Self-test: Is a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at a university of applied sciences right for me?
Are you thinking about studying mechanical engineering?
Take the test now and find out whether a job as a mechanical engineer is right for you and whether you are on the right path to achieving your goals by studying Mechanical Engineering FH.
Note: The course was or is also known under the following names: "Ingenieurin / Ingenieur FH Maschinentechnik", "Ingenieurin / Ingenieur FH Maschinen- und Betriebstechnik"
What does the everyday working life of mechanical engineers FH look like?
Mechanical engineers work in industrial and service companies or in engineering offices. They look after an existing product portfolio, monitor the markets and the competition and develop new products. As project managers, they are responsible for the entire process, from the initial idea through development and testing to series production. They ensure that deadlines, costs and quality are met. Other areas of responsibility include supporting the assembly department, technical customer service and sales. In addition to coordinating and supporting project partners, they prepare documentation, clarify feasibility issues and are responsible for patent and legal matters.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a mechanical engineer FH?
Great! If you like the actual job, the industry basically suits you. Then the next question is whether this degree course is just right for you.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your mechanical engineering degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on your answers in the questionnaire, our educational advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs and provide a helpful overview of the various educational levels. They are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Swiss education system.
If you only like the work of mechanical engineers to a limited extent or only individual parts of it, you could consider what interests you most. And then look at the following courses, for example, to see if you can find something that suits your interests better:
- Automotive Engineering Bachelor FH
- Civil Engineering Bachelor FH
- Electrical Engineering Bachelor FH
- Energy and Environmental Engineering Bachelor FH
- Building Technology Bachelor FH
- Wood Technology Bachelor FH
- Computer Science Bachelor FH
- Mechatronics Bachelor FH
- Microtechnology Medical Technology Bachelor FH
- Systems Engineering Bachelor FH
- Transportation Systems Bachelor FH
Another option: take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that they only ask you to do the tasks that suit you better, in which case you are in the right place with this further training. Remember: In practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
If individual aspects of the job description for Mechanical Engineer FH do not appeal to you, find out more about the possible specializations. Perhaps you can concentrate on the areas that appeal to you.
If you don't like the activities in the description, you might want to look into other degree programs. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Why don't you also take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"and be inspired by valuable information and tips.
Target group and skills: Who is the mechanical engineering course at a university of applied sciences suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The degree program "Mechanical Engineer FH" is aimed at the following groups of people:
- Young professionals who have a mechanical-technical vocational qualification and would like to qualify for corresponding management tasks by studying at a university of applied sciences
- People interested in technology who would like to learn how things work and implement their own ideas.
Prospective Mechanical Engineers FH should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical understanding and analytical skills
- Precise and independent way of working
- Ability to organize, plan, communicate and work in a team
- Interest in physical processes
- Very good knowledge of German and English
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group of this Bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to start studying mechanical engineering.
- If you do not belong to the target group, you cannot directly pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Technology. In this case, take a look at the following further education opportunities and degree programs in related fields to see if you can find something that better suits your interests:
- Automotive Engineering Bachelor FH
- Civil Engineering Bachelor FH
- Electrical Engineering Bachelor FH
- Energy and Environmental Engineering Bachelor FH
- Building Technology Bachelor FH
- Wood Technology Bachelor FH
- Computer Science Bachelor FH
- Mechatronics Bachelor FH
- Microtechnology Medical Technology Bachelor FH
- Systems Engineering Bachelor FH
- Transportation Systems Bachelor FH
- Why not also take a look at ourGuide to various topics. For example theGuide "Training and further education in mechanical and metal engineering"
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in the role of Mechanical Engineer FH. Look out for other further training courses that are better suited to your personal qualities and skills. You can find numerous courses and suitable providers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to this profession, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the Mechanical Engineering degree program at a university of applied sciences:
The respective universities of applied sciences decide independently on admission and the admission procedure for the Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering degree program.
