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Art. 55 – Requirements

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Art. 55

Requirements

1

Contributions are paid for building construction if the building project:

a.

costs more than CHF 5 million;

b.

is cost-effective;

c.

satisfies the requirements for the allocation of tasks and cooperation among higher education institutions;

d.

meets stringent environmental and energy efficiency standards; and

e.

includes facilitated access for the disabled.

2

Contributions for building usage are paid if:

a.

usage entails recurring costs exceeding CHF 300,000;

b.

usage has been agreed for a period of at least five years;

c.

usage is cost-effective;

d.

usage satisfies the requirements for the allocation of tasks and cooperation among higher education institutions;

e.

the building used meets stringent environmental and energy efficiency standards; and

f.

the building used includes facilitated access for the disabled.

Legal act context
SR 414.20 · HEdA · Federal act · Federal Act of 30 September 2011 on Funding and Coordination of the Swiss Higher Education Sector (Higher Education Act, HEdA)
Structure path
Chapter 8 Federal Funding Contributions Section 4 Contributions to Cover Expenditure for Construction and Use of Buildings
Language
English (en)
Data status
2025-06-01

Available language versions

Deutschde Françaisfr Italianoit Englishen

The official sources and versions published by the competent authorities remain authoritative.

Contents of this enactment

Document textGeneral document text1ArticlesRegular articles in this version81AnnexesAnnexes and attachments in this version1
Document text1
Articles81
1Chapter 1 General Provisions
Art. 1 – Purpose and objectArt. 1 Purpose and object 1 The Confederation works with the Cantons to coordinate, maintain the quality and ensure the competitiveness of the entire higher education sector in Switzerland. 2 For this purpose, the prese… Direct link
Art. 2 – ScopeArt. 2 Scope 1 This Act applies to higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector of the Confederation and the Cantons. 2 Higher education institutions under the terms of this Ac… Direct link
Art. 3 – ObjectivesArt. 3 Objectives As part of its cooperation activities within the higher education sector, the Confederation shall pursue the following objectives in particular: a. establishing general conditions that favour high-qual… Direct link
Art. 4 – Federal tasks and authority within the higher education sectorArt. 4 Federal tasks and authority within the higher education sector 1 The Confederation is responsible for leading coordination of the joint activities of the Confederation and the Cantons within the higher education… Direct link
Art. 5 – Principles of fulfilment of tasksArt. 5 Principles of fulfilment of tasks 1 The Confederation shall respect the autonomy granted by responsible bodies to higher education institutions as well as the principles of freedom and the unity of teaching and r… Direct link
1Chapter 2 Cooperation Agreement
Art. 6Art. 6 1 Basing themselves on this Act and on the Intercantonal Agreement on Cooperation in Higher Education, the Confederation and the Cantons shall enter into a Cooperation Agreement on fulfilment of their respective… Direct link
1Chapter 3 Joint Bodies
2Section 1 General Provisions
Art. 7 – BodiesArt. 7 Bodies The joint bodies are: a. the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions in its composition as the Plenary Assembly or as the Higher Education Council; b. the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Ed… Direct link
Art. 8 – Applicable legislationArt. 8 Applicable legislation 1 The Federal Personnel Act and federal liability law apply to employees of joint bodies and the Swiss Accreditation Agency. The Higher Education Council may depart from the provisions of t… Direct link
Art. 9 – Bearing of costsArt. 9 Bearing of costs 1 The Confederation shall pay the costs of managing the affairs of the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions under Article 14. 2 Remaining costs of the Swiss Conference of Higher Educ… Direct link
2Section 2 Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions
Art. 10 – Role and functionArt. 10 Role and function 1 The Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions is the highest policymaking body within the Swiss higher education sector. It is responsible for Swiss-wide coordination of the activitie… Direct link
Art. 11 – Plenary AssemblyArt. 11 Plenary Assembly 1 As the Plenary Assembly, the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions has the following composition: a. the designated member of the Federal Council; b. one member of each cantonal go… Direct link
Art. 12 – Higher Education CouncilArt. 12 Higher Education Council 1 As the Higher Education Council, the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions has the following composition: a. the designated member of the Federal Council; b. fourteen membe… Direct link
Art. 13 – Participation in an advisory capacityArt. 13 Participation in an advisory capacity Acting in an advisory capacity, the following individuals shall take part in the meetings of the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions: a. the head of the State… Direct link
Art. 14 – Presidium and SecretariatArt. 14 Presidium and Secretariat 1 The Presidium of the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions comprises a President and two Vice-Presidents. 2 The President is the designated member of the Federal Council.… Direct link
Art. 15 – CommitteesArt. 15 Committees 1 The Higher Education Council shall create the following bodies for the purpose of preparing decisions: a. one standing committee responsible for matters pertaining to medical research and study prog… Direct link
Art. 16 – Decision-making within the Plenary AssemblyArt. 16 Decision-making within the Plenary Assembly 1 Each member of the Plenary Assembly has one vote. 2 Decisions of the Plenary Assembly require: a. a qualified majority of two-thirds of the votes of the members pres… Direct link
Art. 17 – Decision-making within the Swiss Higher Education CouncilArt. 17 Decision-making within the Swiss Higher Education Council 1 Each member of the Swiss Higher Education Council has one vote. In addition, representatives of the Cantons have a specific number of points determined… Direct link
Art. 18 – Involvement of the Federal AssemblyArt. 18 Involvement of the Federal Assembly The Federal Council shall inform the parliamentary committees responsible for education and research of important developments in Swiss higher education policy as well as on t… Direct link
2Section 3 Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions
Art. 19 – Composition and structureArt. 19 Composition and structure 1 The Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions comprises the rectors or presidents of Swiss higher education institutions. 2 It constitutes itself. It shall establis… Direct link
Art. 20 – Tasks and responsibilitiesArt. 20 Tasks and responsibilities The Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions has the tasks and responsibilities transferred to it under the Cooperation Agreement. Direct link
2Section 4 Swiss Accreditation Council and Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Art. 21 – Swiss Accreditation CouncilArt. 21 Swiss Accreditation Council 1 The Swiss Accreditation Council comprises 15–20 independent members; these members represent in particular higher education institutions, professional organisations, students, mid-l… Direct link
Art. 22 – Swiss Accreditation AgencyArt. 22 Swiss Accreditation Agency 1 The Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education (Swiss Accreditation Agency) is a legally dependent entity. 2 It is under the authority of the Swiss Accre… Direct link
1Chapter 4 Admission to Higher Education Institutions and Structure of Studies at Universities of Applied Sciences
Art. 23 – Admission to cantonal universities and federal institutes of technologyArt. 23 Admission to cantonal universities and federal institutes of technology 1 Admission to the first level of studies at cantonal universities and federal institutes of technology is open to holders of a baccalaurea… Direct link
Art. 24 – Admission to universities of teacher educationArt. 24 Admission to universities of teacher education 1 Admission to the first level of studies at universities of teacher education is open to holders of a baccalaureate. 2 Admission to the first level of studies for… Direct link
Art. 25 – Admission to universities of applied sciencesArt. 25 Admission to universities of applied sciences 1 Admission to the first level of studies at universities of applied sciences is open to holders of: a. a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate in combination with a Fede… Direct link
Art. 26 – Structure of studies at universities of applied sciencesArt. 26 Structure of studies at universities of applied sciences 1 Through a blend of practical studies and applied research and development, universities of applied sciences prepare students to carry out activities ass… Direct link
1Chapter 5 Quality Control and Accreditation
Art. 27 – Quality control and development of qualityArt. 27 Quality control and development of quality At regular intervals, higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector review the quality of their teaching, research and service… Direct link
Art. 28 – Institutional accreditation and programme accreditationArt. 28 Institutional accreditation and programme accreditation 1 The following are accredited: a. higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector (institutional accreditation); b… Direct link
Art. 29 – Right to use reserved designationsArt. 29 Right to use reserved designations 1 With institutional accreditation, higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector have the right to use the reserved designation ‘univ… Direct link
Art. 30 – Requirements for institutional accreditationArt. 30 Requirements for institutional accreditation 1 For institutional accreditation, the following requirements must be met: a. Higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector… Direct link
Art. 31 – Requirements for programme accreditationArt. 31 Requirements for programme accreditation The following requirements must be met for programme accreditation: a. Higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector shall take… Direct link
Art. 32 – Accreditation procedureArt. 32 Accreditation procedure The Swiss Accreditation Agency and other accreditation agencies recognised by the Swiss Accreditation Council shall carry out the accreditation procedure according to this Act and under t… Direct link
Art. 33 – Decision-makingArt. 33 Decision-making Referring to the request submitted by the Swiss Accreditation Agency or by another Swiss or foreign accreditation agency recognised by the Swiss Accreditation Agency, the Swiss Accreditation Coun… Direct link
Art. 34 – Duration of accreditationArt. 34 Duration of accreditation The Swiss Higher Education Council shall decide on the duration of accreditation. Direct link
Art. 35 – FeesArt. 35 Fees 1 The Swiss Accreditation Council and the Swiss Accreditation Agency shall charge general cost-covering fees for its decisions and services. 2 The Swiss Accreditation Council issues a regulation on fees; th… Direct link
1Chapter 6 Coordination of the Entire Swiss Higher Education Sector and Allocation of Tasks
Art. 36 – Basic principlesArt. 36 Basic principles 1 Through the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions, the Confederation and the Cantons shall work together to ensure coordination of the entire Swiss higher education sector and deci… Direct link
Art. 37 – At the level of individual higher education institutionsArt. 37 At the level of individual higher education institutions 1 Higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector shall prepare a multi-annual development and financial plan. Thi… Direct link
Art. 38 – At the level of the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education InstitutionsArt. 38 At the level of the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions 1 The Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions shall provide the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institut… Direct link
Art. 39 – At the level of the Swiss Conference of Higher Education InstitutionsArt. 39 At the level of the Swiss Conference of Higher Education Institutions 1 The Higher Education Council shall decide on coordination of the entire Swiss higher education sector and the allocation of tasks in partic… Direct link
Art. 40 – Allocation of tasks in particularly costly areasArt. 40 Allocation of tasks in particularly costly areas 1 At the request of the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions, the Higher Education Council shall determine particularly cost-intensive are… Direct link
1Chapter 7 Funding
2Section 1 Basic Principles
Art. 41Art. 41 1 The Confederation and the Cantons shall see to it that public funding of the higher education sector is enough to ensure high-quality teaching and research. 2 The Confederation and the Cantons shall co-fund hi… Direct link
2Section 2 Determination of Public Funding Requirements
Art. 42 – ProcedureArt. 42 Procedure 1 For each funding period, the Higher Education Council shall determine the public funding requirements of higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector. 2 Whe… Direct link
Art. 43 – General financial conditionsArt. 43 General financial conditions On the basis of financial plans prepared by the Confederation and the Cantons, the Plenary Assembly shall establish the general financial conditions for the given funding period; bef… Direct link
Art. 44 – Reference costsArt. 44 Reference costs 1 Reference costs are the expenses required in order to provide high-quality teaching to each student. 2 Output values used to establish reference costs shall reflect the average costs of teachin… Direct link
1Chapter 8 Federal Funding Contributions
2Section 1 Entitlement to Receive Funding Contributions
Art. 45 – RequirementsArt. 45 Requirements 1 A higher education institution may be recognised by the Confederation as entitled to receive funding if it: a. is institutionally accredited; b. offers public education services; and c. is a meani… Direct link
Art. 46 – Decision-makingArt. 46 Decision-making 1 The Federal Council decides on the eligibility of funding of higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector. 2 It shall first hear the Plenary Assembly. Direct link
2Section 2 Types of Contribution and Funding
Art. 47 – Types of contributionArt. 47 Types of contribution 1 Within the framework of approved budget appropriations, the Confederation provides financial support to eligible cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and other institut… Direct link
Art. 48 – Authorisation of budgetArt. 48 Authorisation of budget 1 The Federal Assembly shall determine the financial resources to be set aside for federal contributions. It shall establish multi-annual budget appropriations and funding commitments. 2… Direct link
2Section 3 Basic Contributions
Art. 49 – Intended purposeArt. 49 Intended purpose Basic contributions shall be used to cover operational costs. Direct link
Art. 50 – Contribution ratesArt. 50 Contribution rates The Confederation shall pay the following share of the total amount of the reference costs: a. 20 per cent in the case of cantonal universities; b. 30 per cent in the case of universities of a… Direct link
Art. 51 – Assessment basisArt. 51 Assessment basis 1 The total annual amount is determined mainly on the basis of teaching and research performance achieved by institutions that are deemed eligible for funding. 2 The proportion of teaching shall… Direct link
Art. 52 – Decision-makingArt. 52 Decision-making 1 The competent Department shall decide on basic contributions. 2 It may delegate this decision to the corresponding Federal Office. Direct link
Art. 53 – Fixed contributions to higher education institutionsArt. 53 Fixed contributions to higher education institutions 1 The competent Federal Office may issue mandates to or sign performance agreements with other institutions within the higher education sector that are eligib… Direct link
2Section 4 Contributions to Cover Expenditure for Construction and Use of Buildings
Art. 54 – Intended purpose and exceptionsArt. 54 Intended purpose and exceptions 1 Contributions to cover expenditure for construction and use of buildings are intended for the acquisition, long-term use, creation and transformation of buildings for teaching,… Direct link
Art. 55 – RequirementsArt. 55 Requirements 1 Contributions are paid for building construction if the building project: a. costs more than CHF 5 million; b. is cost-effective; c. satisfies the requirements for the allocation of tasks and coop… Current article Direct link
Art. 56 – Maximum contribution thresholdArt. 56 Maximum contribution threshold The Confederation provides a maximum contribution of 30 per cent of eligible costs. Direct link
Art. 57 – CalculationArt. 57 Calculation 1 The Federal Council decides on the calculation of eligible costs. It shall first hear the Higher Education Council. 2 It may provide for a lump-sum calculation method, namely maximum threshold valu… Direct link
Art. 58 – DecisionsArt. 58 Decisions 1 The competent Department decides whether to approve or deny applications for contributions to cover expenditure for construction and use of buildings. 2 It may delegate this decision to the correspon… Direct link
2Section 5 Project Contributions
Art. 59 – Intended purpose and requirementsArt. 59 Intended purpose and requirements 1 Multi-annual project contributions may be paid for expenditures that serve national higher education policy interests. 2 Tasks that serve national higher education policy inte… Direct link
Art. 60 – Assessment basis and time limitsArt. 60 Assessment basis and time limits 1 Project contributions are determined on the basis of costs for planning, development and implementation of a given project. 2 They are provided for a limited period of time. Direct link
Art. 61 – Decision and performance level agreementArt. 61 Decision and performance level agreement 1 The Higher Education Council decides on the awarding of project contributions. 2 Based on the decision reached by the Higher Education Council, the competent Department… Direct link
1Chapter 9 Protection of Reserved Designations and Titles, Sanctions and Legal Safeguards
Art. 62 – Protection of reserved designationsArt. 62 Protection of reserved designations 1 The reserved designations ‘university’, ‘university of applied sciences’, ‘university of teacher education’ and derived designations (e.g. ‘university institute’ or ‘UAS ins… Direct link
Art. 63 – Criminal provisionsArt. 63 Criminal provisions 1 If an institution lacking accreditation under this Act uses the title ‘university’, ‘university of applied sciences’, ‘university of teacher education’ or a related title, whether expressed… Direct link
Art. 64 – Administrative measuresArt. 64 Administrative measures 1 If the requirements for accreditation are no longer met or if certain conditions have not been satisfied within the established timeframe, then the Swiss Accreditation Council shall tak… Direct link
Art. 65 – Legal safeguardsArt. 65 Legal safeguards 1 Decisions reached on the basis of this Act, its implementing provisions or the Cooperation Agreement may be contested by appeal to the Federal Administrative Court. 2 Decisions of the Federal… Direct link
1Chapter 10 Authority of the Federal Council to Enter into International Agreements
Art. 66Art. 66 1 The Federal Council may sign international agreements on behalf of the higher education sector for: a. international cooperation, particularly the structuring of studies as well as recognition of studies, qual… Direct link
1Chapter 11 Final Provisions
2Section 1 Implementation
Art. 67 – Implementing provisionsArt. 67 Implementing provisions The Federal Council shall issue implementing provisions if implementation of this Act falls under its area of authority. Direct link
Art. 68 – Declaration on the generally binding nature of intercantonal agreements relating to the higher education sectorArt. 68 Declaration on the generally binding nature of intercantonal agreements relating to the higher education sector The declaration on the generally binding nature of intercantonal agreements relating to the higher… Direct link
Art. 69 – EvaluationArt. 69 Evaluation 1 Every four years, the Federal Council shall provide the Federal Assembly with a report on: a. the effectiveness of public expenditure; b. the effects of the funding system on the finances of the Con… Direct link
Art. 70 – Recognition of foreign qualificationsArt. 70 Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Feb. 2017 (AS 2017 159; BBl 2016 3089). Amended by No I of the FA of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Feb. 2017 (AS 2017 159; BBl 2016 3089). Recogniti… Direct link
2Section 2 Repeal and Amendment of Current Legislation
Art. 71Art. 71 The repeal and amendment of current legislation are regulated in the Annex. Direct link
2Section 3 Transitional Provisions
Art. 72 – Adjustment of contribution ratesArt. 72 Adjustment of contribution rates 1 If the level of average annual basic contributions determined by the Confederation for the first time under this Act is considerably different from the level effectively paid o… Direct link
Art. 73 – Admission to universities of applied sciencesArt. 73 Admission to universities of applied sciences 1 Until decided by the Higher Education Council, admission to universities of applied sciences is subject to the conditions set forth in paragraphs 2–4. 2 Examinatio… Direct link
Art. 74 – Cohesion contributionsArt. 74 Cohesion contributions 1 In the first years following commencement of this Act, an average of six per cent of funding allocated for basic contributions may be used in support of higher education institutions who… Direct link
Art. 75 – Entitlement to contributions and accreditationArt. 75 Entitlement to contributions and accreditation 1 Higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector must seek institutional accreditation no later than eight years following… Direct link
Art. 76 – Right to use reserved designations and sanctionsArt. 76 Right to use reserved designations and sanctions For higher education institutions and other institutions within the higher education sector that are not institutionally accredited under this Act or are not deem… Direct link
Art. 77 – Pending applicationsArt. 77 Pending applications 1 Applications that were pending at the time of commencement of this Act shall be examined on the basis of the new legislation. 2 The Federal Council may make exceptions in justified cases. Direct link
Art. 78 – Protection of acquired UAS titlesArt. 78 Protection of acquired UAS titles 1 The titles of federally recognised UAS degrees, Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees or Master of Applied Sciences (MAS) degrees under previous legislation remain protected. 2… Direct link
Art. 79 – Previous cantonal agreements relating to universities of applied sciencesArt. 79 Previous cantonal agreements relating to universities of applied sciences For a period of five years following commencement of this Act, cantonal governments may issue ordinances for the purpose of making adjust… Direct link
Art. 80 – Continued validity of provisions from the University Funding Act and the UAS ActArt. 80 Continued validity of provisions from the University Funding Act and the UAS Act In the event of commencement under Article 81 paragraph 3, the Federal Council may decide that the following provisions shall rema… Direct link
2Section 4 Referendum and Commencement
Art. 81Art. 81 1 This Act is subject to an optional referendum. 2 The Federal Council shall determine the commencement date. 3 It shall establish the provisions on coordination of the entire Swiss higher education sector and t… Direct link
Annexes1
Repeal and Amendment of Current LegislationAnnex (Art. 71) Repeal and Amendment of Current Legislation I The following Federal Acts shall be repealed: 1. University Funding Act of 8 October 1999 ; 2. UAS Act of 6 October 1995 . II The following Federal Acts shal…Direct link

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