University of Bern

University of Bern (Universität Bern) is a public research university in Bern, the capital of Switzerland.

he history of the University of Bern dates back to the 16th century, when the Reformation made it necessary for new priests to be educated in a higher education establishment. In 1528, the city of Bern founded a theological school, which was initially housed in the Dominican monastery. In 1545, the school was renamed the Academy of Bern and expanded to offer courses in other subjects, such as law, medicine, and philosophy.

In the early 19th century, there was a growing demand for a full-fledged university in Bern. In 1834, the Academy of Bern was transformed into the University of Bern. The new university had four faculties: theology, law, medicine, and philosophy.

The University of Bern grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries. New faculties were added, such as the Faculty of Science (1869) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (1908). The university also expanded its campus and built new buildings, such as the Old University Building (1884) and the Main Building (1903).

In the 21st century, the University of Bern has continued to grow and develop. It is now one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Switzerland. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, and its research is funded by a variety of sources, including the Swiss National Science Foundation and the European Research Council.

The University of Bern has played an important role in the history of Switzerland. It has educated many of the country's leaders and has made significant contributions to Swiss culture and society.

Today, the University of Bern is a leading research university with a strong international reputation. It is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and to conducting research that makes a positive impact on the world.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, University of Bern is positioned as the #184 top university in the world, which makes it the #6 top university in Switzerland. The university's global rank decreased by 23 points from last year.