20 Years University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW

Formation of the FHNW

Based on the University of Applied Sciences Act 1996 and the regions designated for universities of applied sciences by the federal government, the cantons in Northwestern Switzerland agreed in 2004 to establish the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. For this, the four cantons had to integrate the six previously independent educational institutions: three universities of applied sciences (University of Applied Sciences Aargau including Pedagogical University Aargau, University of Applied Sciences Solothurn, University of Applied Sciences of both Basel), the Pedagogical University Solothurn, the University of Education and Social Work of both Basel, and in 2008 the Music Academy of the Music-Academy Basel, into a joint, four-canton structure—a forward-thinking decision. Today, 20 years later, the FHNW is a successful model supported by politics, economy, culture, and society.

Milestones and Balance

The FHNW started in 2006 with 6,162 students. In the following years, modern campuses were established in Olten and Brugg-Windisch (2013), at Dreispitz in Basel (2014), and in Muttenz (2018). In 2013, the FHNW surpassed the mark of 10,000 students, and in 2019, it received institutional accreditation. At the beginning of 2025, it launched its Strategy 2035 and initiated the new School of Computer Science FHNW and the new School of Engineering and Environment FHNW.

Today, the FHNW comprises ten universities, more than 14,500 students, 58 degree programmes, around 5,000 continuing education participants, 3,300 employees, and 8,000 external lecturers. It is an attractive place for education and training, a sought-after employer, and with its more than 1,000 applied research projects with practical partners each year, an innovative catalyst with external revenues of 273 million Swiss francs and contributions of 247 million francs per year.

Strategically Promote Innovation and Shape Futures

The FHNW’s Strategy 2035 sets clear priorities: it enhances the visibility of FHNW's ten universities and consolidates their expertise to provide answers to complex economic and societal challenges. The FHNW sees itself as an innovation driver and accordingly a practice-oriented problem solver. Its goal is to produce highly qualified professionals who are not only well-prepared for the job market but also actively shape it. As an attractive employer, it creates space for application-oriented research and innovative teaching and nurtures an open, dialogical campus culture in which the approach of interdisciplinary collaboration is central.

In its strategic areas of the future Zero Emission, New Work, and Future Health, the FHNW concentrates its professional competencies and makes them visible through public formats and international collaborations. Together with European partners in the higher education alliance ChallengeEU, it connects regional relevance with international expertise.

On the all-pervasive topic of Artificial Intelligence, the FHNW is working on solutions for quality assurance, data protection, and infrastructure. It tests AI learning aids in teaching, offers secure systems for students and staff, and conducts research on AI particularly in the areas of computer science, economics, engineering and environment, and life sciences. Through a network approach, the FHNW aims to use AI responsibly and future-oriented both among its students and staff and to further develop it together.

20 Years FHNW – A Retrospective and Outlook

On the FHNW website, interested parties can gain insights into the history of its founding, its key milestones, exciting facts about the FHNW, and an outlook on its future.

Further Information

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Presidential Directorate
Prof. Dr. Crispino Bergamaschi
President of the Directorate
T +41 56 202 71 73
kommunikation@fhnw.ch

Contact

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
FHNW Communication
Dominik Lehmann
Head of Communication FHNW
T +41 56 202 77 28
dominik.lehmann@fhnw.ch

More information at www.fhnw.ch

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