Licence - Master's Degree equivalence
The following are equivalent to a Master’s degree:
- former degrees (licence or diploma) achieved through a course of study with a statutory length of at least four years;
- former degrees (licence or diploma) achieved through a course of study with a statutory length of less than four years but which could not be completed by a further course.
This means, for example, that a licence in law with a statutory length of three years is equivalent to a Master’s degree (as it was not possible to take a diploma after the licence), but a licence in sciences with a statutory length of three years is not equivalent to a Master’s degree (as it was possible to take a diploma after the licence).
Statement of equivalence
To obtain a statement, the holder of a licence or diploma should apply in writing to the Faculty which delivered the qualification. They should attach a copy of the document for which a statement is requested and provide the address to which the certificate should be sent. The charge for this procedure is CHF 50.00. We also encourage you to send us proof of payment by email in order to receive your statement without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
A statement may be issued to those holding a former degree (licence or diploma) achieved through a course of study with a statutory length of at least four years; or a former degree (licence or diploma) achieved through a course of study with a statutory length of less than four years but which could not be completed by a further course.
Faculties are required, on receipt of an application in writing, to issue a statement of equivalence to those holding a licence or diploma from the Faculty, whenever the licence or diploma was obtained.
To obtain a statement, the holder of a licence or diploma should apply in writing to their Faculty. They should attach a copy of the document for which a statement is requested. A fee of CHF 50.00 is charged by the University. The Dean’s office of the Faculty, will check and approve the application and send it to the University graduates’ office, which will accept the payment, draw up the statement of equivalence and send it to the addressee.
No. The University issues only a statement of equivalence with a Master’s degree. It does not specify the type of Master’s. A holder of a licence or diploma who obtains a statement does not receive a new certificate with the title of Master or the official signatures and seal of the University.
Yes, you can use the title of Master. However, the two titles can clearly not be used simultaneously: you cannot say that you hold both a Master’s degree and the licence for which you have obtained a statement of equivalence.
For any questions about these statements, please contact your Faculty:
Faculty of Biology and Medicine :
Medicine: 021 692 50 11
Biology: 021 692 40 10
Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration :
021 692 27 50
Faculty of Geosciences and Environment:
021 692 35 06
Faculty of Business and Economics :
021 692 33 00
Faculty of Arts :
021 692 29 78
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences :
021 692 31 20
Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religions:
021 692 27 00
