Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
Excellence in healthcare education at the bilingual heart of Switzerland.
📍 Fribourg, Switzerland 🇨🇭
🏆 #78 in Switzerland · QS World #473 · THE World #1201
Quick Facts about Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
- Type: Public
- Students: 800
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $830 – $830/year
- Language: French, German
- Intakes: September
About Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
Academics
The university focuses on two primary fields of study which are Nursing and Osteopathy. The teaching approach combines rigorous scientific theory with hands-on clinical practice to ensure students are prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare. HEdS-FR is particularly notable for hosting the only French-speaking program in Osteopathy at a university level in Switzerland. Its multidisciplinary strengths are further enhanced by a strong commitment to applied research and development in health sciences.
International Students
While the primary languages of instruction are French and German, the school maintains an open and welcoming environment for international applicants. Support services are available to help students navigate administrative requirements and integrate into the local academic culture. The institution participates in international exchange programs such as SEMP, which allows for a diverse exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives. Student organizations and local networks provide additional social support to help newcomers feel at home in the bilingual community.
Campus & Location
The campus is situated in Fribourg, a vibrant medieval city known for its unique blend of Swiss-German and French cultures. Students benefit from modern facilities located within the Mozaïk building, which serves as a central hub for health education and innovation. The city offers excellent public transportation links and is conveniently located between the scenic Pre-Alps and the Swiss plateau. Fribourg is a true student city where historic architecture meets a lively contemporary social scene.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of HEdS-FR enjoy exceptional employment rates due to the high demand for qualified healthcare professionals in Switzerland. The school maintains strong connections with the Fribourg Cantonal Hospital and various private clinics, providing students with direct pathways to local employers. Career services offer guidance on professional development and help students transition smoothly into the workforce. The practical nature of the curriculum ensures that alumni are highly valued for their clinical skills and ability to innovate within the healthcare sector.
Information for International Students at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) in Fribourg, Switzerland welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing not offered
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: French, German
Admissions Requirements for Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR):
- Application fee: $150
- Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
- Application deadline: 2026-02-20
Programs at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) (28 programs)
Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) offers 28 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (5)
- Bachelor en soins infirmiers (BSc) — 36 months · French, German, or Bilingual · $1,400/yr · Scholarship available
Trains nurses to provide high-quality care, clinical decision-making, and health promotion. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, home care, and research.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Nurse, Clinical Specialist, Home Care Nurse
Deadline: March 15 - Bachelor en ostéopathie (BSc) — 36 months · Bilingual (FR/DE) · $1,400/yr · Scholarship available
First part of the osteopathy training focusing on fundamental sciences and manual techniques. It serves as the foundation for the professional Master's degree.
Field: Osteopathy
Career outcomes: Osteopathy Assistant, Health Consultant
Deadline: March 15 - Bachelor of Science HES-SO en Soins infirmiers (BSc) — 36 months · French, German · $1,000/yr · Scholarship available
Trains nurses to provide high-quality clinical care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Graduates are prepared for roles as registered nurses in various healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse
Deadline: February 28 - Bachelor of Science HES-SO in Nursing (Soins infirmiers) (BSc) — 36 months · French, German, or Bilingual (FR/DE) · $1,400/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Prepares students to manage complex health situations and promote health through clinical decision-making. Graduates are qualified to work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and home care.
Field: Nursing / Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Specialist, Home Care Nurse
Deadline: March 31 annually - Bachelor of Science HES-SO in Osteopathy (BSc) — 36 months · Bilingual (French/German) · $1,400/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on fundamental medical sciences and basic osteopathic manual techniques as the first part of a 5-year training path. This degree is a prerequisite for the Master of Science in Osteopathy.
Field: Osteopathy / Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Progression to Master of Science in Osteopathy
Deadline: March 31 annually
Master Programs (5)
- Master of Science en ostéopathie (MSc) — 24 months · Bilingual (FR/DE) · $1,400/yr · Scholarship available
Professionalizing degree required to practice as an osteopath in Switzerland. Focuses on advanced clinical practice and independent diagnosis.
Field: Osteopathy
Career outcomes: Osteopath, Private Clinic Owner
Deadline: April 30 - Master of Science en sciences infirmières (MSc) — 24 months · French · $1,600/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced practice nursing, research, and leadership program offered via HES-SO/UNIL. Prepares students for specialized clinical roles and management.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Manager, Researcher
Deadline: April 30 - Master of Science HES-SO en Sciences infirmières (MSc) — 24 months · French · $1,600/yr · Scholarship available
Joint program with UNIL focusing on advanced nursing practice, research, and leadership. Prepares nurses for specialized roles in clinical leadership and healthcare management.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Researcher, Healthcare Leader
Deadline: April 30 - Master of Science HES-SO en Ostéopathie (MSc) — 24 months · French, German · $1,000/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced clinical training allowing graduates to practice as independent primary care osteopaths. Focuses on complex clinical reasoning and professional autonomy.
Field: Osteopathy
Career outcomes: Independent Osteopath, Primary Care Practitioner
Deadline: April 30 - Master of Science HES-SO in Osteopathy (MSc) — 24 months · Bilingual (French/German) or French · $1,400/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Provides advanced clinical training and research focus required to practice as a professional osteopath in Switzerland. Includes significant clinical internships and expert-level manual therapy training.
Field: Osteopathy
Career outcomes: Independent Osteopath, Clinical Expert, Researcher
Deadline: April 30 annually
PhD Programs (1)
- PhD in Nursing Sciences / Health Sciences (Joint Program) (PhD) — 36 months · French/English · $600/yr · STEM
A research-based doctorate conducted in collaboration with partner universities like UNIL/IUFRS. Focuses on advancing academic knowledge in nursing and health systems.
Field: Nursing / Health Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Health Researcher, Policy Advisor
Deadline: Rolling or specific to partner university
Scholarships & Tuition at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
Annual tuition for international students: $830 – $830/year
✅ Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
- National Ranking: #78 in Switzerland
- QS World University Ranking: #473
- Times Higher Education (THE): #1201
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Medium
Campus & Facilities at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
- No student housing
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Housing cost: ~$410/month
Key Highlights
- Bilingual education in French and German
- Unique university-level osteopathy degree program
- Emphasis on practical clinical competence
- Part of the HES-SO network
- Modern facilities in the Mozaïk building
- Member of international student exchange programs
Accreditation
- Swiss Accreditation Council
- HES-SO institutional accreditation
Fields of Study at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
- Health Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions about Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)
What is Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)?
Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) is a public university located in Fribourg, Switzerland. It has approximately 800 students.
How much does it cost to study at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)?
Tuition fees at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) for international students range from $830 – $830/year. Student housing costs approximately $410/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)?
Application fee: $150. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: 2026-02-20.
What language are courses taught in at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR)?
Courses at Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) are taught in French and German.
How many programs does Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) offer?
Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) offers 28 programs: 5 Bachelor's, 5 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) ranked?
#78 in Switzerland · QS World #473 · THE World #1201.
Does Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) offer scholarships?
Yes, Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) provide visa support?
Yes, Haute école de santé Fribourg (HEdS-FR) provides visa support for international students.
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