University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
The University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (Fachhochschule Graubünden, FHGR) serves as the primary university-level institution for Switzerland's largest canton by area, providing professionally oriented higher education to students in this alpine region and beyond. Established in 1963 as the Höhere Technische Lehranstalt Chur and achieving university of applied sciences status in the late 1990s, FHGR has evolved from a regional technical school into a respected institution offering diverse programs relevant to modern professional fields. The university's mission combines high-quality education with applied research that addresses the specific needs and opportunities of mountain regions. Located in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, FHGR maintains deep connections with the unique geography, economy, and culture of Graubünden. The canton's characteristics as a multilingual, tourism-dependent, and mountainous region shape FHGR's academic focus and research priorities. Programs and research address challenges and opportunities specific to alpine environments, sustainable tourism, and regional development while maintaining relevance for graduates who pursue careers beyond the region. Despite its location in a relatively small city, FHGR has developed programs with national and international reach, particularly in areas such as tourism, multimedia production, and photonics. The university attracts students from throughout Switzerland and abroad who seek quality education in a distinctive alpine setting. FHGR emphasizes personalized education enabled by its compact size, with close relationships between students and faculty supporting academic success.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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Student Life & Environment
Chur is a small city, home to around 35,000 people, and the student population forms a visible part of the community. FHGR brings together a few thousand students, mostly from Switzerland and neighboring countries, creating an intimate academic community where anonymity is impossible. The campus sits centrally in Chur, within walking distance of the old town, train station, and basic amenities. Student housing options include university residences and private apartments. While not as expensive as Zurich or Geneva, Chur still requires budget consciousness. Many students share accommodations to manage costs. Social life centers on the Alps. Skiing and snowboarding dominate winter weekends, with resorts like Arosa and Lenzerheide accessible within an hour. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and watersports on nearby lakes. The Grisons canton contains some of Switzerland's most dramatic landscapes, and students who choose FHGR generally want to be outdoors. Evening entertainment in Chur is modest. A handful of bars and restaurants serve the student population, but this isn't a nightlife destination. Students seeking urban excitement often travel to Zurich, a couple of hours away by train.
Location & Surroundings
Chur occupies a strategic valley position where ancient trade routes converged. The Romans established a settlement here, and the medieval old town preserves centuries of history in its narrow streets and historic buildings. Despite its age, the city has a surprisingly contemporary feel, with modern architecture mixing comfortably with historical structures. The climate brings genuine Alpine seasons. Winters are cold and snowy in the surrounding mountains, though Chur itself sits low enough to have milder conditions. Summers are pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings. The shoulder seasons offer their own charms, with autumn colors and spring wildflowers in the high meadows. Transportation connections are excellent for a city of this size. The train station serves as a hub for regional routes, including the famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express scenic railways. Zurich is reachable in about 90 minutes, providing access to international flights and big-city amenities. Within the region, a network of buses and funiculars reaches mountain villages and recreation areas. The surrounding landscape is the main attraction. The Rhine Gorge, sometimes called the Swiss Grand Canyon, lies nearby. Historic villages dot the countryside, many maintaining traditional Romansh culture and language. Ski resorts, hiking trails, and nature preserves offer endless outdoor opportunities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at FHGR runs around CHF 960 per semester, one of the lower rates in Swiss higher education. However, living costs require careful planning. Chur is less expensive than major Swiss cities, but still pricey by international standards. Budget around CHF 1,500-2,000 monthly for rent, food, transportation, and other necessities. Financial support options include cantonal grants and loans for eligible Swiss students and some scholarship opportunities for international students. Part-time work is possible, particularly in the tourism industry during peak seasons, though the demanding curriculum limits how much students can work during term time. Career outcomes reflect the university's practical orientation. Tourism graduates find positions at Swiss and international hospitality companies, resorts, and destination management organizations. Engineering and IT graduates benefit from strong demand for technical skills in the Swiss economy. The university maintains relationships with regional employers who regularly recruit from student populations. The alumni network is modest in size but strong in regional connections. Graduates often stay in the Grisons or broader eastern Switzerland, building careers in industries that dominate the local economy. The university's career services support job searching and provide connections to potential employers.
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