The University of Fribourg is a place where learning, research, employment and events all happen at the same time. Its innovative force makes it an important mover in the commercial and cultural life of the region. Since it attracts students and researchers from every part of Switzerland and from all over the world it has shaped life in the bilingual city of Fribourg since it was founded in 1889.
The University of Fribourg encompasses six faculties where people study, teach and research. These are Arts and Humanities, Science and Medicine, Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Education, Law and Theology. As well as these there are numerous interdisciplinary institutes and centres of excellence. The approximately 10,000 students in the Bachelor, Masters and PhD programs receive first-class personal support from over 800 professors, lecturers and research assistants.
| Acronym | UNIFR |
| Motto / Slogan | Scientia et Sapientia, Knowledge and Wisdom |
| Colour | Blue and White |
| Founded | 1889 |
| Location | Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland |
| Address | University of Fribourg Av. de l'Europe 20 CH-1700 Fribourg |
The University of Fribourg is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service to society. It seeks to provide high-quality education, promote scientific inquiry, foster critical thinking, and contribute to social, cultural, and economic development through knowledge creation and dissemination.
The university aims to be a leading bilingual and internationally recognized institution, advancing knowledge through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, multicultural dialogue, and responsible engagement with society.
Great emphasis is placed on direct contact between the teaching staff and students because we believe that this is the optimal way to further the development of each individual.
As the only bilingual university in Switzerland, the University of Fribourg offers a wide range of courses of study in French, German or both. There are also a number of courses with an international aspect which are offered in English. Languages are not only studied here, but they form part of everyday life in the University community.
With their work in the centres of excellence and on research projects, our committed researchers continually contribute to extending the horizons of knowledge in all disciplines. In doing so, their attention is constantly focused on solving society’s current and future challenges. The University of Fribourg also enjoys an excellent international reputation in research.
Entry requirements vary by degree. View the degree page for specific requirements.
The general criteria of an upper secondary school-leaving certificate
A foreign upper secondary education is considered to be based on a formal general education if it is substantially equivalent to a Swiss maturity, particularly where the branches studied and the total duration of the school education (12 years) are concerned.
It is essential that the required subjects be respected for the last three years of the upper secondary education.
Furthermore, if the upper secondary studies have been carried out in several different educational systems, the diploma is recognised only if:
For more details on the upper secondary school-leaving certificate criteria, please refer to the directives and the swissuniversities recommendations.
Proof of adequate language proficiency
It is important that future Bachelor students master French or German in order to be able to follow courses and communicate both orally and in writing, whatever the chosen degree programme. The level required in French or in German corresponds to a B2 level of the European Council’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Proof of French or German language proficiency
Entry requirements vary by degree. View the degree page for specific requirements.
Proof of adequate language proficiency
If you wish to study at a Master’s level in the following fields, you must provide proof of adequate language proficiency:
The level required corresponds to a B2 level of the European Council’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Online applications through Inscruni are aimed exclusively at people who are not currently registered at the Unifr. If you are currently registered at the Unifr and have an active MyUnifr account, you must on no account apply through Inscruni.
Any request from a student registered at the Unifr (e.g. change of degree programme, early start to master studies ("master anticipé"), master studies following a bachelor’s degree, etc.) must in principle be submitted on the MyUnifr portal. Exception: if you are currently registered at the Faculty of Science and Medicine, please consult the information available on the Faculty website.
Online application on Inscruni
The validation of the online application for admission must be done within the deadlines given in the section "Application periods".
You can apply online even if you have not yet finished your studies or obtained your school-leaving certificate.
We recommend applying as early as possible as the processing of an application for admission takes several weeks.
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +41 26 300 70 20, +41 26 300 60 20
The work of her research group is centred on the bioinorganic chemistry of silver, silver compounds and nanoparticles, for example on their antimicrobial effect. A further research area is that of new compounds and nanomaterials for batteries. In the NCCR (National Centre of Competence in Research) "Bioinspired Materials", the group is investigating polymers with new mechanophores.
After studying biochemistry and obtaining her doctorate at the University of Fribourg, she ... read more
Academy of Jurisprudence
The Age of Reason brings forth renewed efforts in the Catholic areas of Switzerland to counter the lack of education. With the founding of an Academy of Jurisprudence in 1763, the first step is taken towards a university.
Founding of the University of Fribourg
The Grand Council of the Canton of Fribourg resolves to bestow on the City Council the power to set in motion the “provisional opening of one or other university faculty”. ("1889-1989 Geschichte der Universität Freiburg Schweiz", 1991) The driving force behind the founding of the University is the Fribourg Councillor Georges Python. ... read more
1971
University Crèche
The crèche is established with the help of the “Vereinigung der Schweizerischen Akademikerinnen“ (Association of Swiss Women Graduates). To begin with, the University places several rooms in the Student Centre at their disposal, but the demand is so strong that, later on, available buildings are fitted out and leased by the University. From 1994 on, additional space is added outside the campus.
15th October 1998
In the 1998/1999 academic year there are, for the very first time, more women (56.6%) than men studying at UNIFR. In conjunction with the general increase, the proportion of women students has been rising markedly since the beginning of the 1960’s: between 1955 and 1975 it leaps from 7.3% to 24%. In 2012 women students make up around 60%.
15th October 2001
New logo
In 2001 the University of Fribourg receives a new face. Under the direction of Rector Paul-Henri Steinauer a new logo is introduced which replaces the old one dating from 1953 with its half-length figure of the enthroned Christ as Judge of the World.
28th October 2005
Pérolles 2 is inaugurated
In the autumn of 2005 the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences as well as the Institutes of Information Technology and Sport move into a new building. 6 years before, the voting public of Fribourg agreed to the Pérolles 2 building project by the significant majority of 83.7%.
2013
Corporate Design
Since the middle of October 2013 the University of Fribourg has been facing the world with a fresh new visual image. Even after 125 years, the Alma Mater remains true to its identity which is characterised by its long tradition, bilingualism, internationality, its high academic standards and the principle of always putting people first. Its revamped visual appearance is designed to underscore the University’s identity and make it easier to see the University as a whole, the main focus being on its performance and offerings.