Content of the template

The bill aims to improve the attractiveness and recognition of PET colleges and PET as a whole:

Introduction of a designation right “Higher technical college”

Now, only education providers with a federally recognized course of study will be allowed to call themselves a “higher technical college”. The designation right is intended to make HF more visible as an institution, improve market transparency and strengthen differentiation from other education providers.

Introduction of the title supplements “Professional Bachelor” and “Professional Master” for higher vocational education and training qualifications

The title additions are intended to emphasize the location of the degrees at tertiary level and strengthen the visibility of the degrees. To distinguish them from university degrees, the title supplements may only be used in conjunction with the full protected title in the official languages or the full English translation of the respective degree.

Introduction of English as a possible additional examination language for federal professional and higher professional examinations

The aim is to create comparable conditions within the tertiary sector. It also responds to the needs of internationally oriented sectors and sectors with English as a technical and practical language in order to exploit further potential for skilled workers. However, in order not to displace the official languages, the examinations must continue to be offered in the official languages.

Flexibilization of the continuing education courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (postgraduate studies NDS HF)

In future, postgraduate NDS HF courses will no longer have to undergo a federal recognition procedure and can be launched independently by the universities of applied sciences. The BBG adjustment creates the basis for this. Following this consultation, the EAER may draw up minimum requirements for continuing education courses at universities of applied sciences.