
• Access to the infrastructure of the HGK Basel FHNW
• (Language courses at the appropriate level under development)

 

Admission criteria 

• Refugees with residence status N, F, S, B, C
• Region of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Land, Aargau, Solothurn
• Interest or prestudies in the creative field

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: info@access-hgk.ch

Website 

The integration pre-study program is an initiative of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University Lucerne and the Lucerne University of Teacher Education. The objective of the one-year pre-study program is to make it easier for well-educated and ambitious people with a refugee background to gain access to regular studies. The bridging offer is aimed at people with a residence permit B, F, S or N. As part of the integration pre-study program, refugees can attend German courses, mentoring offers and selected modules as auditors at one of the three universities from autumn 2024, depending on the intended focus of their studies.

Offer

• German language course level B2/C1
• Modules as a auditors (selection from module offerings)
• Mentoring by local students
• Position talks by the coordination office
• Participation in sports campus activities

 

Admission criteria

• Proof of school-leaving certificate from the country of origin/ equivalent qualification to study at our university
• University experience or proof of studies completed abroad (admission is based on individual aptitude assessment)
• Proof of language skills: German level B2
• Written consent from the case management office (if available)
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Residence permit in Switzerland: B, F, S or N
• Addictional criteria:
  • Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: relevant work experience (can also be acquired after the integration pre-study)
  • University of Lucerne: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Application , Costs and Duration

• The Campus Lucerne programme lasts two semesters; entry to the programme is possible in the autumn semester.
• Information on the application process and deadlines can be found here.

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact persons: 

• HSLU: Sandra Sommer & Jeremy Sigrist
• UNILU: Uta Zehnder
• PH Luzern: Anne Schillig

 

Email: campusgefluechtete@hslu.ch

Website

The programme is aimed at refugees who have worked as artists or designers in their country of origin or have started or completed a corresponding course of study.

 Offer 

• Residence status: N, F, B or S
• Participation as a guest student
• German courses
• The contact point for refugees provides information on projects and initiatives in the field of asylum that are connected to the university and its students
• Possibility of ECTS credits being recognised when transferring to regular studies for guest students
• Confirmation of participation
• Overview of the programme here

 

 Admission criteria

• Studies or professional experience in art, music or design

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Iris Meili

Email: zugang.gefluechtete@zhdk.ch

Website 

The ZHAW offers various access options for refugee (prospective) students. A contact point offers information on which of these options is most suitable for a person. Further support measures are being planned.

Offer

• As an auditor, you can get to know university life at the ZHAW without the possibility of taking exams (no ECTS points). It is possible to study as an auditor for a maximum of two semesters.
• Study as a mobility student for a maximum of two semesters. During this time, credits can be earned and ECTS points can be obtained.
• Study as a regular student within the framework of the regular study programme.

 

Admission criteria

Auditor:

• Currently residing in Switzerland and in possession of a B, F or N permit or assigned status S as a person deemed in need of protection.
• Completed training or education that entitles the prospective student to be admitted to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme in their country of origin.
• Knowledge of the teaching language (German and/or English at level B1)

 

Mobility student:

• Currently residing in Switzerland and in possession of a B, F or N permit or assigned status S as a person deemed in need of protection.
• Matriculation at a university in the country from which the prospective student fled.
• Knowledge of the teaching language (German and/or English at level B2).

 

Regular student:

• The generally applicable admission requirements for the respective Bachelor’s or Masters’s degree programme must be met.
• Knowledge of the teaching language:
  • Bachelor’s degree: German at level C1 and/or English at level B2/C1
  • Master’ degree: German and/or English at level C1

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Manuela Rüdt

E-Mail: restart.international@zhaw.ch

Webseite

The course provides trained teachers with a foreign teaching diploma with basic knowledge of the Swiss education and school system. The CAS is aimed at teachers with a foreign teaching diploma who already teach in Swiss schools or who wish to enter the teaching profession. This course is not an official equivalent to an EDK teaching diploma, nor is it a compensatory measure within the meaning of the EDK regulations. The CAS enables participants to build on existing competences and strengthen their knowledge and practice for teaching in a Swiss primary school.

The continuing education course starting in March 2024 is fully booked. A further course is already being planned. If you would like to be informed as soon as registration is possible, you can register on the list of interested parties.

Offer

• Module 1: Personal and professional development as a teacher
• Module 2: School, school environment and cooperation
• Module 3: Teaching in Swiss primary schools
• Access is open to teachers regardless of their current employment status.
• The possibilities for crediting certificates of competence will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
• The course starts on 7 March 2024 and takes place in block weeks, during the spring and summer holidays and on Fridays and Saturdays (synchronous, asynchronous, online and on-site).
• The Canton of Bern covers the costs for people who live in the Canton of Bern and work or will work at a school in the Canton of Bern. Regular full price: CHF 6’800.00
• 300 hours / 10 ECTS; part-time possible

 

 

Admission criteria

• Teachers with a foreign teaching diploma from a tertiary educational institution
• Internationally recognised language diploma in German at level B2 or higher

 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Nathalie Glauser

Email:  nathalie.glauser@phbern.ch

Website (in German)

The University of Teacher Education FHNW (the Institute for Continuing Education and Counselling) again offers trained teachers with a refugee background the possibility of classroom visits (“Insights into a Swiss School”) with Swiss colleagues at primary schools (grades 1-9).

Please note that this is not a job training or internship and no subsequent employment at a school is possible.

Registration deadline: 29 September 2023 Subject: Refugee Teachers – Insights in a Swiss school. You can register by email with Mirja Furrer.

Offer

• Introductory afternoon on Wednesday afternoon 8 November 2023, two individually agreed, approx. half-day classroom visits and an evaluation event on Saturday 2 March 2024.
• Foreign teachers gain an insight into Swiss schools and learn about their school and everyday culture.
• The events and the school visits take place in German/English.
• If possible, the FHNW PH will put together the team members according to level-specific and regional aspects.
• Travel expenses are covered by the PH FHNW

 

 

Admission criteria

• You have acquired a teaching diploma for elementary school (Bachelor of Arts) in
  your home country as a teacher or teacher in a school and you have teaching experience in your home country.
• You are rfugee and have a residence permit F or B or S and live in northwestern Switzerland (Aargau, Solothurn, Basel-Landschaft or Basel-Stadt).
• You have oral English proficiency and / or German basic knowledge.
• You have the possibility to visit two to three half-days from the end of November 2023 to
  the beginning of March 2024 a Swiss teacher at his/her school in northwestern Switzerland.

 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Mirja Furrer

Email: mirja.furrer@fhnw.ch

Website (in German)

The Lucerne University of Teacher Education supports refugee teachers in gaining a foothold in the Swiss education system, whether through support during the diploma recognition process with compensatory measures or through the development of targeted training and further education measures. The experience gained through the individual case flows into the awareness-raising work on entering the teaching profession in Switzerland for refugee teachers. During a one-and-a-half-year pilot project, an inventory of existing initiatives for refugee teachers at teacher training colleges will be compiled and the projects networked with each other. Particular attention will be paid to the high language requirements for studying at a university of teacher education or for taking up a professional teaching position.

Offer

• Support during the diploma recognition process
• Development of targeted training and further education measures

 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Stefanie Rinaldi

Email: stefanie.rinaldi@phlu.ch

Website (in German)

The integration pre-study program is an initiative of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University Lucerne and the Lucerne University of Teacher Education. The objective of the one-year pre-study program is to make it easier for well-educated and ambitious people with a refugee background to gain access to regular studies. The bridging offer is aimed at people with a residence permit B, F, S or N. As part of the integration pre-study program, refugees can attend German courses, mentoring offers and selected modules as auditors at one of the three universities from autumn 2024, depending on the intended focus of their studies.

Offer

• German language course level B2/C1
• Modules as a auditors (selection from module offerings)
• Mentoring by local students
• Position talks by the coordination office
• Participation in sports campus activities

 

Admission criteria

• Proof of school-leaving certificate from the country of origin/ equivalent qualification to study at our university
• University experience or proof of studies completed abroad (admission is based on individual aptitude assessment)
• Proof of language skills: German level B2
• Written consent from the case management office (if available)
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Residence permit in Switzerland: B, F, S or N
• Addictional criteria:
  • Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: relevant work experience (can also be acquired after the integration pre-study)
  • University of Lucerne: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Application , Costs and Duration

• The Campus Lucerne programme lasts two semesters; entry to the programme is possible in the autumn semester.
• Information on the application process and deadlines can be found here.

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact persons: 

• HSLU: Sandra Sommer & Jeremy Sigrist
• UNILU: Uta Zehnder
• PH Luzern: Anne Schillig

 

Email: campusgefluechtete@hslu.ch

Website

The program is an accompanying programme for working Ukrainian teachers. It offers an introduction to different areas and is divided into three parts: Theory, Coaching and Teaching Observation. The aim is for the participants to be able to directly optimise their current teaching situation through the further training.