You should normally expect the following admission requirements:
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) in a field related to the field of study and technical vocational baccalaureate.
Or
- Other EFZ / vocational baccalaureate, high school baccalaureate, specialized baccalaureate and relevant one-year internship/work experience in a field related to the field of study
Or
- Degree from a higher technical college (HF) in the same or related subject area
Or
- High school diploma and internship contract with a company in the field of mechanical engineering (for practice-integrated studies)
Note:
- Without a vocational baccalaureate, admission may be possible via an admission course or an entrance examination. Information can be obtained from the respective university of applied sciences
- Some universities of applied sciences also offer preliminary courses (e.g. mathematics or English) so that you have the best possible start to your studies.
*Good to know: The respective universities of applied sciences decide independently on the admission procedure for the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering / Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. They can largely design their courses themselves. Institutional accreditation in accordance with the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HFKG) (Chapter 5.) of the federal government is a prerequisite for the designation right "university of applied sciences" or "university" and "university of teacher education", the granting of federal contributions and program accreditation.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can register for the Mechanical Engineer FH course at the earliest possible date.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Hereyou will find an overview of the cantonal websites. You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation. You can find more informationhere.
Please also take a look at our self-tests:- You catch up on the vocational baccalaureate:Vocational baccalaureate self-test
- You catch up on the gymnasiale Matura:Matura schools for adults Self-test
- If you do not have a Swiss school-leaving or apprenticeship qualification, but do have a comparable foreign diploma, it is best to enquire directly with the head of the degree program at the university of applied sciences about your options.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the degree course in Mechanical Engineering FH, clarify your chances directly with the university of your choice.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant job to gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Hereyou will find an overview of the cantonal websites. You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation. You can find more informationhere. Please also take a look at our self-tests:
- You catch up on the vocational baccalaureate:Vocational baccalaureate self-test
- You catch up on the gymnasiale Matura:Matura schools for adults Self-test
- If you do not have a Swiss school-leaving or apprenticeship qualification, but do have a comparable foreign diploma, it is best to enquire directly with the head of the degree program at the university of applied sciences about your options.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the degree course in Mechanical Engineering FH, clarify your chances directly with the university of your choice.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant job to gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Subject matter and content of the course
The design of the courses in mechanical engineering is at the discretion of the universities of applied sciences. Consequently, the subject matter may vary from university of applied sciences to university of applied sciences. This also applies to the specializations/specializations offered.
The following areas are often covered in the basic studies:
- Machine technology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Business administration
- Chemistry
- Electrical engineering
- Materials engineering
- Mechanics
- Production development
- CAD
- Project management
- Etc.
Students also have the opportunity to specialize thematically according to their interests. For example, the following specializations are offered in mechanical engineering (reminder: the specializations vary depending on the provider)
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Energy technology
- Renewable energies
- Fluid mechanics & hydraulic machines
- Product development & industrial design
- Plastics technology
- Lightweight construction technology
- Operations Management
- Production technology
- System and automation technology
- Process engineering
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the degree course in Mechanical Engineering FH / Mechanical Engineering FH, don't throw your arms up in the air straight away. Many people do this. As the course content varies from university of applied sciences to university of applied sciences, it is best to compare the course content and specialization options offered by the various providers. There may be a course that suits you after all.
Obviously the typical course content on the way to a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering / mechanical engineering technology is not your thing. Take a look at other training or further education programs instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The amount of the costs depends on various factors. For example, the school, the training location, the training model and also the sponsorship of the university of applied sciences (public, semi-private, private). In general, the following costs can be expected for the 6-8 semester mechanical engineering degree course:
- Course feesFees: between CHF 700 and CHF 1000 per semester (public school) for residents of Switzerland. Students from abroad must expect higher course fees.
