Bridging Programme

Informations on the Bridging Programme

A bridging programme is being developed as part of the RILF project (Requalification and Professional Integration of Teachers with Refugee Experience). The bridging programme is a one-year course. It prepares teachers to submit an application for recognition of their foreign teaching diploma. If the conditions for such recognition are not met, the bridging programme supports participants in completing a degree at the University of Teacher Education – either a regular or shortened programme.

Modules

The focus is on the following modules:

• German course GER C1/C2
• Practical experience in schools
• Getting to know the Swiss education system
• Exchange of experiences and mentoring

Important: The bridging programme does not lead to recognition of the foreign teaching diploma or an official degree. The bridging programme does not lead  to a Swiss teaching diploma or to employment as a teacher. The bridging programme does not provide  direct access to a degree programme at a university of teacher education. The bridging programme offers support in the above-mentioned areas (modules). This  increases the chances of recognition of the foreign teaching qualification, but cannot guarantee it.

Start of the bridging programme

The start of the bridging programme is in autumn 2026. The number of the participants is  limited. Admission cannot therefore be guaranteed.

Detailed information on the course programme, costs and financing options will be communicated via this website in early 2026.  Registration is expected to open in February/March 2026 – before that date it is not possible to register for the bridging programme. If you meet all the admission criteria, you will be invited to an interview.

Admission criteria

To give you plenty of time to plan, here are the eligibility criteria:

1. Teaching profession
   • To register, you must have completed teacher training.
2. Residence status
   • F permit (for temporarily admitted foreigners)
   • B permit (residence permit)
   • S permit (provisional status for persons in need of protection)
   • C permit (settlement permit)
3. Language skills
   • At the time of registration, you must have German language skills at level B2 (CEFR) or higher.
4. Minimum age
   • You must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.

Documents required for registration (from February/March 2026)

The following documents are required for registration (only possible from February/March 2026):

• Certified translation of teaching diploma
• Current CV: Please indicate your experience as a teacher in your CV.
• Valid national travel document and/or copy of foreigner’s identity card/residence permit
• German language certificate at level B2 (CEFR) or higher: If you do not have an official language certificate, in special cases you may be assessed by a specialist from the bridging programme.
• Criminal record extract (not older than three months)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail (requalifikation.ph@fhnw.ch).