BFH continues to expand – high demand thanks to social commitment

In the financial year 2024, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) sustained its growth in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes and in research and continuing education, even exceeding expectations in some areas. Compared to the financial plan, the Annual Report 2024 shows a better annual result.

BFH once again recorded an increase in third-party income in research, which rose by 2,1% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a new all-time high of CHF 54,9 million. Since 2020, BFH has increased its third-party income in research by 37,7 %. Income from continuing education also increased in comparison with 2023, namely by 0,7%, reaching a new high of CHF 23,7 million.

This positive development is also reflected in the enrolment figures for the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. Compared to the previous year, the number of first-year students increased by 4,2%. As a result, BFH has strengthened its position in education, continuing education and research.

For Sebastian Wörwag, President of Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), this evolution confirms that BFH is on the right track: ”BFH is an engaged university that supports social change aimed at creating a responsible society. The success of our education, continuing education and research shows that this commitment meets the needs of our partners.”

Financial result in the red

The operating result for 2024 amounts to CHF −12,4 million, compared to CHF −6,7 million in the previous year. The result is almost exactly as planned. It is due to the structural underfunding of BFH, mainly as a result of unfunded cantonal salary measures and the failure of the cantonal contribution to grow in line with the growth of BFH. The cantonal contribution accounts for 35,5% of BFH’s total revenues (compared to 37,3% in 2020). Thanks to encouraging developments in the financial markets, it was possible to reduce the annual loss to CHF −5,4 million.

A clear focus on commitment, impact and networking

The 7925 students enrolled in BFH’s bachelor’s and master’s programmes and the 2568 graduates from continuing education programmes confirm the attractiveness of BFH’s offer. With its 7 schools, 2884 employees and 1919 full-time positions, BFH is a major actor in education. It continues to pursue its course of action for the benefit of society on a number of levels. Furthermore, by participating in the PIONEER University Alliance, it strengthens its network and gains valuable knowledge for the sustainable development of the canton’s cities and municipalities.

The strategic thematic fields “Sustainable Development”, “Humane Digital Transformation” and “Caring Society” are now firmly established. In this context, BFH has been named by the WWF as the benchmark for sustainability among Swiss universities of applied sciences. Furthermore, BFH supports the digitalisation of the economy and society in the canton and beyond with its research, its consulting services and its teaching programmes in the field of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Finally, the Swiss Center for Care@Home was successfully launched thanks to the careful preparation conducted by the thematic field Caring Society.

In the Annual Report 2024, BFH underlines its strong commitment to a sustainable, humane and socially responsible future in the Canton of Berne and beyond. For further information, please contact us.