Life at the WTI in Bern, Switzerland

Bern, the capital (officially "federal city") of the Swiss Confederation, is home to the Swiss Government, the Swiss National Bank, the Swiss Railways, the Swiss Post, the University of Bern and a population of about 144,000. The official language of Bern is German, but the main spoken language is the local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect, Bernese German. In 1983, the historic old town (in German: Altstadt) in the centre of Bern became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a one-hour train ride away from Basel (home of many pharmaceutical corporations), Zurich (one of the most important financial centers worldwide) and about two hours from Geneva, home of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and many other international organisations.

For more on what Bern has to offer check out the official website of the city of Bern.

Information for Exchange Students from UniBe General information for incoming students from UniBe

Things to do Discover Bern by bike News & Events Travel Planning

Important Information at a Glance

Accomodation

The World Trade Institute does not provide its own accommodation. However, there are various independent privately organized student lodging companies in Bern that rent out rooms and studios to students. The University of Bern cannot guarantee you an accommodation in these student lodgings, please contact the student lodging company directly. Information will be shared upon your acceptance to the WTI. 

Health insurance

In principle, all persons living in Switzerland are required to have health insurance and must take out basic insurance with a Swiss health insurance company within three months of entering the country. Information will be shared upon your acceptance to the WTI. 

Public Transportation

The people in the town and agglomeration of Bern enjoy a well developed bus, tram and urban railway network. With the "Libero" pass, a network pass for the Bern region, you can enjoy unlimited travel to the university and also take the chance to discover the area.

Switzerland as a country offers a dense traffic network for rail, bus and ship travel. SBB offers half-price travelcards as well as a range of different affordable special tariffs, also particularly for young people. Information will be shared upon your acceptance to the WTI. 

Visas and residence permit

Upon your acceptance to the WTI, information about visa requirements will be shared. The WTI will send confirmation of your admission to study to the Bernese Migration Office. Once you arrive in Switzerland, you are required to register with them within seven days. More details will be given on your arrival.

To apply for a residence permit, you require financial proof confirming you will be able to pay the minimum living expsenses required by the canton.

Important information on the Unibe website: Conditions relevant to entering and residing in Switzerland

Please download and carefully read the Visa Application document below before applying for your visa. 

Essential information and recommendations for visa application