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University of Fribourg

Fribourg, 🇨🇭 Switzerland Public
#8 National #642 QS World #401 THE #501 ARWU
University of Fribourg campus
10,000 students 21% international Urban $830/yr

About University of Fribourg

The University of Fribourg, established in 1889, is a public, bilingual institution located in Fribourg, Switzerland. It serves as a significant hub for learning, research, and cultural activities, attracting students and researchers globally. The university's unique bilingual environment and comprehensive offerings contribute to the vibrant life of the city.

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.

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

Subject Areas

LawTheologyScienceHumanitiesEconomics

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

University of Fribourg photo 1University of Fribourg photo 2University of Fribourg photo 3University of Fribourg photo 4University of Fribourg photo 5University of Fribourg photo 6University of Fribourg photo 7University of Fribourg photo 8University of Fribourg photo 9

Programs Offered at University of Fribourg (20)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Computer Science Education Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (8)

Bachelor of Science in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
bsc biologybachelor in biologybiology degree careerlife sciences programstudy biology in fribourg
36 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor of Arts in Classical Philology

Classical Philology

Classical Philology
bachelor classical philology in frenchbachelor classical philologybachelors classical philology in switzerlandbachelor's classical philologyfrench-taught bachelor classical philology
36 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
babachelorbachelor of science in computer sciencebengbsc
36 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature

English Studies

English Studies
bachelor in english studiesstudy english studies in switzerlandenglish studies bachelor in switzerlandbsc in english studiesbs english studies
36 months English Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literature

German Studies

German Studies
artsbachelorfribourggermanlanguage
36 months German Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor of Arts in History

History

History
artsbabachelorbscbtech
36 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor's in Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
artsbabachelorbachelor in bachelor of arts in social sciencesbachelor of arts in social sciences
36 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Bachelor of Science in Sport Science

STEM

Sport Science

Sport Science
bsc in sport scienceinternational bachelor sport sciencebachelor in sport sciencebsc sport scienceba sport science
36 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master Programs (8)

Master of Arts in Art History

Art History

Art History
english-taught masters art historyart history degree taught in englishbest art history programsmasters art history in switzerlandmaster of art history
24 months German Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

STEM

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences
biomedicalbiomedical sciencesgraduatem.scma
24 months English Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Science in Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
msc chemistrybest master chemistry programsinternational master chemistrymaster in chemistrychemistry degree
24 months English Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Arts in Education

Education

Education
artseducationmasterswitzerland
24 months German Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Arts in European Studies

European Studies

European Studies
master's in european studiesstudy european studies in switzerlandeuropean studies programmaster of european studiesmaster in european studies
24 months English Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Science in Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
masters in mathematicsmaster mathematicsstudy mathematics in switzerlandmasters in mathematics in switzerlandstudy mathematics in fribourg
24 months English Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy
master philosophyethics careerphilosophy degree switzerlandmasters philosophymaster program philosophy
24 months French Full-time

$1,600/yr

Master of Science in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
Master of Science in Physicsmaster's physicsmaster's in physicsmasters physicsmasters in physics
24 months English Full-time

$1,600/yr

PhD Programs (4)

PhD in Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
economicsphdswitzerland
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

PhD in Law

Law

Law
phd in lawlawdoctoraldoctoratePhD program
36 months French Full-time

$300/yr

PhD in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
phd in Psychologydoctorate in Psychologystudy Psychology in SwitzerlandPsychology in FribourgPsychology Switzerland university
36 months French Full-time

$300/yr

PhD in Theology

Theology

Theology
phdswitzerlandtheology
36 months German Full-time

$300/yr

University of Fribourg Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
72+ TOEFL
100+ Duolingo
2.8+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline April 30 for autumn semester, November 30 for spring semester
Tuition (per year) $830/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$365
Application Fee $100
Teaching Language French, German, English
Student : Faculty 13:1
Accreditation
Swiss Accreditation CouncilSwiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ)

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Fribourg

Common questions from international students considering University of Fribourg.

What is the acceptance rate at University of Fribourg?

University of Fribourg is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of Fribourg cost for international students?

Tuition at University of Fribourg ranges from $830/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $365/month), books, and living expenses.

What is University of Fribourg ranked globally?

University of Fribourg holds the following rankings: QS World #642, Times Higher Education #401, ARWU #501, #8 in Switzerland. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does University of Fribourg have?

University of Fribourg typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 72+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at University of Fribourg?

Yes, University of Fribourg offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does University of Fribourg start its semesters?

University of Fribourg has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does University of Fribourg offer?

University of Fribourg offers 7+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is University of Fribourg located?

University of Fribourg is located in Fribourg, Switzerland 🇨🇭. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for University of Fribourg?

For specific details about University of Fribourg, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does University of Fribourg offer?

For specific details about University of Fribourg, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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