- Application/registration feebetween CHF 200.- and CHF 300.-
- Examination fees(per semester): these fees are normally already included in the course fees
- Additional costsSome providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, course materials, copies/printouts, student ID/campus card, etc. Please contact the school of your choice directly and ask what extra costs you can expect.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay between CHF 700 and CHF 1000 per semester?
- Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Most schools allow you to pay your tuition fees in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for paying in installments.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on the awarding of scholarships can be foundhere. (Note: The scholarship office in your canton of residence is responsible for awarding scholarships).
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- First take a closer look at the schools you are considering and clarify what costs you would actually have to expect and inquire about the possibility of paying in installments.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- You can obtain information about scholarship opportunitieshere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, training model, number of teaching hours, teaching format, workload and learning effort
- Duration of studies and training modelThe Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering degree program is modular and lasts 6 semesters in the full-time model or at least 8 semesters in the part-time model (in addition, a professional activity of at least 50% is possible, 60% to max. 80% is recommended) or practice-integrated model (internship workload is usually 40%).
- Number of lessonsStudy achievements are expressed in so-called ECTS points (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System Points), a kind of tool for the standardized study structure of Bachelor's and Master's degree courses at universities. As a rule, 180 ECTS points are required for a Bachelor's degree, which corresponds to 4,500-5,400 hours of work. (One ECTS point corresponds to a student workload of 25 to 30 working hours). This includes all study units such as lectures, tutorials, exercises, coursework, semester examinations, etc.
- Teaching formatIn addition to traditional classroom teaching, many universities of applied sciences now also offer online courses and forms of learning.
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons as well as for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model.
Tip:Many schools now offer taster lessons or even half or full taster days. This gives you the opportunity to get a taste of student life and get to know the campus better. You can also ask the students on site direct questions about the course.
Question 6:
Can you find the time to study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have enough time, look for schools where you can extend your studies by individual arrangement. This would allow you to spread your studies over a longer period of time.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training.
Degree, diploma and title
As already mentioned, the Mechanical Engineering degree course is divided into modules that form a self-contained learning unit lasting one semester and a grade is awarded for each module.
What exactly this performance assessment looks like varies from university of applied sciences to university of applied sciences. These can be semester or module examinations, project or seminar work, papers, presentations, discussions and case studies.
The Mechanical Engineering course is completed with a Bachelor's thesis (12 ECTS). This independent written work is written by the students individually, usually in the last two semesters of study. The thesis is written on a current topic or current problem from the subject area. The aim is for students to demonstrate that they are able to work independently on a task in a scientifically sound manner, within a given time frame and in compliance with the formal requirements. It is not uncommon for the Bachelor's thesis to be written in collaboration with a company.
Finally, the Bachelor's thesis is usually defended in a presentation.
However, even in this final qualification procedure, the respective university of applied sciences determines the details.
Diploma and title
Students who have earned at least 180 ECTS credits and have passed the Bachelor's thesis and presentation in the Mechanical Engineering degree program receive a Bachelor's degree from a federally accredited university of applied sciences and are entitled to use the title "Bachelor of Science [FH] in Mechanical Engineering" or "Bachelor of Science [FH] in Mechanical Engineering".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the assessment and the Bachelor's examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
Tip:Here you will find helpful information on the question: "Studying - and then?"
- If you are unsure because you are coming from a completely different background or have not been entirely successful with math and science subjects so far, find out about the possibilities of a preliminary math course.
- We also recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
- Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
- Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, such as coaching or autogenic/mental training. You can find suitable providers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
Tip:Here you will find helpful information on the question: "Studying - and then?"
- If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
- Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
- Also consider whether you would like other support, such as coaching or autogenic/mental training. You can find suitable providers here:
No, the Bachelor's degree course in Mechanical Engineering does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further education. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying mechanical engineering is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal career. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable training or further education.
Then see what other training or further education courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a mechanical engineer FH does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become a mechanical engineer at a university of applied sciences is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the information events organized by the providers. There you will learn a lot more about the course and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the subject representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
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