Information events
Do you have questions about the Master's degree program in Forest Science at BFH-HAFL? Join one of our information events.
- Master of Science
MSc in Life Sciences – Forest Science
Safeguarding the various functions of forests is essential for life in the mountains, in urban areas and also in the countries of the Global South. The use of technology and digitalisation offers new opportunities to manage these complex challenges with sustainable approaches.
There is great demand for well-educated experts and innovative solutions in this exciting field. The MSc in Forest Science at BFH-HAFL equips you with the knowledge and skills you will need.
You can study Forest Science full-time or part-time and combine your Master's thesis with your employment.
Our MSc in Forest Science makes you an expert with foresight.
Factsheet
- Title/Degree MSc in Life Sciences – Forest Science
- Specialisations International Sustainable Forest Management
- Mode of study Full-time (3-5 semesters) or part-time (4-8 semesters)
-
Start date
Start spring: week 7
Start fall: week 38 -
Application deadline
For fall start: April 30
For spring start: September 30
Applications after this date will be considered until June 30 or November 30 at the latest, subject to availability. Please contact the head of specialization.
Application deadline for persons who require a visa: April 30 or September 30.
- ECTS credits 90 ECTS credits
- Teaching language English
- Location BFH-HAFL Zollikofen
- School School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL
- Next info event Please see below
General contact
Documents and Links
Keine Veranstaltungen gefunden.
Contents + Prospects
Contribute to sustainable solutions for future challenges in the forest industry. This master's programme equips you with the necessary specialist knowledge, methodical and management skills.
What you gain with this degree programme
MSc in Life Sciences degree programme – Forest Science
- qualifies you for work as a well-rounded specialist: you will delve into your chosen area of special expertise while studying a broad variety of methodological approaches and topics;
- expands your network: whether in class, internships or your thesis work, you will interact with a host of players in the forest industries;
- is practice-based: your presentations and case studies will be based on real-life practical examples, and your master’s thesis will take a hands-on approach;
- prepares you for future leadership roles in the forest industries: in addition to comprehensive knowledge of specialist topics and methods, you will also hone your social and leadership skills;
- opens the door to the international job market: you may complete your master’s thesis abroad or in cooperation with an international organisation;
- allows you full flexibility: you can study full- or part-time and combine your master’s thesis with your regular job.
Career prospects
Upon graduating, you will obtain the title ‘Master of Science in Life Sciences with Specialisation in Forest Science’ from Bern University of Applied Sciences.
An MSc in Forest Science prepares you excellently for challenging leadership roles domestically and abroad, in companies, associations, NGOs, administrative seats or in applied research, whether in the public or private sector.
Programme structure
| Master’s thesis – the core of your studies | 30 credits | |
| Specialisation modules | min. 30 credits | |
| Cluster-specific modules (Environment Cluster) | min. 9 credits | |
| Core-competence modules (Data and Business Management) | min. 12 credits |
Overview of the modules
Eligibility + Entry
To be eligible to apply for the MSc in Forest Science programme, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and be proficient in English.
Entry requirements
You will be accepted to the programme if you hold a bachelor’s degree from a Swiss university of applied sciences in one of the following fields of study and graduated with a grade of at least 5 or an ECTS grade of A or B:
- Forest Science
- Forestry
- Wood Technology
- Environmental Engineering
- Natural Resource Management
- Landscape Architecture
- Agriculture
- Geography
- Environmental and Resource Management
Do you have a degree in a different discipline? Was your final grade lower than a 5? Did you earn your degree in a different country? If so, you must pass an aptitude assessment.
Do you have a bachelor’s degree from an academic university? If so, you must provide evidence of at least half a year of work experience in an area we have approved.
Supplementary information
Language skills
This Forest Science programme is taught in English. Therefore, it’s recommended that you have at least B2-level language skills, as per the European Language Portfolio. However, you can also write your Master's thesis in English, German or French.
Applying from abroad
We review each international application individually. Please send questions to msc-fs.hafl@bfh.ch before submitting your official application.
Student mobility
Outgoing Mobility
You can spend an exchange semester at one of our partner universities during your master's programme. Inform us at an early stage if you are planning a study exchange. We are happy to advise and support you.
Incoming Mobility
Would you like to spend an exchange semester or year at BFH-HAFL in Switzerland? If your home university is on our list of partner universities, please contact your International Office. If not, they should contact us.
- Application deadline
For the autumn semester: 15 April
For the spring semester: 15 October - Language
The master’s programme is taught in English. - Accommodation
There is a hostel for students on the BFH-HAFL campus. However, the demand for rooms is much higher than the availability.
Application process
Registration, tuition and examination fees
The cost of study includes tuition and examination fees, as well as costs for teaching materials and excursions.
Costs
At BFH, different fees apply for programmes and examinations.
| until SS 2026 | per AS 2026/27 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (per application)* |
CHF 100 |
CHF 100 | |
| Tuition fees (per semester) |
CHF 750 |
CHF 850 | |
| Tuition fees for international students (per semester) |
CHF 950 |
CHF 2,550 (or CHF 1,050 or CHF 850)** | |
| Examination fee (per semester) |
CHF 80 |
CHF 80 | |
| Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester) |
CHF 24 |
CHF 24 | |
| Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester) |
CHF 15 |
CHF 15 |
|
Subject to change without notice.
* plus CHF 10 processing fee if paying by paying-in slip/paper invoice. A new application fee of CHF 150 will be implemented for registrations for the spring semester 2027. |
Grants, loans and other funding options
Financial aid is available through grants and loans. Grants are one-off or ongoing payments that don’t usually have to be paid back provided you complete your course. Loans are one-off or ongoing payments that must be paid back after you finish your course.
Cantonal grants
Grants and loans for Swiss students and overseas students are generally paid out by the canton where the students’ parents are tax residents.
Students who have been tax residents in the Canton of Bern for at least two years are able to apply for cantonal grants and loans. Applications should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office at the Department of Education.
Further information (incl. financial aid calculator):
The websites educaswiss.ch, stipendium.ch and European Funding Guide cover all the key information about grants in Switzerland and overseas.
Foundations and funds
There are also numerous private foundations and funds that offer financial support to students. The electronic foundation directory administered by the Federal Department of Home Affairs offers a comprehensive summary of these organisations and can be searched by keywords (e.g. student, research, financial aid, etc.). Other sources of funding include the foundation directories for individual cantons and private foundations.
The following foundations offer funding specifically to BFH students and students from other universities:
Studying in Switzerland
Register to study
Be sure to secure your place on the Forest Science programme early! Missing documents can be submitted later.
Start your studies
Documents needed for the application
Prepare the following documents as PDF or JPG:
The following are mandatory
- ID or passport
- A passport photo compliant with international passport standards
Other documents (certificates, etc.)
- Diplomas and final certificates (e.g. vocational/technical baccalaureate certificate with grades, secondary school leaving certificate, Abitur)
- Federal Certificate of Competence EFZ with grades
- Work and/or internship references
- tabular CV
- Depending on your previous education, additional documents must also be submitted.
Advisory service
Choosing an education program is an important decision when planning your professional career. During an individual consultation, we will be happy to answer your questions and clarify your personal requirements for the Master's program in Forest Science.
General contact
Information Events
At our information events, you will find out everything you need to know about the degree programme, admission requirements and your career prospects.
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Location + Facilities
The BFH-HAFL campus is located in Zollikofen, near Bern. Nestled among fields and forests, the location offers both the modern infrastructure you need for your studies and countless recreational options.
Location
Infrastructure
The BFH-HAFL campus in Zollikofen offers modern lecture halls, laboratories and experimental fields.
But the campus is not just a place to study. With a swimming pool, barbecue areas, a sauna and much more, it also offers a wide range of leisure activities. There is also a student residence with around 140 furnished rooms and a canteen on the campus.