Offer

• Visiting regular teachers and exchange (lesson observation)
• Coaching/Peercoaching: Accompanied exchange in a practice group
• Accompanying event for regular teachers from the exchange programme in cooperation with Dr. Olena Marina, researcher and visiting professor from Ukraine at the PHLU.
• The Ukrainian school and education system (date still open)
• Cost absorption by the DVS/Canton of Lucerne for Ukrainian teachers who teach in the Canton of Lucerne.

 

In modules 1 to 4 you will deal with the Swiss education system and your teaching practice. You will focus on expanding your knowledge. The courses last three lessons each (17:15 – 19:45).

– Module 1: Classroom Management: 22 November 2022, Lecturer: Daniel Goldsmith
– Module 2: Parent Work: 13 December 2022, Lecturer: Evelyne Bohrer
– Module 3: Curriculum 21: 17 January 2023, Lecturer: Daniel Goldsmith
– Module 4: Competency-based teaching: 31 January 2023, Lecturer: Evelyne Bohrer
– Module 5: (December 2022 to February 2023. Dates by individual arrangement)

Participants from outside the canton of Lucerne pay a registration fee of CHF 483.00. Please contact your cantonal institution of further education for information on financial participation or assumption of registration costs.

Admission criteria

• This course is aimed at Ukrainian teachers in reception classes and asylum schools. Interpretation into Ukrainian is provided.

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Isabel Bartal and Marina Alvarenga

Email: isabel.bartal@phlu.ch and marina.alvarenga@phlu.ch

Website (in German)

The University of Fribourg offers two different programmes aimed at different target audiences:

Hérodote

Hérodote is a programme for refugees who have not yet reached a B2 level in their language of study but comply with the other conditions of admission of the University of Fribourg.

Offer:

• Language courses at the University Language Centre during 1-2 semesters in preparation for a language exam at level B2 (Goethe-Zertifikat for German or TCF for French).
• Participate in lectures from their future discipline as listeners
• Exchange with their mentor (through the student association OFI/OBI)

Registration is possible until 30 November (Spring semester) or until 30 april (Autumn semester). The course costs CHF 3000.- per semester and admission to the university upon completion of the course is conditional on obtaining the required grade in the language exam.

Hérodote Plus

Hérodote Plus is a programme for refugees who have a university background but whose prior degrees (upper secondary education and/or university education) do not grant them admission to the University of Fribourg. Participation is possible for people aged 25 and over.

Offer:

• Language courses at the University Language Centre for 2 semesters
• Participate in lectures from their future discipline as listeners
• Exchange with their mentor (through the student association OFI/OBI)
• Preparation for an admission exam at the end of the year

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Carmen Delgado: herodote@unifr.ch

Website

Registration for academic year 2024-25

Media reports : “Rentrée universitaire, Fribourg facilite l’accès aux études pour les réfugiés”, RTS, September 2023 (in French)

OFI/OBI is a student association project which seeks to facilitate the access of refugees and asylum seekers to higher education. 

Offer

• Help for refugees in Switzerland to access higher education 
• Assistance with administrative procedures and integration in campus life 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: ofi-obi@unifr.ch 

Facebook 

Horizon académique is a modular programme which aims to facilitate the labour market integration of refugees and other sections of the population with comparable needs. It prepares participants for admission to higher education. 

Offer

• 1:1 academic and occupational assistance and guidance 
• Intensive French classes  
• Access to academic courses with option of sitting exams and acquiring ECTS credits 
• Participation in university life and access to cultural and sports events and activities 
• Peer mentoring and appropriate support from faculty staff 
• Administrative assistance (registration as and ‘auditor’, i.e. no exams and no academic credits; enrolment in degree programme) and financial support. 

 

Admission criteria 

• Holder of a residence permit (N, F, B, C or S). 
• Holders of a B (family reunification) residence permit 
• Swiss nationals returning from abroad
• Interest in a study programme offered by one of the higher education providers in the canton of Geneva. 
• Application completed and submitted in full (more details) 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: horizonacademique@unige.ch 

Website

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) offers student refugees a scholarship to help cover their living expenses and tuition costs. 

