Overview of University projects

This project is open to refugees (N, F or B 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. 

Details

• 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
  

 

Transition to a degree programme

• Guidance on possible enrolment in a degree programme/other study options 
• Payment of tuition fees for the first two semesters of the degree programme for previous participants with no means of financial support 
• Help with finding other sources of funding 

 

Admission criteria 

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

 

Contact and further information

Email: info@offener-hoersaal.ch 

Website 

The Offener Hörsaal Basel  association was founded in November 2015 by University of Basel students. 

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. 

Details 

• 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 or B residence permit; sufficient language skills (German or English depending on course choice) 

 

Contact and further information

Email: offener-hoersaal@sub.unibe.ch 

Website 

Offener Hörsaal is an initiative of the Bern Student Union (SUB). The mentoring project was launched in autumn 2016.

Details 

• Admission to a maximum of four lectures as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits) in the following fields: Theology; Humanities and Cultural Sciences; Law; Economics and Management. 
• 1:1 peer mentoring 
• Welcome Day (prior to start of semester) incl. introduction to the ‘Discovery Semester’, and Farewell Event (at end of semester) 
• Social events and excursions, e.g. cooking evenings   
• Free laptop loan  
• Access to all university sports facilities and clubs 
• Access to the central and university libraries  
• Additional practical courses (e.g. IT skills, CV writing skills etc.)  
• Payment of travel costs (where budget allows)  
• Certificate of attendance  

 

 Admission criteria 

• N, F or B residence permit 
• Aged 21 or over  
• Language skills: German and/or English (B2 level or higher). No certificate required; proficiency assessed by interview. 
• Place of residence: cantons of Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Uri, Schwyz, Zug 

 

Contact and further information
Email: international@unilu.ch
Project manager: Uta Zehnder
Website  

The Discovery Semester for Refugees was launched in the 2017 autumn semester and is managed by the International Relations Office of Lucerne University. 

«START! Study – University Integration Program» at UZH is a two-semester educational program at the University of Zurich (UZH) for refugees with the potential for pursuing higher education. The program prepares participants for the demands of studying in Switzerland: They receive support in improving language and organizational skills as well as their academic expertise. The START! Study program thus offers refugees the support that matches their potential and the chance to become long-lasting participants in the Swiss labor market. 

Aims 

• Improving German and English language skills 
• Developing academic expertise 
• Strengthening skills in mathematics, IT and academic work methods 
• Learning about higher education opportunities and gaining insight into the demands of studying at UZH
  

 

Course program: 

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

  

Eligibility 

• At least upper secondary school-leaving certificate (e.g. Matura), ideally completed Bachelor’s degree 
• Good level of German (at least B1) 
• Good level of English is an advantage 
• Residence permit N, F or B (refugee) 
• Residence in Switzerland 
• Agreement of the case management office 

 

Costs 

Information about the fees and the funding opportunities can be found on the website. 

Duration 

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. 

Application 

 Information about the application process and the deadlines can be found on the website. 

Contact 

University of Zurich 

Coordination Office START! Study 

Global Affairs  

Rämistrasse 71 

8006 Zürich 

SEET is a programme for women refugees in Switzerland who wish to enter higher education for the first time or continue their education. It helps to facilitate their access to degree courses.  

Details 

• Coaching and support with admission and funding applications 
• Group meetings 
• Workshops 
• Financial assistance (in certain cases)

SEET is primarily a mentoring programme. 

Admission criteria 

• Sufficient language skills to embark on a higher education programme within one/two years. 
• Educational background 

 

Contact and further information

General enquiries: seet@seet.ch 

Applications: mentoring@seet.ch 

Website: SEET – Support Education, Empower Together 

SEET – Support Education, Empower Together is an independent association which was founded in early 2020. 

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 

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. 

Details

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

Stefan Czarnecki | Head of the Integral Project Coordination Office 

Phone:+41 56 202 78 56 

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). 

This project is aimed specifically at refugees with a background – educational or professional – in art, music or design. 

Details 

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. 

Participants can attend several classes – visual communication, fine arts, music, theatre etc. here on overview of the offer – as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits). 

• One to one mentoring 
• 2 events per year (informal events, presentations by artists & networking) 
• Language exchange (“tandems”)
• Certificate of attendance (upon request) 

 

Admission criteria 

• N, F or B 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 

Project manager: Coline Ardouin 

Website 

Facebook 

The Creation For All programme is an initiative of students at the Bern Academy of the Arts (HKB). 

This one-semester programme is open to refugees who had studied/planned to study art or design in their home country. 

