University of Fribourg

• Location: Fribourg, Switzerland,
• Established: 1889,
• Number of students: about 10,000 ,
• Language of instruction: French, German, English,
• Type: mixed.

The University of Fribourg is the only bilingual university in Switzerland offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in German and French, as well as international courses in English. Here, languages are not only studied, but are also part of the daily life of the university community.

The institution employs about 800 professors, teachers and researchers with higher qualifications. With small class sizes and modern approaches to specialist education, students receive one-on-one support and help in tracking successes and possible failures.

At the University of Fribourg, students expect an active student life, strong academic knowledge, financial support and many other excellent conditions that make learning effective and comprehensively useful.

The University of Fribourg has five specialized faculties:

1. Theology
2. Right
3. Economics, Social Sciences and Management,
4. Literature and Humanities,
5. Science and medicine.

The infrastructure of the university does not have residential buildings, the staff offer assistance in finding suitable housing, focusing on the wishes and financial capabilities of the student. Usually, students coming to Fribourg are accommodated in hostel rooms or rented apartments. Housing in the city will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than in the rest of Switzerland.

There are several cafeterias on campus that offer students a variety of meals: hot meals, snacks, drinks, desserts and much more, including vegetarian and diet menus. Students have the opportunity to purchase a meal plan, according to which daily meals will become cheaper.

Between festivals, concerts and social events, Fribourg and its region offer a wide range of leisure and sporting activities. In the city you can find many concert halls, theaters, cinemas and restaurants of national cuisines of different countries - not only tourists, but also foreign students like it. During the year, you can visit, for example:

• FIFF: International Film Festival,
• Les Georges: festival of pop, jazz and electronic music,
• Belluard Bollwerk International: Festival of Artistic Creations,
• International folklore meetings, e.g. folk music festival.

There is also always something to devote to your time on the university campus: student associations, sports , social activities and much more await new participants.

The institution supports all faiths, remaining neutral to any of them. Students can join the Reformed or Catholic chaplaincy, which holds regular meetings: meditations, masses, prayers, and dinners.

Student associations reflect interests and hobbies. Some of them are:

• The General Association of Students is the main club of students, in which everyone, including first-year students, must join. Most of the campus events are organized here,
• International Student Association – provides assistance to students from different countries, offers internships and participation in conferences and seminars,
• The European Bar Association is a club for students engaged in law and jurisprudence programs,
• Society of Officers - open to those who are or have been in early service as an officer,
• Innovation Club – engaged in research, discovery and implementation of ideas in the field of technology and science,
• Cinema club - the organization of collective viewing of films on a specific topic: women, relationships, culture of the East, New Hollywood and others,
• Musical Youth Choir, Chamber Choir, Symphony Orchestra - members of these clubs rehearse and perform at inter-university and city events,
• Fribot Club – covers the topic of robotics and holds competitions,
• French-speaking theater group - students engaged in theatrical and performing arts and performing in public in the halls of the university, at city venues.

Sports activities are also actively supported by the educational institution, so on its campus you can realize your abilities in groups of dance, fitness, water sports, hiking, martial arts and other areas. Students have the opportunity to develop physical data both in the format of a hobby and on a more professional level.

• One of the top 100 international universities according to The Times Higher Education,
• International students of 110 nationalities,
• Education in German and French, English,
• Low cost of living in Fribourg compared to other cities in Switzerland,
• Qualified teaching staff,
• Personal assistance on any issue: from obtaining a visa and finding housing to resolving conflicts and caring for children,
• Several forms of education, including part-time and flexible scheduling.

The medieval city of Fribourg has a historic center with a Gothic cathedral, narrow streets and picturesque squares. Its location at the foot of the Pre-Alpine Mountains and less than 20 km from Lake Morath allows students to enjoy natural beauties, a variety of recreational and sports activities, and a variety of leisure activities.

The campus infrastructure allows students to gain knowledge that meets the requirements of modernity - equipment in classrooms, laboratories, computer rooms and even recreation areas is technologically and adaptive. The University of Fribourg has specialized libraries of its faculties located in different buildings - this allows students of different specialties to quickly find the necessary literature, engage in self-study in a circle of like-minded people and implement projects much more efficiently.

Students have access to many facilities, including sports facilities: tennis courts, team play fields, and yoga halls are located both on and off campus.

The academic year consists of two semesters:

• Autumn: September-December,
• Spring: February-May.

Exams and vacations are provided in between. Classes are held on weekdays, rest is organized on weekends and on national and international holidays.

An approximate list of university expenses, excluding tuition fees:

• Meals in cafeterias,
• Registration fee for applicants,
• Contributions to student associations,
• Books and consumables,
• Exams.

The average monthly budget of a student is between 1670 and 1990 €. This also includes:

• Rental housing,
• Payment for phone, Internet,
• Off-campus food,
• Health insurance,
• Leisure
• Public transport
• Personal expenses.

The admissions committee expects candidates to submit an online application with the required documents by February 28 or September 30 (depending on the desired semester of admission). Prospective students should pay registration fees, request assistance in obtaining a visa and scholarship, and book a place in the residence. Upon arrival on campus, accepted students will undergo entrance examinations and an interview, after which they will be officially enrolled in the university.

Over the years of academic activity, the university has formed an alumni association, which includes specialists in various fields. Every year, students graduating from the University of Fribourg program achieve excellent results in building a career - as a rule, after about six months, graduates find a job in their specialty.

Foreign applicants must meet the general requirements:

• Certificate of complete secondary education with transcripts for the last three academic years / bachelor's degree / master's degree - depending on the level of education,
• A certificate confirming the level of proficiency in French, German or English not lower than B2.

The institution in which the future student of the University of Fribourg previously studied must be accredited and recognized by international associations. Applicants must present documents translated into one of the three languages accepted here and certified by a notary.

The university offers students scholarships that cover part of the cost of tuition or its full price. To do this, students need to have excellent academic performance or meet special financial criteria. The institution also funds doctoral research, provides assistance in obtaining state scholarship payments, and provides grants to foreign students.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision