University of Bern 2025: Highlights despite a difficult financial situation

In the reporting year, the contribution from the Canton of Bern amounted to CHF 347.5 million, with a total turnover of CHF 994 million. The University of Bern generated net income of CHF 10.5 million in its accounts. The result in basic funding was positive at CHF 15.9 million. The positive result from basic funding is attributable to a non-recurring situation. The existing provisions in the amount of CHF 61.5 million which had been set aside to put Bern Cantonal Pension Fund (BPK) on sound footing were completely reversed due to the full capitalization of the BPK. Excluding this non-recurring positive effect, the deficit still amounts to approximately CHF 50 million.

A negative trend can still be expected in the fiscal planning years to come. “Thankfully, the Canton of Bern increased its contribution by four percent in 2025. Nevertheless, inflation, salary measures, rising student enrollment, and higher demands placed on us are causing our expenses to rise faster than our income,” says Rector Virginia Richter. The University Executive Board therefore passed a two-percent University-wide cost-cutting measure in August 2025 against this structural deficit to guarantee financial stability and safeguard the long-term quality of research and teaching. With this measure, the University made a CHF 15 million contribution toward reducing its structural deficit. “This is the first step and must be followed up by additional measures on the part of everybody involved in order for the University to remain effective,” says Director of Administration Markus Brönnimann.

Promotion of research as a key factor

An important step for the University of Bern’s competitiveness was the Swiss universities’ re-association with the EU research program Horizon Europe. Three highly competitive ERC Starting Grants have already once again been awarded to early career researchers at the University of Bern, representing total funding of around CHF 5.1 million and promoting the University of Bern’s standing as a leading research institution. “This positive development is, however, overshadowed by growing concern about the promotion of research at the national level. Due to the federal relief package and the planned savings of the SNSF, we are expecting a negative impact on research in Bern,” says a concerned Virginia Richter. The University of Bern wants to continue conducting world-class research, with projects like the ones carried out in 2025 with, for example, its involvement in recovering the oldest ice in the world at 1.2 million years of age, a new strategy against coronaviruses, and answers to the question of why Mars could be red.

The University committed to serving society

The University of Bern played a crucial role in Bern’s standing as a hub of knowledge and innovation in 2025. Ten new businesses were registered based on research, technologies and expertise from the University of Bern. The regional commitment was underscored by the fifth Night of Research at which researchers from the University of Bern shared their knowledge with around 10,000 visitors.

The study programs of the University of Bern still remain highly popular. 19,741 students were registered at the University of Bern in the 2025 fall semester. Of these, 8,014 were enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, 5,213 in a master’s degree program, 3,588 were in a doctoral program and 1,297 participated in a continuing education program at master’s level (MAS). Added to that are 1,483 students in a continuing education program at certificate and diploma levels (CAS and DAS) and 146 students in an individual continuing education program (for example, as a lawyer or notary).

“The University of Bern makes an important contribution to a strong society, with reliable knowledge as a key resource,” concludes Virginia Richter.

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