Programmes for refugees
The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons embodies the value of "respect" in its daily activities, both in teaching and research. This encompasses a respectful and fair treatment of one another, and we celebrate the diversity within our university.
The Coordination Office for refugees advises students about their study options at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons.
Admission to Studies
The current minimum admission requirements for all degree programmes offered by the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons are listed below. Please refer to the detailed admission requirements of respective Bachelor's or Master's degree programmes.
Minimum Requirements for Bachelor's Degree:
- Swiss-recognized vocational baccalaureate, academic baccalaureate, specialized baccalaureate, or an equivalent foreign certificate. If the diploma is not issued in German, French, Italian, or English, a notarised translation must be submitted.
- 12 months of work experience in a field relevant to the chosen study program.
- Language requirements for German-language programs: At least B2 certificate (see specific study program for detailed requirements).
- English proficiency: Please refer to the admission conditions of the respective study program.
- Detailed admission requirements can be found for each specific study program.
Minimum Requirements for Master's Degree:
- Bachelor's degree (at least 180 ECTS) from a state-recognized university in a field relevant to the chosen study program. If the diploma is not issued in German, French, Italian, or English, a notarized translation of the document must be submitted.
- Language requirements for German-language programs: C1 certificate.
- English proficiency: Please refer to the admission conditions of the respective study program.
- Detailed admission requirements can be found for each specific study program.
Financing
For many refugees, financing their studies poses a significant challenge. The funding for study-related costs and living expenses during the study period must be clarified in advance with the responsible case officer.
Scholarships in Switzerland are regulated at the cantonal level. Check with the cantonal scholarship office to see if you are eligible for an educational scholarship.
The «Perspective Studies» website provides useful information on study costs, budgeting, and financing options.
Application for Tuition Fee Waiver
Ukrainian refugees with S-status can apply for a tuition fee waiver for the first two semesters before the start of their studies. The application should be sent via email to: prorektorat@fhgr.ch, along with a copy of the valid S residence permit and a copy of the passport.
Refgees with valid residence permits in Switzerland: B, F or N can apply for a tuition fee waiver from the Financial Support Fund for Students of the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons after the first semester. For information on the requirements and the application process, contact: beratung@fhgr.ch.
Further general information on study financing can be found here.
Bridge Programme at a glance
The Bridge Programme «Brückenangebot» for refugees is a cooperation project between the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons and the Integration Office of the Office for Migration and Civil Law of the Grisons.
This pre-study programme is aimed at refugees who qualify for a university degree and would like to complete a Bachelor’s degree at the UAS Grisons after this integration year. Successful completion of the bridge programme gives you access to the regular Bachelor’s degree programme.
Contents of the Bridge Programme
The programme can be attended from the autumn semester 2024 for ten different Bachelor’s degree programmes. During two semesters, you will attend programme-specific modules and support modules – such as a German course. In addition to your studies, you will preferably complete an internship in a profession relevant to your degree programme.
Bachelor’s degree programme or field of study
You choose your preferred degree programme from the following Bachelor’s courses:
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Business Administration
- Computational and Data Science
- Digital Business Management
- Digital Supply Chain Management
- Information Science
- Mobile Robotics
- Photonics
- Tourism (English)
Programme-specific modules
Each semester you will take two to three modules from your chosen degree programme. These are regular modules from the relevant Bachelor’s programme. Students on the bridge programme attend these modules as guest students. If you successfully pass the assessments, the modules attended can be recognised when you transfer to the regular degree programme.
German course
This module is compulsory for all students on the bridge programme. The focus is on academic German in order to prepare you as well as possible for the regular degree programme. Entry level B2 is recommended.
Coaching
Our coaching supports you individually with organisational and academic tasks in everyday study life at the UAS Grisons.
Internship
During the bridge year, you will preferably complete a part-time internship in a programme-specific profession at a regional company. The internship can potentially be extended to a part-time position after successfully completing the bridge year. This gives you financial security and independence alongside your studies and improves your employability after successfully completing your studies.
The bridge year can also be completed without a part-time internship. However, participants will need to provide proof of practical experience.
Your benefits as a participant
- Access to the regular Bachelor’s degree programme after successfully completing the bridge programme.
