Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is one of ten Swiss universities of applied sciences. It is institutionally accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council, the joint body of the federal government and the cantons for accreditation and quality assurance in the Swiss higher education landscape, in accordance with the Higher Education Promotion and Coordination Act (HFKG).
| Motto / Slogan | We place particular emphasis on customer orientation, practical relevance and quality |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Location | Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland |
| Address | Jungholzstrasse 43, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland |
Kalaidos UAS sees itself as the preferred university of applied sciences for people who work and have families, and who would like to acquire career-effective knowledge quickly, reliably and professionally.
Kalaidos envisions itself as the ideal, flexible, and customer-oriented partner for lifelong learning and professional advancement. It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, providing students with a global mindset and the decisive competencies needed to thrive in their careers.
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences’ Quality Management System (K-QMS) is built on the principle of systematic and continuous improvement. It covers all academic and operational areas, providing a framework for establishing, maintaining, and enhancing quality. The system guides university activities, supports the achievement of strategic goals, and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to quality development for all stakeholders.
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences contributes to sustainable development by recognizing far-reaching aspects of ecological, economic and social sustainability and taking these into account in its work both at the overarching level and in the service areas, study programs and research projects.
The Office for Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion (FCDI) promotes diversity, integration, and equal opportunities across all areas, including age, gender, origin, beliefs, language, social status, sexual orientation, and disabilities. Its preventative approach focuses on raising awareness, developing skills, and creating supportive environments that foster inclusion and equality throughout the university community.
The integrity officers of the Office for the Protection of Scientific Integrity are the point of contact in cases of suspected scientific misconduct and accept corresponding reports. The Office investigates suspected misconduct related to scientific integrity and acts as an advisory and mediation body. The fundamental principles of scientific integrity are laid down in the following regulations and apply to all disciplines at Kalaidos.
All degree programs are designed to allow for a demanding career, studies, and private life to coexist. The study concepts are flexible and take into account the needs of students and their employers.
The listed admission requirements are regulated in the admission regulations of Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences.
Admission requirements vary by degree program. View the degree program page for requirements.
Admission requirements vary by degree program. View the degree program page for requirements.
Submit your application through the Online Application
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +41 44 200 19 19
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council
1997
Foundation stone laid
The mer... read more
2001
Major merger
The PHW St. Gallen, Basel, Zurich, and AKAD HfB are merging. The goal: to establish a private, independent university of applied sciences, approved and supervised by the state under Swiss law, alongside the seven state-run universities. The first step was to lay the groundwork for such recognition through targeted political and substantive development work.
2005
Approval by the Federal Council
The Federal Council grants indefinite approval for the establishment and operation of Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences. This decision is based on the Federal Act of 6 October 1995 on Universities of Applied Sciences (FHSG), the Universities of Applied Sciences Ordinance of 11 September 1996 (FHSV), and the results of a multi-year peer review process conducted by the Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Foundation.
2006
Establishment of the Department of Health
Together with the W'EG and Careum foundations, which are rooted in the healthcare sector, the Department of Health is being established.
2009
Expansion of the Department of Economic Affairs
As part of its ongoing expansion, the Department of Economics is developing thematic priorities in the areas of finance and taxation. This includes collaborations with industry organizations such as the Swiss Fiduciary Association, the Swiss Association of Executives (SKO), and Swissmem, as well as the integration of PHW Bern.
2010
Major renovation and expansion
The new brand identity under the name Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Switzerland is launched. The research collaboration Careum R&D expands the Department of Health. The Department of Music is established in cooperation with the Swiss Academy for Music and Music Education (SAMP).
2013
New accreditation by the Federal Council
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is the first university in Switzerland to receive institutional accreditation under the Higher Education Coordination and Funding Act (HFKG), which will come into force later. This accreditation is based on an external panel of experts' review of Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, conducted through a comprehensive self-assessment report and numerous interviews.
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is a member of swissuniversities, the Rectors' Conference of Swiss Universities, and thus actively contributes to shaping the Swiss higher education landscape.
2017
Founding of Kalaidos Law School
The Kalaidos Law School, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law, is being established as the fourth department. Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is thus the first institution to offer a law degree at the university of applied sciences level.
2019
Integration into the Klett Group
In September, the Kalaidos Education Group Switzerland will be integrated into the Klett Group and will receive new management. This also applies to the Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, which is part of the Kalaidos Education Group.
2021
Establishment of the Department of Applied Psychology
In November, the fifth Department of Applied Psychology will be established, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, research, and services. The first bachelor's students will begin their studies in summer 2022.
2022
25 years of Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Switzerland is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This also marks 10 years of the Music Department (Kalaidos Music Academy) and 5 years of the Law Department (Kalaidos Law School). The 10th University Day will take place on June 24th at Kaufleuten Zurich.
Re-institutional accreditation
In September 2022, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences was once again granted institutional accreditation by the Swiss Accreditation Council. This reaffirms its commitment to meeting the high quality standards of the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HFKG). Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is the first university of applied sciences in Switzerland to have successfully completed this process for the second time.
2025
reorganization
The new organizational structure and processes are now in effect. At its core is a clear focus on the university's four core mission. The departments are now organized as independent schools: Kalaidos Business School, Kalaidos School of Applied Psychology, Kalaidos Law School, and Careum School of Health . The introduction of the Vice-Rectorate for Applied Research & Development will strengthen and increase the visibility of research. As part of this realignment, it was also decided to discontinue the activities of the Kalaidos Music Academy and to allow the existing degree programs to be phased out in a regular and orderly manner by the end of 2027.