Today, 19 September 2025, the Federal Council presented its programme for reducing the federal finances from 2027 onwards. swissuniversities reaffirms its opposition to the disproportionate measures affecting the field of education and research.
For the Swiss universities, which are already implementing significant cost-cutting measures, this additional programme would have serious consequences:
Ongoing projects would have to be interrupted or abandoned.
Young researchers and the next generation of scientists would be under increased pressure.
The universities' room for manoeuvre would be considerably restricted, limiting their ability to respond flexibly and creatively to the economic, social and technological challenges of tomorrow.
Higher tuition fees would make access to higher education less equal for young people, as well as increasing the pressure on cantonal scholarships.
Luciana Vaccaro, president of swissuniversities: “These measures go too far and weaken one of the engines of our country's prosperity. Switzerland depends on these skilled workers as well as on their research and their innovation. Studies in Geneva, Vaud, Graubünden, Zurich and St. Gallen have shown that every Swiss franc invested in universities generates a return of 3 to 5 Swiss francs.”
swissuniversities is calling on parliament to correct these disproportionate measures.
Documentation
- swissuniversities factsheet, 11 February 2025 (DE/FR)
- the complete consultation response from swissuniversities, 11 February 2025 (DE/FR)
- the joint statement from the ERI institutions, 11 February 2025 (DE/FR)
Further Information
- On public funding for education, research and innovation (DE/FR)
- On strategic planning: the dispatch on the promotion of education, research and innovation (ERI) 2025–2028
Inquiries: communications@clutterswissuniversities.ch