- Improve your language skills in German.
- Refresh your subject-specific skills in programme-specific modules.
- Insight into the content and requirements of a university degree programme in Switzerland.
- Gain professional experience and specialised knowledge during an internship in a company that is relevant to your studies at the UAS Grisons.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to the bridge programme, you must meet the following requirements:
- Residence permit in Switzerland: F, B, S or N
- Suitable previous education: Matura certificate from the country of origin or proof of studies completed abroad.
- 12 months of professional experience in a relevant field. If no practical experience is available, an internship must be completed during the bridge year.
- German language skills: Level B2.
- Written consent from the case management organisation (e.g. social counselling centre and/or job coach)
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Good knowledge of English is an advantage.
Costs
- The participation fees amount to CHF 3,100 per year including: excursions, materials and laptop (if required).
- In the canton of Graubünden, the participation fees can be covered by the Integration Office. The bridge programme is part of the KIP 3.
- Applicants from other cantons can enquire with their case management organisation about possible funding options through the integration allowance.
Organisational matters
How can I take part in the Bridge Programme of the UAS Grisons?
- Discuss your plans with the job coach at the Integration Office of the Canton of Graubünden (in other cantons with your case management office, e.g. the social counselling centre).
- Arrange an individual counselling appointment with our coordination office.
- Apply for the academic year 2024/25 by 01.05.2024 (with the written consent of your job coach or the office in charge of the case).
- If your application is suitable and the available capacity in the desired degree programme is available, you will be invited to a personal interview with the coordinator Nicole Massüger.
How long does the Bridge Programme last?
- The bridge programme lasts 1 year and consists of 2 semesters (autumn and spring semesters).
How do I find an internship?
- Participants from the canton of the Grisons are supported in their search for a suitable internship by their responsible job coach from the Graubünden Integration Centre.
- Participants from other cantons must look for an internship on their own. Please enquire with the office responsible for you whether you will be supported in your search for an internship.
Where do the lessons take place?
- All lessons take place at the UAS Grisons locations in Chur. You will receive more detailed information at the beginning of the bridge year. Classes usually take place two to three days a week.
How does the transfer to the regular degree programme work?
- After successfully completing the bridge year and fulfilling the admission requirements for your chosen degree programme, you can transfer to the regular degree programme. Modules that have already been passed in the bridge year do not have to be taken again.
Application and advice
- The application deadline for the Bridge Programme 2024/25 was 01.05.2024.
- Applications for the 2024/25 bridge programme must be submitted online.
Application process
- Make an individual appointment with our Coordination Office.
- Discuss your project with your case management office (in the canton of GR your job coach is responsible, other cantons: case management office, e.g. social counselling centre)
- Fill in the registration form and have the section on consent from the responsible case management organisation completed and signed.
- Send the registration form with the required documents to refugees@clutterfhgr.ch by 01.05.2024.
- Your application will be checked by us.
- Applicants will be contacted if there are any queries.
- Applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be invited to an aptitude interview with the Coordination Office and undergo a German level assessment.
- The decision on admission to the bridge programme for refugees will be communicated to the applicants and the responsible case management offices by the end of June at the latest.
- The introductory days take place in calendar week 37. The autumn semester starts in calendar week 38, see university calendar.
Please note: The admission procedure for the bridge programme does not correspond to an entrance examination for a regular degree programme and does not entitle the applicant to simplified admission to a regular degree programme. Applications for a Bachelor's or Master's degree programme must be submitted using the regular admission procedure for the chosen degree programme.
Further informations
Scholars at Risk
The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons is a member of Scholars at Risk (SAR), an international network of universities based in New York. The aim of SAR is to protect researchers whose lives, freedom and well-being are under serious threat and to promote and defend the principle of academic freedom.
In co-operation with its partner universities, SAR arranges temporary research and teaching positions at institutions in the SAR network so that persecuted researchers can continue their work in safety.
The Swiss section (SAR Switzerland) coordinates SAR network activities in Switzerland and promotes the values and work of Scholars at Risk by hosting threatened researchers, sharing good practice and organising joint activities.
If you have any questions about Scholars at Risk, please contact Florian Berner