Information for refugees wishing to study at the University of Fribourg
The University of Fribourg has a long tradition of welcoming people who have had to leave their countries for political reasons. Therefore, it is with pleasure that we open our doors to refugees, to give them the opportunity to pursue their studies initiated in their country of origin or to start a new academic curriculum at the University of Fribourg.
Possibilities to enter UniFR
Listener
Any person over 18 years of age can follow, as a listener, the majority of the courses offered by the University of Fribourg. The status of listener is a great way to step (back) into the academic world, discover the University of Fribourg and test the course levels, as well as the language skills required. However, listeners do not have the possibility to validate credits or pass exams. They can only receive a written confirmation for the courses they have attended.
Regular student
Refugee candidates must fulfill the current conditions of admission as any other candidate to the University of Fribourg. People who meet the requirement for an admission to bachelor or master studies can submit their application to the Office for Admissions and Registration.
Further information:
Bachelor
Master
The Admission and Registration Office is available for individual appointments and is pleased to advise refugee candidates as to the completing of their application files.
Teaching and working languages at the University of Fribourg are usually French and German. It is therefore mandatory to have sufficient language skills in one of these two languages. In addition, a proof of language skills must be provided for an admission to bachelor studies.
Hérodote and Hérodote Plus programmes
Hérodote is a programme for refugees who have not yet reached a B2 level in their language of study but comply with the other conditions of admission of the University of Fribourg.
During one or two semesters, Hérodote participants can take language courses at the University Language Centre, participate in lectures from their future discipline as listeners (no exams or obtaining of ECTS), exchange with their mentor and then take a B2 language exam (either Goethe-Zertifikat for German or TCF for French).
Registration is possible until 30 November (Spring semester) or until 30 april (Autumn semester). The course costs CHF 3000.- per semester and admission to the university upon completion of the course is conditional on obtaining the required grade in the language exam.
Hérodote Plus is a programme for refugees who have a university background but whose prior degrees (upper secondary education and/or university education) do not grant them admission to the University of Fribourg.
During two semesters, participants can take language classes at the University Language Centre, participate in lectures from their future discipline as listeners (no exams or obtaining of ECTS), exchange with their mentor, as well as prepare and take an admission exam towards the end of their preparatory year. Hérodote Plus will launch in autumn 2024.
Contact information: herodote@unifr.ch | 026 300 76 99.
Student 30+
Any person who does not hold a diploma allowing an admission to the University of Fribourg and who is 30 years of age and over can submit an application for admission 30+.
Additional services for students registered at UniFR
Language Center
The Language Center of the University of Fribourg offers group language courses, including French and German. Autonomous learning methods are also offered to those wishing to learn a language individually.
Uni-Social
Uni-Social offers support and advice to students, eg. psychosocial counselling or support with administrative procedures.