If you live in Switzerland and want to study part-time, you face a particular challenge: distance learning in Switzerland costs more than in neighbouring countries and the provider landscape is smaller. But the options are there, and with the right approach you can access high-quality programmes without leaving your job. Here is the 2026 overview: providers, costs in CHF, recognition and the paths without a Matura.
Swiss Distance Learning Providers
Three providers form the backbone of distance learning in Switzerland, and they serve different profiles:
FFHS (Fernfachhochschule Schweiz) is Switzerland's best-known distance university of applied sciences. It offers bachelor and master programmes in business, IT, health and law. The model combines online learning with regular on-campus days, typically every second Saturday.
FernUni Schweiz offers university programmes in psychology, law, economics and mathematics, in German and French. It is Switzerland's only recognised distance university and awards full university degrees, with a more academic orientation and a path towards doctoral study.
Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is the third relevant address: a federally accredited university of applied sciences with a strongly part-time model and a high distance and self-study share, mainly in business, health and law. It explicitly targets professionals studying alongside a full workload.
Beyond these, some Swiss universities of applied sciences offer individual part-time programmes, for example ZHAW or FHNW, mostly as blended formats with campus attendance. For the full picture of the Swiss system, from universities to advanced professional education, see my page on studying in Switzerland.
Providers Compared: Costs in CHF
| Provider | Type | Focus areas | Costs per semester | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FernUni Schweiz | University institute | Psychology, law, economics, mathematics | from around 1,300 CHF | Online with fixed structures |
| FFHS | University of applied sciences | Business, IT, health, law | around 1,500 to 2,000 CHF | Blended, campus days roughly every 2 weeks |
| Kalaidos UAS | University of applied sciences | Business, health, law | programme-dependent, tends to be higher | Part-time, high distance share |
| German distance universities (e.g. IU, Euro-FH) | Private UAS (DE) | Very broad subject range | often cheaper converted, paid in euros | 100% online |
These figures are provider guide values, the current fee regulations of the specific programme always apply. Private continuing education programmes and MBAs sit considerably higher, often at 20,000 to 50,000 CHF for the full programme.
Using German and Austrian Providers from Switzerland
Many Swiss students choose distance learning at German or Austrian universities. The reasons: larger selection, often more flexible study models and in some cases lower costs despite the exchange rate.
Popular providers include IU International University, WINGS (Wismar), SRH Distance Learning University and FernFH from Austria. Degrees from these institutions are recognised in Switzerland, as all participate in the Bologna system. A bachelor's or master's from Germany has the same academic standing in Switzerland. How the German providers differ is covered in my post on distance learning in Germany.
There are limits for regulated professions. If you want to work in Switzerland as a psychologist, teacher or in a health profession, you may need additional recognition through SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation). For non-regulated professions, which covers most jobs in business, IT and management, recognition is generally not an issue. If your question is specifically about a German master's on the Swiss job market, see my page on the recognition of German master's degrees in Switzerland.
Good to know
Switzerland recognises Bologna degrees from the EU area. For regulated professions, SERI checks equivalency. For most business, IT and management programmes, no separate recognition is required. Swissuniversities maintains the list of recognised Swiss institutions.
Distance Learning in Switzerland Without a Matura
There are study paths without the Matura, and for professionals they are more relevant than many assume:
- Universities of applied sciences: With a Swiss vocational qualification, vocational baccalaureate or sufficient work experience, admission is possible depending on the programme, sometimes via an entrance assessment ("sur dossier").
- Advanced professional education as an alternative: The Swiss federal professional examinations are practice-oriented tertiary qualifications entirely without a Matura. What they offer is explained on my page about the Swiss federal vocational examination.
- German distance universities: Many German providers have their own admission routes via vocational training plus work experience. For Swiss residents, this is often the fastest entry into a bachelor's programme.
Which path is open to you depends on your qualification, your experience and the target programme. This admission question is the one I clarify most often in initial consultations.
Costs and Funding for Distance Learning in Switzerland
Costs are the biggest difference to distance learning in Germany or Austria. Swiss institutions charge semester fees between 1,300 and 2,000 CHF, specialised programmes more. With German providers you pay the regular fees in euros, which can work in your favour depending on the exchange rate: a German programme at around 300 euros per month is often cheaper in Swiss francs than a comparable Swiss programme.
Funding in Switzerland works differently than in Germany or Austria:
- Tax deductibility: Continuing education costs are tax-deductible in Switzerland. The deduction is regulated by canton and can reach up to 12,000 CHF per year. Part-time degree programmes generally qualify.
- Scholarships: Cantonal scholarship offices award education grants, also for professionals. Requirements vary greatly by canton.
- Employer contributions: Swiss employers contribute to continuing education costs more often than in other countries. A conversation with your manager is worth it.
There is no educational leave scheme like Austria's Bildungskarenz in Switzerland. If you want to reduce your workload, you negotiate that individually with your employer.
Which Distance Programme Fits You in Switzerland?
If you prefer a Swiss degree and campus days are not a problem, FFHS, Kalaidos or FernUni Schweiz are a solid choice. If you need maximum flexibility, want more subject options or want to save costs, German providers are worth a close look.
The decisive question is not only where you study, but what you want to do with the degree afterwards. For regulated professions in Switzerland, the origin of the degree can matter. For most fields, only the accreditation and quality of the programme count.
In a consultation I clarify exactly that: which programmes are realistic for you, which degrees are relevant for your goal and where you get the best value. As a consultant based in eastern Switzerland, I know both sides, the Swiss system and the German market, from my daily study counselling in Switzerland.
Conclusion
Distance learning in Switzerland offers solid options with FFHS, FernUni Schweiz and Kalaidos. At the same time, the Bologna system opens up dozens of programmes from Germany and Austria, often cheaper and more flexible. Costs, admission and recognition questions determine the right path. If you want a clear recommendation for your situation, arrange a free initial consultation. I will find the programme that fits your job, your budget and your goal.
Read more: Part-time Bachelor and Part-time Master.
Frequently asked questions
Which distance universities exist in Switzerland?
Three providers are established: FFHS (Fernfachhochschule Schweiz) offers bachelor and master programmes in business, IT, health and law. FernUni Schweiz awards university degrees, mainly in psychology, law, economics and mathematics. Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences offers flexible part-time programmes with a high distance share.
Is FernUni Schweiz recognised?
Yes. FernUni Schweiz is an accredited university institute under Swiss higher education law and awards full university bachelor's and master's degrees. It is Switzerland's only recognised distance university.
Is a German distance degree recognised in Switzerland?
Generally yes. German and Austrian degrees are recognised in Switzerland through the Bologna system. For regulated professions such as psychologist or teacher, an additional recognition step through SERI may be required. For most business and IT careers, no separate recognition is needed.
Is an IU distance degree recognised in Switzerland?
The IU is a state-recognised German university with accredited programmes, its degrees are Bologna-compliant. For non-regulated professions this is generally unproblematic in Switzerland. For regulated professions, the competent authority decides case by case, usually via SERI.
What does distance learning in Switzerland cost?
Swiss institutions usually charge between 1,300 and 2,000 CHF per semester, Kalaidos more depending on the programme. Private continuing education programmes and MBAs cost considerably more. German providers are often cheaper in absolute terms.
Can I study in Switzerland without the Matura?
Yes, several paths exist: entrance assessments at individual institutions, admission via vocational qualification plus work experience at universities of applied sciences, or German distance universities with their own admission routes for professionals. Details differ considerably by institution.