University of Fribourg
Bridging cultures and connecting minds at the heart of Switzerland.
📍 Fribourg, Switzerland 🇨🇭
🏆 #8 in Switzerland · QS World #642 · THE World #401 · ARWU #501
Quick Facts about University of Fribourg
- Type: Public
- Students: 10,000
- International: 21%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $830 – $830/year
- Language: French, German, English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About University of Fribourg
Academics
The University of Fribourg encompasses five faculties: Theology, Law, Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Science and Medicine. It offers a wide array of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and close student-teacher connections. The university is particularly noted for its bilingualism, with most courses available in German, French, or both, and some international programs taught in English.
International Students
The University of Fribourg fosters an international atmosphere, with students from 110 nationalities currently enrolled. The university's general student association, AGEF, represents student interests and offers various services, including job and housing listings. While many programs are bilingual (German and French), the Department of English offers Bachelor's programs taught entirely in English, covering Anglophone literature and English linguistics.
Campus & Location
Fribourg is often described as a "university town," where the city itself functions as the campus. With approximately 10,000 students among a total of 40,000 inhabitants, university life significantly shapes the city. The university buildings are well-integrated within the city, and public transportation, including buses, provides easy access throughout Fribourg. Fribourg is also conveniently located with direct train connections to major Swiss airports like Zurich and Geneva. The cost of living in Fribourg is relatively affordable compared to other Swiss cities.
Career Outcomes
The University of Fribourg's Career Services support students and PhD candidates in their transition from academia to professional life. These services include individual coaching, workshops, and networking events, focusing on building self-confidence and aligning with students' goals and skills. The university actively supports entrepreneurship through its Knowledge and Technology Transfer Service, which assists with intellectual property protection, funding, and collaboration with industry partners. The Chair of Strategic Entrepreneurship also supports student startup ideas through programs like the Student Venture Program and the Innovation Club.
Information for International Students at University of Fribourg
University of Fribourg in Fribourg, Switzerland welcomes international students, with 21% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 21% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$365/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: French, German, English
Admissions Requirements for University of Fribourg
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Fribourg:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 72
- Duolingo minimum: 100
- GPA minimum: 2.8
- Application fee: $100
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: April 30 for autumn semester, November 30 for spring semester
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Fribourg
Annual tuition for international students: $830 – $830/year
✅ University of Fribourg offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Fribourg
- National Ranking: #8 in Switzerland
- QS World University Ranking: #642
- Times Higher Education (THE): #401
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #501
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at University of Fribourg
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$365/month
Key Highlights
- Only bilingual university in Switzerland
- Unique dual-language degree programs
- Prominent European center for theology
- Diverse international student population
- Historic campus in medieval city
- Leading research in soft nanomaterials
Accreditation
- Swiss Accreditation Council
- Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ)
Fields of Study at University of Fribourg
- Law
- Theology
- Science
- Humanities
- Economics
Notable Alumni
- Didier Burkhalter
- Alexandre Aja
- Klaus Schwab
- Gianni Infantino
- Simonetta Sommaruga
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Fribourg
What is University of Fribourg?
University of Fribourg is a public university located in Fribourg, Switzerland. It has approximately 10,000 students, with 21% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Fribourg?
Tuition fees at University of Fribourg for international students range from $830 – $830/year. Student housing costs approximately $365/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Fribourg?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 72. Duolingo minimum: 100. GPA minimum: 2.8. Application fee: $100. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: April 30 for autumn semester, November 30 for spring semester.
What language are courses taught in at University of Fribourg?
Courses at University of Fribourg are taught in French and German and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
What is University of Fribourg ranked?
#8 in Switzerland · QS World #642 · THE World #401 · ARWU #501.
Does University of Fribourg offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Fribourg offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Fribourg provide visa support?
Yes, University of Fribourg provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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