HES-SO: Accreditation renewed and high quality recognized
The Swiss Accreditation Council (SAR) confirmed the institutional accreditation of the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland on March 20, 2026. This decision renews the recognition of the HES-SO as a university of applied sciences. It is therefore still authorized to award UAS diplomas and can apply for federal funding.
With the renewal of its institutional accreditation, the HES-SO has reached an important milestone in its institutional development. It is proof of the stability of the HES-SO's quality assurance system. With more than 21,000 students, the HES-SO is the largest university of applied sciences in Switzerland. It comprises 28 universities in seven cantons and offers practical training at university level. It currently offers over 70 Bachelor's and Master's degree courses and over 250 continuing education courses in six subject areas.
Conditions in connection with ongoing work
The Swiss Accreditation Council (SAR) has linked its decision to two conditions that must be fulfilled within two years. Both the financial model and the management system must be further developed so that the HES-SO can better achieve its strategic objectives. These issues are already being discussed intensively within the institution and the relevant committees have already started work on them.
An enriching process
In 2019, the HES-SO was accredited for the first time for seven years in accordance with the Federal Act on the Funding and Coordination of Higher Education Institutions (HEdA), which came into force in 2015. The accreditation renewal process launched in 2024 led to the preparation of a self-evaluation report, which resulted from a reflective and participatory analysis involving all HES-SO stakeholders. In September 2025, around 60 members of the institution were consulted by the five experts appointed by the Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance.
In its accreditation decision, SAR also made a number of recommendations that essentially relate to the further development of the HES-SO's quality system. Specific improvements in the areas of participation, social responsibility, personnel policy and communication were also recommended. These elements are important levers for the further development of the institution.
Recognition of institutional maturity
By confirming the accreditation, SAR recognizes the institutional maturity of the HES-SO and its ability to guarantee and develop the quality of its fundamental tasks - education, research and services - while taking into account the diversity of its universities and departments. It also underlines the appropriateness of the intercantonal model supported by the partner cantons, which have decided to join forces in the service of higher education in French-speaking Switzerland. The HES-SO welcomes this decision and sees it as a sign of trust. It will continue the work initiated with its institutional and political partners in order to strengthen its management system and the strategic allocation of its funds and resources.
Source: HES-SO
