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FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Brugg/Windisch, 🇨🇭 Switzerland Public
#10 National
FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland campus
13,984 students 5% international Multiple Campuses $700/yr

About FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

The FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, located in Brugg/Windisch, is a leading institution known for its practical relevance, innovative research, and strong industry connections. With over 13,900 students from more than 60 countries, it offers a diverse and interdisciplinary learning environment. The university is committed to fostering "global competencies" in its students and staff, preparing them for a dynamic global landscape.

Academics


FHNW comprises ten schools, offering a broad spectrum of subjects including Applied Psychology, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Art and Design, Business, Computer Science, Teacher Education, Engineering, Life Sciences, Music, and Social Work. The teaching approach emphasizes hands-on education and applied research, ensuring curricula are geared towards real-world needs. Notable English-taught Master's programs include International Management, Business Information Systems, Analytical Chemistry, Medical Informatics, and various specializations within Life Sciences and Engineering. The university's explicit multidisciplinarity is a key strength, fostering collaboration and diverse perspectives in both teaching and research.

International Students


The International Office at FHNW provides comprehensive support to international students, assisting with organizational and administrative matters, orientation, and networking. While specific diversity statistics are not provided, the university proudly states that people from over 60 countries study and work there, creating an enriching international atmosphere. English-taught programs are available at both Bachelor's and Master's levels, particularly in fields like International Business Management, Visual Communication and Digital Spaces, and various Master's specializations. International students are also invited to participate in International Student Activities to facilitate cultural integration and learn about student life in Switzerland.

Campus & Location


The Brugg/Windisch campus is modern and well-equipped, featuring libraries with quiet working spaces, cafeterias, and open zones ideal for group work or individual study. Brugg and Windisch are historically rich towns located in the "Water Castle of Switzerland," where the Aare, Reuss, and Limmat rivers converge. The area offers attractions such as the Vindonissa Museum, Habsburg Castle, and the Königsfelden monastery church, all accessible from Brugg's train station. Public transportation, including buses, provides easy access between Brugg and Windisch, with a journey taking as little as 2 minutes.

Career Outcomes


FHNW's programs are designed to equip students with skills highly sought after in the industry, leading to excellent long-term career prospects. The university maintains strong industry connections through partnerships with businesses for applied research, internships, and collaborative projects. Career Services acts as a central point of contact, connecting students with the corporate world and offering professional support for career launches. FHNW also fosters a strong startup culture through initiatives like the FHNW Startup Challenge, which supports students and employees in developing and implementing business ideas with coaching and prize money.

Highlights

  • Nine schools across four cantons
  • Focus on practice-oriented higher education
  • Leading Swiss innovation and research partner
  • Strong international academic network
  • Diverse interdisciplinary study programmes
  • Modern campuses in Basel and Windisch

Subject Areas

EngineeringBusinessSocial WorkDesignEducation

Student Life & Support

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

Photos

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 1FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 2FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 3FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 4FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 5FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 6FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 7FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 8FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland photo 9

Programs Offered at FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (28)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Medicine & Health Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (24)

Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Business Psychology, Personnel Psychology

Applied Psychology
bachelor of applied psychologybachelor's in applied psychologyBS in applied psychologystudy applied psychology in Switzerlandapplied psychology in Brugg/Windisch
German Full-time

Art and Design Education

Art and Design Education

Art and Design Education
bachelor of art and design educationbachelor's in art and design educationundergraduate art and design educationstudy art and design education in Switzerlandart and design education in Switzerland
German Full-time

Business Artificial Intelligence

STEM

Business, Artificial Intelligence

Business
bachelor in businessstudy business in switzerlandbusiness bscfhnw university of applied sciences and arts northwestern switzerland businessbusiness degree in switzerland
36 months English Full-time

Business Information Technology

STEM

Business, Information Technology

Computer Science
babachelorbsbscbusiness
36 months English Full-time

Business Administration (International Management)

Business, International Management

International Business
bachelorbusinessbusiness administration (international management)business, international managementinternational
36 months English Full-time

$5,000/yr

Design & Management (iCompetence)

STEM

Design, Management, Engineering

Design, Management, Engineering
bachelor's in designbsc designstudy design in switzerlandbachelor design in brugg/windischbachelor design program
English Full-time

Electrical and Information Technology

STEM

Electrical Engineering, Information Technology

Electrical Engineering
babachelorbachelorsbscelectrical
English Full-time

Energy and Environmental Technology

STEM

Energy, Environmental Technology, Engineering

Energy, Environmental Technology, Engineering
andbachelorenergyenergy and environmental technologyenergy, environmental technology, engineering
English Full-time

Engineering and Management

STEM

Engineering, Management

Engineering Management
babachelorbengbsbsc
English Full-time

Fashion Design

Fashion Design

Fashion Design
appliedartsbachelordesignfashion
German Full-time

Fine Arts

Fine Arts

Fine Arts
bachelor in fine artsbachelor in fine arts in switzerlandbs fine artsbs fine arts in switzerlandenglish-taught bachelor fine arts in switzerland
English Full-time

Industrial Design

Industrial Design

Industrial Design
bachelor industrial designinternational studentmanufacturing designbachelor's degreeindustrial design
German Full-time

Interior Architecture and Scenography

Interior Architecture, Scenography

Interior Architecture, Scenography
bachelorundergraduatebscbabeng
German Full-time

International Business Management (trinational)

International Business Management

International Business Management
appliedartsbachelorbrugg/windischbusiness
36 months English Full-time

Life Sciences

STEM

Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Medicine, Computer Sciences

Computer Science
bachelorbiologychemistrycomputerfhnw
German Full-time

Materials Engineering

STEM

Materials Engineering

Engineering
babachelorbachelorsbscbtech
English Full-time

Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
bachelor in mechanical engineeringbachelor's in mechanical engineeringstudy mechanical engineering in switzerlandmechanical engineering bachelor in brugg/windischenglish-taught bachelor mechanical engineering
English Full-time

Mechatronics Trinational

STEM

Mechatronics

Mechanical Engineering
mechatronicstrinationalmechanicalengineeringbachelor
English Full-time

Music (various specializations)

Music, Performing, Music Education, Joint Major, Early Music, Jazz, Alternative Styles

Music, Performing, Music Education, Joint Major, Early Music, Jazz, Alternative Styles
bachelor music, performing, music education, joint major, early music, jazz, alternative styles in switzerlandinternational music, performing, music education, joint major, early music, jazz, alternative styles bachelorenglish taught bachelor music, performing, music education, joint major, early music, jazz, alternative styles in switzerlandmusic, performing, music education, joint major, early music, jazz, alternative styles degreebachelor music, performing, music education, joint major, early music, jazz, alternative styles
English Full-time
View details →

Optometry

STEM

Optometry

Optometry
bachelor of optometrybachelor's in optometryundergraduate optometrystudy optometry in Switzerlandoptometry in Switzerland
English Full-time

Process Design at HyperWerk

Process Design, Postindustrial Design

Process Design, Postindustrial Design
bachelors in process design, postindustrial designstudy process design, postindustrial design in switzerlandba process design, postindustrial designprocess design, postindustrial design bachelors switzerlandenglish-taught ba process design, postindustrial design in switzerland
English Full-time

Social Work

Social Work

Social Work
study Social Work in SwitzerlandSocial Work program in Switzerlandstudy Social Work in Brugg/WindischSocial Work in Brugg/Windischbachelor of Social Work
German Full-time

Systems Engineering

STEM

Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences, Mechanical Engineering

Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences, Mechanical Engineering
B.Sc systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer sciences, mechanical engineeringbest systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer sciences, mechanical engineering programssystems engineering, electrical engineering, computer sciences, mechanical engineering program switzerlandundergraduate systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer sciences, mechanical engineeringinterdisciplinary engineering
English Full-time

Visual Communication and Digital Spaces

Visual Communication, Digital Spaces, Art and Design

Visual Communication
bsc visual communicationbachelor in visual communicationbachelors in visual communicationundergraduate visual communicationbachelor degree visual communication
English Full-time

Master Programs (4)

Finance

STEM

Finance, Financial Markets, Financial Management

Finance, Financial Markets, Financial Management
masters finance, financial markets, financial management in switzerlandfinance degreeinternational master program finance, financial markets, financial managementmaster in finance, financial markets, financial managementmaster finance, financial markets, financial management
18 months English Full-time

Life Sciences (with nine specializations)

STEM

Life Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Cell Biology, Bioanalytics, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, Environmental Technologies, Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Pharmatechnology

Life Sciences
(withanalyticalappliedartsbioanalytics
English Full-time

Medical Informatics

STEM

Medical Informatics, Digital Techniques, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare

Medical Informatics
medical informatics master Switzerlandhealth informatics Switzerlanddigital health AI masterFHNW medical informaticseHealth degree Switzerland
English Full-time

Strategic Management and Leadership

Strategic Management, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Innovation, Data Science

Strategic Management
master in strategic managementstudy strategic management in switzerlandstrategic management program in brugg/windischmsc strategic managementstrategic management at fhnw university of applied sciences and arts northwestern switzerland
24 months English Full-time

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6.5+ IELTS
71+ TOEFL
2.5+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline May 31 for Bachelor (Autumn Semester), April 30 for Master (Autumn Semester), November 30 for Bachelor & Master (Spring Semester)
Tuition (per year) $700/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$1500
Application Fee $200
Teaching Language German, English
Accreditation
AACSBFIBAA

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Frequently Asked Questions About FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

Common questions from international students considering FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland.

What is the acceptance rate at FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland?

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is classified as "Open (60%+)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland cost for international students?

Tuition at FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland ranges from $700/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $1500/month), books, and living expenses.

What is FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland ranked globally?

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland holds the following rankings: #10 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 FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland have?

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 71+ 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 FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland?

Yes, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland 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 FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland start its semesters?

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland 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 FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offer?

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offers 21+ 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 FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland located?

FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is located in Brugg/Windisch, Switzerland 🇨🇭. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland?

For specific details about FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offer?

For specific details about FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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