Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences – Flexible Learning, Swiss Quality

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Jul 31
4 min read

In a country celebrated for its precision and innovation, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences (Kalaidos UAS) stands out as a unique institution within the Swiss higher education landscape. Based in Zurich, Kalaidos is the only private university of applied sciences in Switzerland that holds full federal accreditation—proof of its commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards.

Founded in 1997, Kalaidos UAS was established to respond to the growing need for flexible, career-oriented education. Over the years, it has become a trusted destination for thousands of students seeking to balance professional work with advanced academic training. Today, it serves more than 3,800 students, supported by a large network of expert lecturers and industry professionals.

A University Built for Working Professionals

One of the most distinctive features of Kalaidos UAS is its focus on part-time study. All degree programs—ranging from Bachelor’s to Master’s, including Executive MBAs and postgraduate certificates—are designed to be compatible with employment. This makes Kalaidos especially attractive to those already active in the workforce who are looking to deepen their expertise, earn new qualifications, or shift career paths without pausing their careers.

Rather than offering a traditional campus life, Kalaidos builds its educational experience around flexibility, personalization, and practical relevance. Its teaching model blends online learning, self-study, and in-person seminars, ensuring that students can study when and where it suits them best. This is education tailored for real life.

Five Strong Faculties

Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is organized into five specialized departments. Each faculty operates semi-independently but shares a common vision: to provide practice-oriented education with real-world impact.

1. Faculty of Business and Management

This is the largest department at Kalaidos, offering a wide range of programs including Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Science, Executive MBA, and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degrees. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, innovation, and global business trends. Students benefit from lecturers who are not only academics but also business leaders and consultants, bringing up-to-date knowledge into the classroom.

2. Faculty of Health

Established in 2006, this faculty trains future professionals in fields such as nursing, physiotherapy, health management, and elder care. Programs are accredited and tailored to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems in Switzerland and beyond. Practical placements, simulation labs, and real-world case studies are integral parts of the training.

3. Faculty of Music

Founded in 2011, the Kalaidos University of Music is unique in Switzerland. It offers degrees in classical, jazz, and contemporary music, allowing students to pursue musical excellence with the support of renowned instructors. The programs also integrate subjects like music education, theory, and digital composition, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in the music industry and education sector.

4. Faculty of Law

This department offers a Bachelor of Law, along with continuing education programs such as CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) in areas like compliance, tax law, data protection, and employment law. The programs are known for their accessibility to professionals from diverse backgrounds, including non-lawyers seeking legal literacy in their industries.

5. Faculty of Applied Psychology

The newest addition to Kalaidos, this faculty was launched in 2022 to address the growing demand for trained psychologists in both clinical and organizational settings. The Bachelor and Master programs in Psychology are scientifically grounded but application-oriented, with pathways that allow students to specialize in business psychology or clinical fields, depending on their career goals.

Applied Research with Real Impact

Kalaidos UAS is not just about teaching—it’s also about applying knowledge to solve real problems. Across its faculties, the university conducts applied research that supports Swiss businesses, healthcare providers, and public institutions. Projects are often developed in collaboration with industry partners and funded by public or private grants.

This research-driven approach feeds directly into teaching, keeping the curriculum current and ensuring that students are equipped with insights and tools relevant to their fields. Whether it's digital transformation in SMEs, ethical leadership, healthcare technology, or sustainable finance, Kalaidos is actively shaping the future through knowledge creation.

Accreditation and Recognition

Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences is officially accredited by the Swiss Federal Council, meaning it meets the same quality standards as Switzerland’s public universities of applied sciences. Its programs are regularly reviewed by independent quality assurance bodies, and its degrees are nationally and internationally recognized.

Unlike most other universities of applied sciences in Switzerland, Kalaidos does not receive state funding. Its independence allows it to be agile and innovative while still adhering to strict academic standards. It is also a full member of Swissuniversities, the national rectors’ conference, which reinforces its status in the academic community.

Why Choose Kalaidos?

Students choose Kalaidos for a variety of reasons:

The opportunity to study while working, without compromising professional progress.
A curriculum that combines theory with practice, taught by faculty who are active in their fields.
A wide range of programs in business, health, music, law, and psychology, each designed with the needs of modern society in mind.
The reputation of being part of Switzerland’s top-tier academic framework, with quality assured at every level.

Graduates of Kalaidos go on to build impactful careers in the public and private sectors, both in Switzerland and abroad. The university's strong ties to industry and practice-oriented education help ensure that alumni remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

Final Thoughts

In an educational landscape that is becoming increasingly complex, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences offers a clear value proposition: flexibility, quality, and professional relevance. It proves that private institutions, when held to the highest standards, can deliver outstanding academic experiences without losing sight of the real-world needs of students.

Whether you’re a manager looking to deepen your leadership skills, a nurse preparing for a more advanced role, a musician perfecting your craft, or a professional seeking legal or psychological insight—Kalaidos has a pathway designed for you.