Many higher education institutions have developed specific support programmes for refugees. These programmes vary in scope and structure. They range from initial contact and coordination services to one-year bridging programmes specifically designed to prepare students for a degree programme. In some cases, these programmes also offer alternative pathways into higher education.
It is advisable to contact the relevant services at an early stage. This allows you to receive an individual assessment of the admission requirements, learn about existing support services and plan your studies more effectively.
Even if you already meet the formal admission requirements for a degree programme and could start your studies straight away, it may be worthwhile to take part in a bridging programme. Such programmes give you the opportunity to strengthen your language and subject-specific skills, familiarise yourself with university life, and gain initial experience in an academic environment.
Bridging programmes can also help you to reassess your choice of degree programme and gain a better understanding of the requirements of a particular course.
In some programmes, you can take exams and earn ECTS credits while attending the bridging programme. Subject to certain conditions, these credits may later be recognised as part of your degree programme, making it easier to begin your studies.
Targeted preparation can help increase your chances of successfully completing your studies.
-
Overview of support programmes
There are around 30 university support programmes across Switzerland. A description of all the programmes can be found here.
-
Application deadlines
Application deadlines for university support programmes for refugees vary depending on the university. Most programmes last two semesters and begin in the autumn semester. Application deadlines are usually between the end of February and mid-July. You can find the exact deadline on the website of the respective support programme.
For some support programmes at Swiss higher education institutions, it is still possible to apply for the autumn semester 2026 or the spring semester of 2027.
A table summarising the information sessions and application deadlines can be found here.