Admission criteria 

• Enrolment at the IHEID 
• F, B or S residence permit 
• Application completed and submitted in full
  

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

More details on scholarships 

Website 

Scholarship application queries: Dr Laurent Neury laurent.neury@graduateinstitute.ch 

Enrolment queries: GISA.migrationscholarship@graduateinstitute.ch

Unil sans frontières (Usf) provides support and assistance to refugees (N, F, B or S residence permits) who are interested in studying for the first time or continuing their education at Lausanne University. 

Offer 

• Range of free-of-charge services: administrative assistance (enrolment in degree programme/registration as ‘auditor’); help with scholarship applications; improving proficiency in language of study; integration in campus life. 
• Social and other outreach events 
• Establishment of channels of communication and cooperation with university teaching and integration service staff 

 

Admission criteria

•   For refugees with N, F, B or S residence permit

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: unilsansfrontieres@asso-unil.ch 

Website 

The Escabeau program aims to facilitate the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Switzerland. The program is designed to facilitate their integration by offering them several possibilities:

• improving their level of French (from A2 to C1)
• pursue a CAS d’intégration as a complement to a foreign university degree
• pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on their previous academic path
• benefit from the support of a mentor during their studies at UniNE
• follow the preparatory year (project under development)

 

Who can participate in the Escabeau program?

The Escabeau program is open to refugees in Switzerland who hold a B (refugee), F, N or S residence permit.

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

E-mail: escabeau.programme@unine.ch

Website (in french)

Media coverage

• rtn (27.2.2024): ​Le programme Escabeau porte ses fruits à l’UniNE – RTN votre radio régionale (french)

The aim of the INTREF programme is to enable refugees with an N, F, B, C status to take up a bachelor’s degree in one of the engineering programmes at HEIG-VD by means of a preparatory year.

Offer

Option A:

Before the start of the academic year:

• Possible participation in semi-intensive French courses, depending on starting level.

 

September to June:

• Participation as a guest student in selected courses of the degree programme for a maximum of 12 ECTS.
• French courses via the Altissia platform
• Coaching by peers
• Participation in events organised by the International Office
• Participation in examinations, award of virtual ECTS credits

 

Option B:

Before the start of studies in September:

• Possibly participation in French course, depending on starting level

 

September to October:

• Participation as a student in the selected courses of the degree programme to the extent of a maximum of 12 ECTS credits.
• French courses via the Altissia platform
• Coaching by peers
• Participation in events organised by the International Office

 

October to May:

• Participation in the preparatory semester of the Engineering Department at HEIG-VD. Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 17:30 and 22:00. French classes will continue, as well as participation in selected courses as a guest student, if possible.
• Coaching by peers
• Participation in events organised by the International Office
• 31 May: EXAD exam (written)

 

June:

• Participation in examinations, acquisition of virtual credit points

 

Admission criteria

• Option 1: Fulfilment of the requirements of the HES-SO/Swissuniversities (upper secondary level) or a recognised degree at Bachelor level.
• Option 2: Admission after application and passing the EXAD exam (entrance exam for engineers)

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Laurence Firoben, Equality and Diversity Officer HEIG-VD

Email: laurence.firoben@heig-vd.ch

The Roadmap to Study programme is a preparatory year for refugees with the aim of taking up higher education studies at the School and College of Social Work, School of Health, Nursing or School of Design and School of Art of the HES-SO Valais-Wallis.

Offer

• Participants are assigned ‘auditor’ status (no exams and no academic credits)
• Participants receive a student card and an AAI account. Where necessary.
• Participants can also borrow a laptop computer from HES-SO Valais-Wallis.  
• Language courses at HES-SO Valais-Wallis 
• Individual coaching for 12 months by our team of professional coaches 
• Short social work internship 
• Three modules from the social work programme, including exam admission. In the event where the participant passes the exam(s), they will be awarded virtual ECTS credits. If the participant enrols in a Social Work degree programme, these virtual ECTS credits will be taken into account. 
• Student mentor 

 

Admission criteria

• N, F, B or S residence permit (refugee status) 
• Demonstrated interest in social work, i.e. academic/practical experience in the field 
• Motivation to embark on a social work degree programme 
• Motivation and time to follow the programme for the entire 12-month duration 
• Language skills: French/German (B2 level or higher) are an advantage; however, language courses are also provided. 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Amel Mafoud

E-Mail: amel.mahfoudh@hevs.ch

Webseite

Website (in German and French)

The Fribourg School of Social Work (HETS-FR) programme offers refugees (N, F or B residence permit) the opportunity to attend academic courses as an ‘auditor’ / guest student. The insights into university life enable participants to get to know student life and the educational culture in the university environment. The programme aims at both social and academic integration and offers support in preparing for studies. The offer is aimed at people who wish to take up or continue studies in the field of social work. 

