FernUni Schweiz on course for growth: more students, new courses, clear prospects

FernUni Switzerland presented its Annual Report 2025 at the Founders’ Meeting on April 29, 2026 on the campus in Brig. It paints a picture of a financially stable and dynamically growing university institution with over 2,600 students - and clear ambitions for the future.

Solid finances, rising demand

The number of students has risen again and now exceeds 2,600. This confirms the high demand for flexible, high-quality study programs - far beyond the Valais region. The institution's financial situation is stable. Rector Prof. Dr. Nicolas Rothen emphasizes: ’In the past year, we have laid key foundations for the targeted further development of FernUni Schweiz and strengthened its role as an innovative and complementary higher education institution.«

Highlights in research and teaching

The Annual Report 2025 documents an institution on the move: FernUni Switzerland has gained the right to award doctorates, strengthened its faculties organizationally and expanded its research activities. Several projects were realized with the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation. In autumn 2026, the institution will also launch a Master's degree course in Artificial Intelligence in an updated format - a course specifically geared towards digital transformation and innovation. In the area of continuing education, the course «AI Regulation and AI Governance» was newly developed.

On the way to the University of Valais

FernUni Switzerland is still in the process of being accredited as a cantonal university. In this context, the existing foundation will also be transferred to the future institutional structure. Foundation Board President Stefan Bumann comments: «The institution is very well positioned for this next step. We will be handing over an active, healthy and dynamically developing institution to the Canton of Valais, which will have an impact far beyond the region and make a contribution to the entire Swiss higher education landscape.»

Rectorate fully staffed

With the appointment of Prof. Dr. Nicolas Rothen as Rector, Prof. Dr. Anthony Strittmatter as Vice-Rector Research and Prof. Dr. Corinna Martarelli as Vice-Rector Teaching, the Rectorate of FernUni Switzerland is now complete. Dr. Damien Carron (Director of Academic Services) and Stéphane Pannatier (Director of Central Services) complete the management team and combine academic excellence with broad-based experience.

More information: www.fernuni.ch