The University of Bern is being forced to take cost-cutting measures due to an ever-increasing deficit. These measures are necessary to guarantee the financial stability of the University and ensure its long-term performance. The planned cost-cutting measures will be implemented from 2026 onward with a two percent reduction of the basic funding budget. Further measures are currently being examined for implementation from 2027.
For the University to fulfill the Canton’s performance mandate and thus continue to serve society and the Bern region in the long term without compromising on quality, it needs stable and balanced funding. Approximately one-third of the basic funding comes from an annual state contribution from the sponsoring Canton of Bern, while the remaining two-thirds are financed by contributions from the federal government, contributions from the other cantons, as agreed in the Intercantonal University Agreement, as well as tuition fees.
As is common knowledge, the University has been posting a deficit for several years; in 2025, a shortfall of up to CHF 55 million is now expected. The higher cost of living, salary measures in the Canton of Bern, growing student numbers, and increased demands on an internationally competitive academic community play a significant role in this. The contribution from the Canton has not been able to keep pace with these parameters, especially since the general surge in inflation from 2022 to 2024. The University acknowledges the efforts the Canton has made to stabilize university finances, particularly the increase of four percent in the state contribution in 2025. As, however, the current budget for 2026 and the Canton’s Task and Financial Plan for the following years do not clearly indicate the extent to which these efforts can be consolidated, the University Executive Board feels obliged to introduce specific cost-cutting measures.
Measures for reducing costs
"The University of Bern wants to play its part and take responsibility within the scope of its capabilities," explains Virginia Richter, Rector of the University of Bern. Only in this way can the University, with continued support from the Canton, guarantee its capacity to act and fulfill its tasks in accordance with the cantonal performance mandate.
"Specifically, the University has decided initially to reduce the basic funding budget by two percent from 2026, which represents savings of around CHF 15 million a year," the Rector continues. "Additional measures from 2027 are currently being examined."
Implementation and responsibilities
The implementation of the cost-cutting measures requires close cooperation within the University. The measures affect all faculties and research centers equally as well as central administration, which includes the Rector’s Office, the Vice-Rectorates and the Administrative Director’s Office. The deans are responsible for implementing the savings targets in their respective faculties, while the members of the University Executive Board are responsible for central administration.
The University is striving to keep the impact of the cost-cutting measures on employees as low as possible. It is aware that the situation is already tense in many areas. However, efforts are needed in all’areas to implement the measures.
All students in degree programs that have already commenced will absolutely be able to complete their studies.
The University of Bern remains committed to its mission of promoting knowledge and conducting socially relevant research.