 Details 

• Admission as an ‘auditor’ (no exams and no academic credits) 
• Farewell Event at end of the semester; other social activities, e.g. visits to art exhibitions and movie nights. 
• German-language courses 
• Professional field assessment 
• The contact point for refugees provides information on education- and student-related projects and initiatives for refugees and asylum seekers. It also runs the website artistcontact.ch, which serves as a networking platform for local and refugee artists. 
• ECTS credits may be awarded for this programme should the participant transfer to a degree programme. 
• In certain cases, payment of travel expenses and costs of materials  
• Certificate of attendance 

 Admission criteria

• N, F or B residence permit 
• Educational or professional background in art or design 

 

Contact and further information

Email: zugang.gefluechtete@zhdk.ch 

Phone: +41 43 446 20 57 

Project manager: Lorenz Hegi 

Website 

The Status project provides a point of contact for refugees before and during their studies at ZHAW. 

Details

• Counselling, support and networking opportunities for refugees before and during their studies 
• Assistance with ZHAW enrolment & organisation of extra tuition  
• Mentoring 

  

Contact and further information

Phone: +41 (0)76 570 97 84
Email: status@alias-zhaw.ch
Website 

Office hours: Monday and Tuesday, 4pm – 6pm; Wednesday, 8.30am – 12pm; 1pm –5pm 

Status is a ZHAW Student Association (Alias) project. 

« As a teacher, carer and caregiver, how can I specifically support refugee children, young people and young adults on their educational path and enable them to participate in social and societal life? » 

Offer 

The CAS “Bildung und Flucht” (Education and Asylum) is aimed at persons working in education, social work, or related fields. The CAS offers differentiated answers to questions about the educational opportunities of refugee children, adolescents, and young adults. The contents are both theory- and research-based as well as practice-oriented and is intended to stimulate the reflection and professionalisation of work in the context of education and asylum. 

The CAS is also explicitly aimed at persons with a migration or asylum background.  

 

Contact and further information: 

Contact person: Bettina Looser 

E-mail: bettina.looser@phsh.ch 

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

Details 

• 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. 

Details 

Target public: 

• Holders of a residence permit (N, F, B or C). 
• Holders of a B (family reunification) residence permit 
• Swiss nationals returning from abroad. 

 

 Modules: 

• 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 

• 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 

Phone: +41 (0)22 379 77 83 

Website: Horizon Académique 

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

Award criteria 

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

More details on scholarships 

Contact and further information 

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 or B residence permits) who are interested in studying for the first time or continuing their education at Lausanne University. 

Details 

• 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 

  

Contact and further information

Email: unilsansfrontieres@asso-unil.ch 

Website 

The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Integration aims to facilitate migrants’ access to the Swiss labour market by enabling them to validate their higher education qualifications obtained in another country. 

Admission criteria 

• Holder of a BA/MA 
• French language certificate: B2 level  
• Refugee/asylum seeker status (N, F or B residence permit) 

 

Contact and information

The CAS offers 15–20 ECTS credits and costs CHF 75/semester. 

More information on the website (may vary according to chosen specialisation). 

Website 

The aim of this project is to implement the first programme at the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, School of Social Work which is aimed specifically at refugees and asylum seekers. The two-phase preparatory programme runs for 12 months (or two semesters) and is designed to facilitate the integration of participants in the Bachelor’s programme by equipping them with the skills and academic knowledge required for admission. 

Admission criteria

• N, F or B 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. 

Details

Participants are assigned ‘auditor’ status (no exams and no academic credits). They also receive a student card and an AAI account. Where necessary, they can also borrow a laptop computer from HES-SO Valais-Wallis.  

Services:  

• 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 

 

Further information

Website 

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  

 

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 or C 

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: 

Marie-Christine Ukelo-Mbolo Merga 

marie-christine.ukelo@hefr.ch 

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). 

Details

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

Oana Ruxandra Ciobanu, Professor at HETSL Oana.ciobanu@hetsl.ch

Website is under construction. 

The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers holders of a N, F or B residence permit: 

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

 

Contact and further information

Email: services.etudiants@epfl.ch 

Phone:  +41 21 693 43 45 

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.  

Details 

Scholarships without Borders covers all courses of study offered by Franklin University as well as other stages of the undergraduate programme: 

• 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.  

 

Criteria  

• F or B residence permit; school-leaving qualifications (e.g. Baccalaureate) from country of origin 
• English language skills: B1 level or higher 

To date, 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). 

 

Contact and further information

Point of contact: Caroline Wiedmer 

Email: cwiedmer@fus.edu  

Website: fus.edu 

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

Details 

The USI offers  

• the possibility to access to courses as a guest student  
• pre-enrolment access to Italian and/or Englisch language classes 
• support, 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 

Maurizia Ruinelli 

Email: maurizia.ruinelli@usi.ch 

Website: https://www.usi.ch/en/university/info/relint/international-relations/other-activities 

USI is a member of the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network since 2016.