Switzerland's Capital University is a public institution with roots going back to the 16th Century. The eight faculties offer a wide range of Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes, some of which in English. More than 2'000 students graduate every year with a Master's degree. The study environment and the quality of life in Bern are of very high quality and, thanks to the relatively small size of the university with its over 14'000 students, the ambience is friendly and personal. 40 three-year bachelor programmes range from archaeology to veterinary medicine. In addition to classical disciplines, students can choose between newer subjects such as sports or social anthropology. The 60 master programmes build on the bachelor degrees, but with a greater level of specialisation and more interdis- ciplinarity. Some of the master pro- grammes are taught in English – the stu- dents can also take advantage of free English language courses if necessary. Research-orientated master’s include about a dozen specialized programmes in Biomedical Engineering, Climate Science and Public Management. Bern is internationally renowned for its outstanding study and research opportunities such as in climate research, astrophysics as well as in international law and economics to name just a few. The University of Bern is also a leader in four national research centres (NCCRs): "Climate", "North-South" (sustainable development), "Trade Regulation", and "TransCure" (membrane biology). Additionally it shares the NCCR "MUST" (experimental physics) with the ETH Zurich. Another feature of the University of Bern are three interdis- ciplinary research centres at the faculty of philosophy and history: the Centres for "Global Studies", "Cultural Studies" and "the Study of Language and Society". Graduate schools offer a high level of education with specialised master’s and a structured doctoral programme. The graduate schools are closely linked to the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs) housed at the University of Bern, giving them an extra edge.