SwissCommunity Three types of university The universities offer studies in law and economics, in mathematics and natural sciences, and in humanities and social sciences, while the federal institutes of technology ETH (Zurich) and EPF (Lausanne) focus on engineering, mathematics and natural sciences. The universities of applied sciences focus on practical-oriented courses of study, particularly in the fields of health, social sciences, business administration, innovative technologies, music, and art. The universities of teacher education train students to become qualified teachers for the various school levels. Admission requirements The requirement for admission to a bachelor’s degree programme is a federally recognised Matura certificate or an equivalent foreign diploma. The universities set country-specific standards for The path to university studies in Switzerland educationsuisse, education in Switzerland, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, Switzerland Tel. +41 31 356 61 04; info@educationsuisse.ch; www.educationsuisse.ch foreign diplomas. The current criteria can be viewed online: revue.link/requirements Admission to a university of applied sciences normally requires a vocational apprenticeship followed by a vocational baccalaureate or a maturity certificate from an upper secondary school- followed by an internship year. We recommend to clarify the admission requirements directly with the university of applied sciences of your interest. At the universities of teacher education, the admission requirements vary depending on the degree programme. Required languages skills Good language skills in at least one national language, depending on the language region in which you want to study, are usually essential. There are only a few bachelor’s programmes that are lectured purely in English, whereas many master’s programmes are in English. This year’s Congress of the Swiss Abroad will take place from 18 to 20 August 2023 in St Gallen – and culture will be its overriding theme. Cultural dissemination and international cultural dialogue are key elements in promoting Swiss culture. Along with maintaining Switzerland’s tangible and intangible heritage, these factors have a major influence on shaping our identity as well as on the way that Switzerland is viewed abroad. The next Congress of the Swiss Abroad promises to see some lively debate around the question of culture. With its wealth of cultural treasures, St Gallen is a fitting venue for the stimulating discussions that await. Visit www.swisscommunity.org > Congress for continually updated, detailed information about the upcoming congress, which has become a useful and popular forum for the Swiss Abroad. A detailed schedule as well as registration forms will also be available on the website. (MUL) Built in 1766, the baroque Collegiate Church of St Gallen dominates the city skyline. Photo provided Application deadlines Most bachelor’s programmes start in September and the application deadline is 30 April with rare exceptions such as medicine or special programmes like sports science. Universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education may have different application deadlines. RUTH VON GUNTEN Zürcher Kantonalbank offering Swiss Abroad a fairer deal It is often a challenge for Swiss Abroad to maintain a bank account in Switzerland. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) has been trying for years to make things easier in this regard. It has now entered into a new partnership with Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) to deliver a range of attractive banking terms for Swiss Abroad, with effect from 1 January 2023. This is the OSA’s second partnership with a bank, following the one it entered into with Banque Cantonale de Genève in 2017. ZKB will offer Swiss Abroad similar banking services to those it offers Swiss who live in Switzerland. “We have already been assisting expatriate Swiss for years,” says Reto Jäger, Regional Head Private Banking International at ZKB. “There is no minimum amount to open an account, we offer a wide range of services and we have people with outstanding expertise.” Jäger calls the partnership with the OSA a “milestone” and firmly believes that ZKB will be able to further its reputation among Swiss Abroad as a reliable partner. FLORIAN BACCAUNAUD ZKB offer for Swiss Abroad: revue.link/zkb Culture is the theme of the next congress University, university of applied sciences and university of teacher education: these are the three types of university in Switzerland. They all offer three-year bachelor’s programmes and subsequent master’s programmes. A brief summary of the most important facts. 29 Swiss Review / March 2023 / No.2
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYwNzMx