With over 21,000 students, the HES-SO is the largest university of applied sciences in Switzerland. Like the eight other public universities of applied sciences, the HES-SO has become an essential partner in education and research in Switzerland over the past 20 years. Here are the key stages of its creation and transformation.
HES-SO is a network of 28 schools of higher education offering degree programmes in six key fields to some 22,000 students. The universities play a key role in the social, economic and cultural development of each of western Switzerland’s seven cantons.
| Acronym | HES-SO |
| Colour | Gray and Blue |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Location | Delémont, Jura, Switzerland |
| Address | Route de Moutier 14, Case Postale 452, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland |
To ensure the high quality of its educational programs, applied research, and services. By closely intertwining academic learning with professional needs, it prepares graduates for rapid integration into the working world and fosters socio-economic and cultural development across Western Switzerland.
To be an internationally recognized higher education network that leverages the region's linguistic and cultural diversity. It aims to expand global synergies and drive societal development by combining hands-on expertise with cutting-edge research in science, technology, social work, and the arts.
HES-SO emphasizes applied learning, combining academic knowledge with practical experience through projects, internships, and industry collaborations. Students graduate with skills that are directly relevant to the job market.
The university collaborates extensively with companies and organizations, providing students with internships, real-world projects, networking opportunities, and access to potential employers.
HES-SO graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects thanks to the university's close ties with businesses, public institutions, and industry partners throughout Switzerland.
Candidates must pay an application fee of 150 CHF at the time of the application.
To be admitted to a Bachelor's program at HES-SO, all candidates must hold a recognized secondary II/tertiary qualification with a minimum of one year of professional experience.
Additional conditions and/or qualifications which vary according to fields and programs are specified in the admission regulations below .
To be admitted to a Master's program at HES-SO, all candidates must hold a diploma from a university (Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification) obtained from a university and a program recognized by HES-SO after a minimum of 3 years of training (at least 180 ECTS credits).
The nature of the Bachelor's degree is examined to determine whether it is a professional training program or a university program. In the latter case, additional professional experience will be required.
Additional conditions and/or qualifications which vary according to fields and sectors are specified in the sector regulations below.
Applications are submitted through the online application system of the relevant HES-SO school or programme. For HES-SO Master’s programmes, applications are made through the HES-SO Master application platform. Documents sent only by email or post are generally not accepted.
Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : +41 58 900 00 00
In 2019, the Swiss Accreditation Council granted HES-SO institutional accreditation , which recognizes HES-SO's ability to guarantee the quality of its training and research missions.
A new objectives agreement is signed with the partner cantons for 2021-2024. Service mandates linking the HES-SO with the universities and fields are also concluded for this same period.
In 2022, HES-SO became the first university of applied sciences to join a European university. It is associated with the European university UNITA-Universitas Montium, which offers new opportunities for collaboration and mobility for HES-SO students and staff.
In 2023, the HES-SO offered 43 Bachelor's programs and 25 Master's programs. The most common qualification awarded by the HES-SO is the Bachelor's degree, awarded to nine out of ten graduates.
Luciana Vaccaro holds a PhD in science and microengineering and has been our Rector since 2013. She previously conducted research at several institutions and founded EPFL's Grant Office in 2009. Her term as Rector of HES-SO has been renewed until 2029.
René Graf previously headed the Department of Architecture, Woodworking and Engineering at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). He holds an engineering degree from EPFL and served as a lecturer and head of applied R&D at BFH. What also sets him apart is his bilingual approach and his background rich in international experience.
Prior to joining HES-SO, Axel Marion managed higher education policy initiatives at swissuni... read more
The introduction of vocational baccalaureate degrees, followed by specialized baccalaureate degrees, prerequisites for holders of F... read more
In 2019, the Swiss Accreditation Council granted HES-SO institutional accreditation , which recognizes HES-SO's ability to guarantee the quality of its training and research missions.
A new objectives agreement is signed with the partner cantons for 2021-2024. Service mandates linking the HES-SO with the universities and fields are also concluded for this same period.
In 2022, HES-SO became the first university of applied sciences to join a European university. It is associated with the European university UNITA-Universitas Montium, which offers new opportunities for collaboration and mobility for HES-SO students and staff.
In 2023, the HES-SO offered 43 Bachelor's programs and 25 Master's programs. The most common qualification awarded by the HES-SO is the Bachelor's degree, awarded to nine out of ten graduates.
In the early 1990s, the Swiss Confederation sought to revitalize the Swiss economy by strengthening vocational training. The objectives were to enable holders of a Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC) to pursue university-level studies, and also to offer an alternative to university for higher education. Switzerland also aimed to catch up internationally in terms of the number of university graduates. To this end, the Confederation planned the creation of universities of applied sciences awarding tertiary level A degrees according to the Bologna system.
