The terms of admission are set out in the Federal Act on the Promotion of Higher Education Institutions and Coordination of the Swiss Higher Education Sector (HFKG) and the Ordinance on Admission to Studies at Universities of Applied Sciences.

Admission to Bachelor programmes at universities of applied sciences is free of examination if the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate has been attained in combination with vocational education and training in a profession related to the field of study. If the vocational education and training involved a non-related profession, at least one year's work experience is also required.
Holders of Baccalaureate certificates are admitted without examination if they can provide evidence of at least one year's work experience in an occupational field related to the field of study.
Graduation from an upper secondary specialised school with an additional specialised Baccalaureate allows access to certain degree programmes at universities of applied sciences, namely degree programmes in health, social work, communication and information, design and art, music and theatre, as well as applied psychology.
Graduates with other qualifications from upper secondary level can also be admitted to universities of applied sciences if additional conditions are met (work experience and/or entrance exam).

The final decision on admission to a degree programme is the responsibility of the respective university of applied sciences. Various fields of study also require additional aptitude assessments.

Study at Bachelor level