Which institutions can award academic degrees for tertiary study in Liechtenstein?

The state-recognised University of Liechtenstein and the private Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL) have academic title-awarding rights. The Liechtenstein-Institut conducts research but does not award academic degrees.

How can students from Liechtenstein access a broader range of tertiary study programmes?

They can apply to universities and universities of applied sciences in Switzerland, Austria, Germany or other countries. Agreements such as the Intercantonal University Agreement, the 2017 Austria equivalence agreement and the Lisbon Recognition Convention may support access, but the receiving institution decides on admission.

What does tertiary study in Liechtenstein usually cost at the University of Liechtenstein?

Tuition is generally CHF 950 per semester for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, qualifying Liechtenstein residence-permit holders and people with an EU, EEA or Swiss Matura. Other students generally pay CHF 1,250 per semester, plus a CHF 10 student association fee and a non-refundable admission-processing fee of at least CHF 100.

What residence and work rules apply to tertiary students in Liechtenstein?

Students who require permission may receive an L residence permit for up to 12 months and should submit a complete application at least 14 days before study begins. A student with the relevant permit may generally work up to 35% during the lecture period and full time during semester breaks, subject to prior approval and an employer application.

Does a tertiary qualification from Liechtenstein automatically provide professional recognition?

No. NARIC Liechtenstein can provide academic-recognition information, while recognition for a regulated profession is handled separately by the responsible professional body or the Office of Economic Affairs. A qualification also does not automatically guarantee admission to a further programme.

Study in Liechtenstein

Tertiary study in Liechtenstein leads to an academic or other recognised tertiary qualification at a university or equivalent institution. The country has a limited domestic range, so many students from Liechtenstein study in Switzerland, Austria, Germany or elsewhere. Admission, fees, financial support, residence rights and later professional recognition depend on the institution, programme and personal status.

Tip

Choose the institution and country by subject, qualification level, admission conditions and total cost rather than by location alone. Liechtenstein is practical for the programmes offered locally, while Switzerland and other nearby countries may be necessary for subjects outside the domestic range. Confirm admission, residence, funding and later professional recognition separately before committing money or leaving another study option.

byJulia&Elias

Liechtenstein has two state-recognised higher-education institutions with the right to award academic degrees: the public University of Liechtenstein and the private Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL). The Liechtenstein-Institut is a research institute and does not award academic degrees. Liechtenstein also co-sponsors OST–Ostschweizer Fachhochschule and HfH Zürich, which provide functional study options outside the country. Because the domestic programme range is limited, Switzerland is the main cross-border destination. In 2024/25, 1,211 students from Liechtenstein studied at universities or universities of applied sciences outside continuing education; 857 of them, or 70.8%, studied in Switzerland. A further 811 students studied at tertiary institutions in Liechtenstein, which awarded 183 qualifications in 2024. The University of Liechtenstein offers bachelor's degrees in Architecture and Business Administration, master's degrees in Architecture, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership, Innovative Finance and Information Systems, and doctoral programmes in Architecture and Spatial Development, Business Economics and Business Law. A regular bachelor's programme lasts six semesters and a regular master's programme four semesters. Studies usually begin in September or February. The UFL mainly offers structured doctorates in law and medicine. Its Doctor of Law programme normally lasts at least three years or six semesters, requires 180 ECTS credits and includes 80% attendance in classes; the programme website states total tuition of CHF 29,750. The Doctor of Medical Science follows separate programme requirements and dates. Admission normally starts with a school-leaving qualification such as a Matura or an equivalent higher-education entrance qualification. Bachelor's applications generally require the final certificate and, where applicable, a language certificate. Master's applications commonly require a bachelor's or equivalent higher-education qualification, transcript, Diploma Supplement, language certificate, CV and motivation statement; Architecture may also require a portfolio. Doctoral applicants usually need a relevant master's or equivalent qualification. Admission to the UFL Doctor of Law programme requires at least four years of legal study or four years of recognised law studies at a university of applied sciences plus an aptitude assessment. A special admission option may combine 300 ECTS credits with two years of further legal training. An interview is part of the selection process, and admission is not guaranteed. Documents must be in German or English, or accompanied by a certified translation. Applications to the University of Liechtenstein have different deadlines by programme, semester and residence status. For bachelor's programmes, applicants from the EU, EEA or Switzerland generally apply by 30 June for the winter semester or 30 November for the summer semester. Applicants who need a visa generally apply by 31 March or 30 September. Master's deadlines are generally 30 July for the winter semester and 30 November for the summer semester in Architecture and Information Systems; visa-required applicants generally apply by 31 March or 30 September. Doctoral applications generally close on 31 May for the winter semester and 31 October for the summer semester. The university charges a non-refundable admission-processing fee of at least CHF 100. For study in Switzerland, Austria, Germany or another country, an agreement may support access, but the receiving institution decides whether the applicant meets its admission requirements. Relevant frameworks include the Intercantonal University Agreement, the Intercantonal Agreement on Universities of Applied Sciences, the 2017 equivalence agreement with Austria and the Lisbon Recognition Convention. University of Liechtenstein tuition is CHF 950 per semester for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, people holding a Liechtenstein permanent or long-term residence permit, and people with an EU, EEA or Swiss Matura. The standard rate for other students is CHF 1,250 per semester. The student association fee is CHF 10 per semester. The place is secured after the first full payment, and later payments are due by the 15th of the month before the semester begins. The Scholarship Office can provide non-repayable grants and repayable study loans. It assesses costs, income, assets and the applicant's own contribution. Eligible expenses may include tuition, accommodation, food, learning materials, travel and a living-cost allowance. Support normally requires at least three uninterrupted years of residence in Liechtenstein or five years in total. The supported study period follows the study regulations, and a change or withdrawal is generally permitted no more than once. A study period abroad can qualify for support when the credits are transferable. Students whose nationality or residence status requires permission need to check the Migration and Passport Office requirements early. A student L residence permit is issued for up to 12 months and can be extended before expiry. A complete application should normally arrive at least 14 days before the programme begins. A university student holding the relevant permit may work up to 35% during the lecture period and full time during semester breaks. Prior approval is required; the employer submits the application for the start of employment. A late application can lead to a fine of up to CHF 400. University programmes are primarily full time and require roughly 40 hours per week during the lecture period. Students may organise their studies flexibly as part-time work, but the University of Liechtenstein does not offer a separate part-time degree programme. The maximum study period is 14 semesters for a bachelor's degree and 10 semesters for a master's degree, with at least 20 ECTS credits per year. The Welcome Week introduces the semester, and course and examination registration remains open until after that week. Study regulations, fee rules, disciplinary provisions and quality rules define the rights and duties of enrolled students. Erasmus+ can support study mobility, blended mobility and internships lasting two to twelve months per study cycle, with a maximum of twelve months per cycle. Graduates may complete an Erasmus internship within one year after graduation if they apply while still enrolled. University of Liechtenstein mobility applications generally close on 15 June for the winter semester and 15 November for the summer semester. AIBA can provide support, with the amount depending on the programme and country group. After graduation, the awarding institution can issue an academic title only when it is state-approved or otherwise recognised as a degree-awarding higher-education institution. A Diploma Supplement and the NQ.FL-HS framework help describe the qualification within the European Higher Education Area. NARIC Liechtenstein, the national academic-recognition contact point, provides recognition information and advice. Admission to a further programme remains the decision of the receiving institution. Recognition of a regulated profession is a separate procedure handled by the responsible professional body or the Office of Economic Affairs. The University of Liechtenstein Career Service supports career planning, CV checks, internships, student jobs and entry into employment in Liechtenstein, the region or internationally. A degree does not automatically provide a place in a further programme, permission to practise a regulated profession or recognition for every purpose.