Overview
The Joint Master of Science in Computer Science offers a flexible and international learning environment across the universities of Bern, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg. In addition to this unique multi-campus experience, students also have the opportunity to spend part of their studies abroad through an exchange semester.
An exchange semester allows students to broaden their academic perspective, experience a new culture, and build an international network while continuing their studies in computer science.
Reasons to go on exchange
Spending a semester abroad can be a valuable complement to your studies:
- International experience: discover a new academic and cultural environment
- Academic enrichment: take courses not offered within the JMCS program
- Networking: connect with students, researchers, and companies worldwide
- Career advantages: strengthen your international profile for future opportunities
Opportunities
Students enrolled in the JMCS program can apply for an exchange semester at partner universities worldwide through the mobility programs of their home university. Typical options include:
- Mobility in Switzerland
- Swiss-European Mobility Programs (SEMP, Erasmus+, or equivalent)
- Bilateral exchange agreements with partner institutions
- Worldwide exchange opportunities outside Europe
Timing of an exchange
An exchange semester is usually possible once you have completed at least one semester of teaching units. Careful planning is essential to ensure compatibility with the study program.
Application
Applications are handled by the international relations office of the student’s home university. Please consult the relevant mobility pages for deadlines, application procedures, and partner universities:
- Mobility at the University of Bern
- Mobility at the University of Neuchâtel
- Mobility at the University of Fribourg
Recognition of credits
In order to recognize and validate an external achievement toward the master studies, the corresponding teaching unit must first be at the master’s level and second in the field of computer science or a related discipline such as mathematics.
Important notes:
- The number of external credits in the master studies is limited to 30 ECTS credits.
- The course recognition excludes students from taking equivalent courses in the JMCS program.
Before the exchange: The branch committee must approve the learning agreement. Submit it together with the following documents by email to the JMCS secretariat as early as possible:
- List of courses (including the track assignments and the most similar teaching units from the JMCS program)
- Detailed descriptions (or the URL) of all courses from the host university
- Overview of the current study situation
After the exchange: Send the official transcript of records with signature of the host university to the JMCS secretariat. Note that only achievements with sufficient grades will be recognized and validated. Grades from external achievements will not be converted or taken over.
Contact and support
Students interested in an exchange semester can contact the study advisor and the international relations office of the student’s home university.