Offer 

• Access to modules of the Bachelor programme as an ‘auditor’ / guest student (no fees)   
• Possibility of taking exams and earning virtual ECTS credits 
• Mentees are supported by students (peer-to-peer) 
• Individual mentoring by a professor or member of academic staff 
• Access to HES-SO services, including the Contact Study counselling and HELP psychological and social counselling 
• Access to HES-SO language courses (program Altissima) 
• Student card, access to a laptop (contractual loan) 
• Convention with organisations for the professional integration of refugees 
• Partnerships with institutions for internships  

 

Admission criteria 

• Interest/motivation for professions in the field of social work  
• Participants must be able to express themselves in French 
• Support from an integration organisation (Caritas, SASSOC, ORS) 
• Residence permit N, F, B, C or S

 

Two possible programmes  

• Audi’libre program: Auditor/guest student status for one semester (spring semester) in the BATS Social Work programme. The aim is to familiarise participants with the formation at HES.  
• Program Passerelle Audi’Versité: Auditor/guest student for one year (spring and autumn semester). The aim is to prepare for entry and study in social work at the HES. 

 

The selection procedure includes the submission of a dossier with CV (and diplomas) and an interview. A fee of CHF 100 is charged for processing the dossier. 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Marie-Christine Ukelo-Mbolo Merga 

Email: marie-christine.ukelo@hefr.ch 

Website (in French)

The Lausanne School of Social Work (HETSL) launched Formation sans Frontières in 2017. Every year four refugees/asylum seekers have the opportunity in the second semester to attend two modules of the first year of its degree programme. They may also attend additional classes, upon request.  The aim of the project is to enable and facilitate the integration of refugees/asylum seekers. It is designed according to a holistic model of integration, i.e. socialisation, acquisition of knowledge and skills, empowerment & independence, recognised status etc. All selections are made in close collaboration with the institutions who have entered into a convention with the HETSL (EVAM, CSIR & SSL). 

Offer

• Programme participants receive a student card (‘auditor’/student status). 
• Mentoring IN: first-year students who can incorporate this work in the development of a training module worth 3 ECTS credits. 
• Mentoring OUT: final-year students or former students who assist participants with their application or provide regular support during the participant’s first year on a degree programme. The HETSL is in charge of commissioning these mentors. 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Oana Ruxandra Ciobanu, Professor at HETSL

Email: Oana.ciobanu@hetsl.ch

Website (in French)

The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers:

Offer

• The opportunity to attend lectures as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits) 
• 1:1 mentoring 

 

Admission crietria

• To be a holder of a N, F, B or S residence permit

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Email: services.etudiants@epfl.ch 

Webseite

The aim of Scholarships without Borders is to facilitate the access of refugees to higher education (up to BA or MA level). To this end, it awards two students a scholarship which covers the costs of their education.  

Offer 

• Two semesters: provisional admission to undergraduate programme 
• Confirmed admission: BA programme (or MA programme, where applicable) 
• Mentoring by a fellow student; or two peers, where necessary. 
• Intensive English-language classes 
• Classes in one of Switzerland’s national languages 
• Academic Travel Programme: allows all students to undertake one 10-day study every trip once a semester as part of a course. 
• Access to libraries and electronic resources 
• Access to university sports facilities and clubs (handball, football, fitness centre) 
• Payment of the costs of their tuition and academic travel. Registered students in the canton of Ticino also receive a Borsa di Studio.  

 

Admission criteria  

• The programme has accepted students who live in the canton of Ticino. However, Scholarships without Borders is open to all student refugees (provided that a solution to their residence status can be found). 
• F, B or S residence permit; school-leaving qualifications (e.g. Baccalaureate) from country of origin 
• English language skills: B1 level or higher 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact person: Caroline Wiedmer 

Email: cwiedmer@fus.edu  

Website

The project at the USI aims to facilitate access to university studies for qualified with a refugee background. 

Offer

• The possibility to access to courses as a guest student  
• Pre-enrolment access to Italian and/or Englisch language classes 
• Support and tutoring  
• Reduced registration fee
• For refugee students that have been admitted to regular study programs, the USI offers support and tutoring.  
• For job-seeking graduates, there is the possibility of having continued access to some courses with reduced registration fee. 

 

CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION 

Contact person: Maurizia Ruinelli 

Email: maurizia.ruinelli@usi.ch 

Website