The University of Bern is preparing for substantial budget reductions starting in 2026. The institution plans to cut 15 million Swiss francs annually. This represents a 2 percent reduction from its overall budget. The measures aim to address rising operational costs and a structural deficit. Students will likely experience the effects of these changes.
Key Takeaways
- University of Bern will reduce its annual budget by 15 million Swiss francs starting in 2026.
- The cuts are necessary due to increasing personnel costs, higher student numbers, and rising scientific operational demands.
- No entire study programs will be eliminated, but student offerings like excursions and external expert lectures may be reduced.
- Despite increased cantonal contributions, a structural deficit persists, requiring further savings.
Reasons for Financial Pressure
The decision to implement budget cuts stems from several factors. These include increasing salaries for university employees, driven by inflation. A growing student body also places more strain on resources. Additionally, there are higher demands on scientific operations. These demands involve increased investments in cybersecurity and stricter animal welfare regulations affecting laboratory work.
Rector Virginia Richter stated, "If we do not act now, we risk falling into the red." This highlights the urgency of the situation.
Budget at a Glance
- Total Annual Budget: Nearly 1 billion Swiss francs
- Planned Reduction: 15 million Swiss francs (2% of the budget)
- Projected Deficit for 2025: Up to 55 million Swiss francs
Impact on Students and Faculty
Details on the exact implementation of the savings are still emerging. The measures will affect all faculties, research centers, and the central administration, including the Rectorate and administrative directorate. Deans will be responsible for implementing the savings targets within their respective faculties.
Rector Richter confirmed that the university will not eliminate entire degree programs. She emphasized that the range of subjects offered will remain intact. However, students will feel the impact of these measures. Potential reductions include fewer excursions, lectures, and engagements with external experts.
Potential Staff Adjustments
The question of job reductions has also been raised. Rector Richter acknowledged that all possibilities must be considered, including personnel adjustments. She described the measures as "moderately" restrictive. The university aims to manage staff reductions primarily through natural fluctuation. This means not replacing employees who leave or by not extending temporary teaching contracts.
Persistent Structural Deficit
The University of Bern has recorded deficits in recent years. In May 2024, former Rector Christian Leumann attributed this to the canton's guidelines for employee wage development. These guidelines aimed to offset inflation, but cantonal contributions did not increase proportionally.
Cantonal Contributions
The canton finances about one-third of the university's overall budget. The federal government, other cantons, and tuition fees cover the remaining two-thirds. This funding structure highlights the importance of cantonal support.
Recently, cantonal contributions were adjusted upwards. For 2025 and 2026, they will increase by 4 percent, providing an additional 17 million Swiss francs annually. Despite this increase, the university still requires the new savings package.
Rector Richter explained, "A structural deficit has built up over the past years, which we now need to rebalance." She noted that the increased cantonal contributions are not sufficient to fully address this imbalance. Furthermore, higher contributions beyond 2027 are not yet guaranteed, as the performance agreement with the canton is currently under negotiation.
The University of Bern is also evaluating additional savings measures for 2027 and beyond. Rector Richter has not yet specified the extent of these potential future cuts.
Maintaining Academic Diversity
The university's budget cuts coincide with a political discussion about its academic offerings. The education commission of the cantonal parliament debated whether the university should continue to offer all existing fields of study. Grand Councillor Michael Ritter (GLP) mentioned this during the autumn session.
Rector Virginia Richter firmly opposes any reduction in academic diversity. She stated, "This is not up for discussion for us." She believes that the wide range of subjects makes the University of Bern attractive to students and strengthens its position as a research hub. This commitment to a diverse curriculum is a core principle for the institution.
Tuition Fee Adjustments
Tuition fees have also seen recent adjustments. The cantonal parliament approved these changes in December 2024. Fees for international students tripled, while those for domestic students increased from 750 to 850 Swiss francs. However, Rector Richter noted that tuition fees still represent a marginal single-digit percentage of the university's total income.
The fee increases have met with resistance from students. They are concerned about further potential increases. Students plan a demonstration on Bundesplatz for October 1 to protest these changes. Their actions show the direct impact of financial decisions on the student body.