The University of Bern is set to implement significant budget reductions, aiming to save 15 million Swiss francs annually starting in 2026. This measure, representing a 2% cut to the university's overall budget, comes in response to rising operational costs and a structural deficit. The decision will impact various university operations and is expected to be noticeable for students.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Bern plans to save 15 million Swiss francs per year from 2026.
- This represents a 2% reduction in the university's annual budget.
- Rising personnel costs, increased student numbers, and higher operational demands are driving the cuts.
- Faculties and research centers must implement savings without eliminating entire study programs.
- Measures may affect excursions, lectures, and the engagement of external experts.
- Despite increased cantonal contributions, a structural deficit persists.
University Budget Under Pressure
The University of Bern announced its plan to reduce annual expenditures by 15 million Swiss francs. This budget cut, equivalent to 2% of the total budget, is scheduled to take effect from 2026. The university cited several factors contributing to the financial pressure, including increasing salaries for staff, a growing student body, and heightened demands on scientific operations.
These demands include increased investments in cybersecurity and more stringent animal welfare requirements, which impact laboratory research. The university aims to ensure long-term financial stability through these adjustments.
Rector Virginia Richter stated, "If we do not act now, we risk falling into the red."
Financial Facts
- Annual savings target: 15 million Swiss francs.
- Percentage of budget cut: 2%.
- Total university budget: Nearly one billion Swiss francs.
- Anticipated deficit for 2025: Up to 55 million Swiss francs.
Impact on Students and Staff
The specific details of the savings measures are still being finalized. However, the university confirmed that all faculties, research centers, and central administrative departments, including the Rectorate, will be affected. Deans of faculties will be responsible for implementing the required savings within their respective areas.
Rector Richter emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate entire study programs. The university intends to maintain its range of subjects. However, students will likely feel the effects through reductions in excursions, guest lectures, and the involvement of external experts. These changes aim to optimize resource allocation while preserving core academic offerings.
Potential Personnel Adjustments
Regarding potential job reductions, Richter acknowledged that all possibilities must be considered, including personnel. She described the measures as "fundamentally moderate." The university plans to manage staff reductions primarily through natural fluctuation, such as retirements, and by not extending temporary teaching contracts. This approach seeks to minimize direct layoffs while achieving necessary cost efficiencies.
Background on Deficits
The University of Bern has reported deficits in recent years. In May 2024, former Rector Christian Leumann attributed this to cantonal guidelines on employee salary development. These guidelines aimed to offset inflation, but cantonal contributions did not increase proportionally. This created an imbalance between mandated salary adjustments and available funding.
Cantonal Contributions and Structural Deficit
Cantonal contributions to the university have since been adjusted upwards. For 2025 and 2026, these contributions will be 4% higher, providing an additional 17 million Swiss francs annually. Despite this increase, the university still requires further savings.
Richter explained, "A structural deficit has accumulated over the past years, which we now need to bring back into balance." She clarified that the increased cantonal contributions are not sufficient to close this gap entirely. Furthermore, the higher contribution levels for 2027 and beyond are not yet guaranteed, as negotiations for the performance agreement with the canton are ongoing.
The University of Bern is also exploring additional savings measures for implementation from 2027. Richter did not specify the potential scope of these future cuts, indicating that discussions are still in early stages.
Preserving Academic Diversity
These budget decisions coincide with broader political discussions about the university's academic offerings. The education committee of the cantonal parliament debated whether the university should continue to offer all study programs. Grand Council member Michael Ritter (GLP) raised this point during the autumn session.
Rector Virginia Richter strongly opposes any reduction in the range of subjects. She stated, "This is not up for discussion for us." Richter believes that the diversity of subjects makes the University of Bern attractive to students and strengthens its position as a research institution. Maintaining this diversity is crucial for the university's long-term appeal and academic strength.
Funding Structure and Student Fees
The University of Bern's overall budget is approximately one billion Swiss francs. Cantonal contributions account for one-third of this funding. The remaining two-thirds come from federal contributions, payments from other cantons, and student fees.
Student fees have also been adjusted. The cantonal parliament approved an increase in December 2024. Fees for international students tripled, while those for domestic students rose from 750 to 850 Swiss francs. Richter noted that student fees still represent only a marginal, single-digit percentage of the university's total income.
The increase in fees has met with resistance from students. There are concerns that fees could rise further. Students plan a demonstration on Bundesplatz on October 1st to protest these changes and advocate for more affordable education.