The introduction of vocational baccalaureate degrees, followed by specialized baccalaureate degrees, prerequisites for holders of Federal Certificates of Competence (CFCs) to access Universities of Applied Sciences (HES), began in 1993. In 1994, the Conference of Cantonal Offices for Vocational Training of French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino (CRFP) decided to create a single HES for Western Switzerland. The legal framework establishing the HES was laid at the federal level between 1995 and 1996.
Creation of the HES-SO
The seven partner cantons of the HES-SO signed the intercantonal concordat in 1997 which determined the structures of the institution and its mode of operation.
The HES-SO was officially established in 1998 and initially brought together the fields of engineering and architecture, economics and services, as well as applied arts.
The higher technical schools (ETS), the higher schools for managers in economics and administration (ESCEA) and the higher schools of applied arts (ESAA) of the partner cantons receive new roles and responsibilities and take the name of higher schools.
In addition to providing theoretical and practical training, universities must undertake research and development missions, provide services to the economy through the transfer of knowledge and technology, conduct continuing education, and collaborate with other training and research institutions in Switzerland and abroad
The HES-SO is expanding with three new fields
The HES-SO expanded in 2004 with the addition of the Social Work and Health fields, following its merger with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, which was created in 2001. The Music field joined the HES-SO in 2005. The Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs were attached from 2006 onwards, respectively to the Design and Visual Arts and Music and Performing Arts fields.
The training offer expanded in 2007 with the opening of the first eight Masters programs.
Accreditation
In 2019, the Swiss Accreditation Council granted HES-SO institutional accreditation , which recognizes HES-SO's ability to guarantee the quality of its training and research missions.
A new objectives agreement is signed with the partner cantons for 2021-2024. Service mandates linking the HES-SO with the universities and fields are also concluded for this same period.
In 2022, HES-SO became the first university of applied sciences to join a European university. It is associated with the European university UNITA-Universitas Montium, which offers new opportunities for collaboration and mobility for HES-SO students and staff.
In 2023, the HES-SO offered 43 Bachelor's programs and 25 Master's programs. The most common qualification awarded by the HES-SO is the Bachelor's degree, awarded to nine out of ten graduates.
In the early 1990s, the Swiss Confederation sought to revitalize the Swiss economy by strengthening vocational training. The objectives were to enable holders of a Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC) to pursue university-level studies, and also to offer an alternative to university for higher education. Switzerland also aimed to catch up internationally in terms of the number of university graduates. To this end, the Confederation planned the creation of universities of applied sciences awarding tertiary level A degrees according to the Bologna system.
The introduction of vocational baccalaureate degrees, followed by specialized baccalaureate degrees, prerequisites for holders of Federal Certificates of Competence (CFCs) to access Universities of Applied Sciences (HES), began in 1993. In 1994, the Conference of Cantonal Offices for Vocational Training of French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino (CRFP) decided to create a single HES for Western Switzerland. The legal framework establishing the HES was laid at the federal level between 1995 and 1996.
The seven partner cantons of the HES-SO signed the intercantonal concordat in 1997 which determined the structures of the institution and its mode of operation.
The HES-SO was officially established in 1998 and initially brought together the fields of engineering and architecture, economics and services, as well as applied arts.
The higher technical schools (ETS), the higher schools for managers in economics and administration (ESCEA) and the higher schools of applied arts (ESAA) of the partner cantons receive new roles and responsibilities and take the name of higher schools.
In addition to providing theoretical and practical training, universities must undertake research and development missions, provide services to the economy through the transfer of knowledge and technology, conduct continuing education, and collaborate with other training and research institutions in Switzerland and abroad.
The HES-SO is expanding with three new fields
The HES-SO expanded in 2004 with the addition of the Social Work and Health fields, following its merger with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, which was created in 2001. The Music field joined the HES-SO in 2005. The Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs were attached from 2006 onwards, respectively to the Design and Visual Arts and Music and Performing Arts fields.
The training offer expanded in 2007 with the opening of the first eight Masters programs.
New intercantonal agreement
The HES-SO revised its governance in 2013 with the entry into force of a new intercantonal agreement. A four-person rectorate replaced the former presidency. The new agreement also provides for increased participation in the HES-SO's operations by students, faculty, intermediate staff, and administrative and technical personnel. Their representatives were elected for the first time in 2015 to the consultation council and the six participatory subject councils.
In 2017, the HES-SO signed a four-year performance agreement with its seven partner cantons and service agreements with all its member universities and departments. The agreement formalizes the institution's objectives for the next four years. The service agreements define the objectives for each department and university, according to their areas of expertise and taking into account their own strategic priorities.