Self-test for "Computer scientist HF / Informatikerin HF" (with a focus on systems engineering and network technology): Is this course the right one for me?
Would you like to continue your education in the field of ICT systems engineering and network technology? Are you looking for a sound education that will open doors to management/executive positions and various higher-level training opportunities?
Then the HF course in computer science with a focus on ICT system and network technology is probably the right choice for you.
Take our free and non-binding self-test now and find out in just 7 steps whether you are on the right track with this course.
Note: In fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "Techniker HF [Fachrichtung]") received a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. The course "Techniker HF Informatik / Technikerin HF Informatik" is now called "Informatiker HF / Informatikerin HF".
The universities of applied sciences can offer specialization options or so-called focus areas, such as ICT systems technology and network technology. You can find out more about this in the self-test under step 4.
Computer Scientists HF (formerly Technicians HF Computer Science): What does your day-to-day work look like?
Computer scientists HF work in ICT departments of companies of all sizes and in practically all sectors of the economy. They can work both as generalists and as specialists in areas such as programming, installation and administration, automation, design and production, as well as in sales and customer service. They also work in teams and, depending on the size of the company, scope of tasks and professional experience, take on project or sub-project management or manage an ICT department.
Computer scientists HF are responsible for the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of ICT infrastructures and/or applications. To this end, they design the corresponding ICT processes, which also include ensuring data protection and data security as well as the uninterrupted availability of IT systems and applications in line with quality management. They review the processes on an ongoing basis and adapt or further develop them as required.
Computer scientists HF work in accordance with legal regulations as well as business requirements and orders. They proactively contribute their technical perspective on feasibility, any risks and the need for change. This also includes, for example, cost estimates and budget calculations. During the planning, development and implementation of ICT orders, they work closely with customers, service providers, suppliers, other ICT experts and specialists as well as the management to bring them to a successful conclusion.
The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) can vary greatly depending on the task profile/position and type of company.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a computer scientist HF?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this HF course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your IT training, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
So you don't like all activities. Think about which ones interest you the most and which ones don't. Remember: in practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
Depending on the size of the company and its orientation, computer scientists work as generalists or as specialists in a specific field, such as systems engineering, network technology, software and platform development, etc.
Take a look at the relevant job advertisements, as not every position involves all tasks. In addition, the job profiles are very varied. You may find an advertisement that only requires you to perform the tasks that interest you. Then you are still on the right track with this training.
Otherwise, take a look at related training and further education courses:
- Cyber Security Specialist (BP)
- ICT Application Development Specialist (BP) (formerly ICT Application Developer)
- ICT Platform Development Specialist (BP) (formerly ICT System and Network Technician)
- Business IT Specialist HF
Would a specific software training course with a certificate, for example "ECDL", "CompTIA", "ITIL" or "Scrum/Kanban" also meet your needs? Take a look at ourComputer science guide.
If you don't like these activities at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Are you unsure whether you are destined for the ICT sector? Then take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling"and benefit from helpful information and tips.
Target group, personal characteristics and skills: Who is the HF degree program in Computer Science HF with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology suitable for?
The training to become a computer scientist HF at a university of applied sciences with a focus on ICT system and network technology is aimed at the following target group:
Professionals from the fields of IT, automation, telematics or related areas who are interested in a generalist education and would like to hold a degree that opens doors to further career steps (e.g. into management/management), but also offers the opportunity for training and further education at a higher level (e.g. postgraduate courses at universities of applied sciences).
IT professionals should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Technical understanding
- Networked thinking and action
- Independent and reliable way of working
- analytical and conceptual skills
- Sense of responsibility
- Ability to work in a team
- Planning skills
- Leadership and organizational talent
- Customer and service orientation
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to be able to start the Computer Science HF program.
- If you do not belong to the target group, you cannot directly pursue the HF diploma in computer science HF (formerly HF IT technician) with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology. Take a look at other training courses.Hereyou will find a selection. Perhaps you will find an educational offer that is aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you are interested in the subject but do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, it will be difficult. You are unlikely to meet the requirements of the job, which will sooner or later affect your motivation and enjoyment of the job as well as your performance. Perhaps you can use your skills in another IT field? Look out for other further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to an IT course at a higher technical college specializing in ICT systems engineering and network technology
In order to be admitted to the HF degree program "Computer Scientist HF" (formerly Technician HF Computer Science) with a focus on ICT systems and network technology, you must meet the following requirements*:
- Relevant** basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), e.g. business IT specialist EFZ, ICT specialist EFZ, computer scientist EFZ, mediamatician EFZ.
Or
- Other basic vocational training (EFZ) and professional experience in the field of IT (usually at least 1 year)
Or
- High school diploma, vocational diploma or equivalent and at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
And
- At least 50% employment in the ICT sector (for part-time studies)***
Further admission requirements may be:
- Depending on the school: entrance exam/aptitude test
- Attendance of preliminary courses, for example in mathematics and/or programming
- Good knowledge of English (at least B1 level of the European Language Reference Framework)
Note: People who have a federal certificate as an ICT system and network technician can usually enter the third semester directly and thus benefit from a shorter training period.
It is also possible in some cases to have educational achievements already completed credited. Please contact the provider of your choice directly.
*Each university of applied sciences decides independently on the admission procedure for the computer science HF program. They regulate this in their study regulations, taking into account the relevant legal basis. The admission requirements may therefore differ from one HF to another.
The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the universities of applied sciences adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their HF courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title. You can find a list of recognized courses in the answers.
** A list of the relevant EFZs can be found in theFramework curriculumfor computer scientists HF.
*** In full-time training, work experience and the transfer from specialist training to practice is regulated by internships integrated into the course.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start the computer science HF study program to become a computer scientist HF (formerly technician HF computer science) with a focus on ICT systems technology and network technology.
Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification / certificate, please contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications. You can find out how to do thishere.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the Computer Science HF degree course with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no relevant professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for suitable jobs where you can gain experience with the help of professional job boards.Hereto find out how best to proceed with your job search.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in ICT or systems engineering and network technology, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a foreign qualification / certificate, please contact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), which is responsible for checking the equivalence of foreign qualifications. You can find out how to do thishere.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the Computer Science HF degree course with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology at a university of applied sciences (HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no relevant professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for suitable jobs where you can gain experience with the help of professional job boards.Hereto find out how best to proceed with your job search.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in ICT or systems engineering and network technology, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Hereyou will find a list of recognized HF degree courses.
Subject matter and content of the training
The following topics are covered in the "Computer Scientist HF" (formerly Technician HF Computer Science) course at a university of applied sciences with a focus on ICT systems technology and network technology:
- Computer science
- Programming
- ICT systems
- ICT networks
- Automation
- ICT infrastructure and architecture
- Data management, data security
- Business administration
- Finance and accounting
- Mathematics
- Project management
- Personnel management
- Management and leadership
- English
The universities of applied sciences follow the "Computer Science" framework curriculum. This sets out the basic points for the course (including the competencies to be achieved). The framework curriculum is backed by a sponsoring body*, which is responsible for the creation and periodic review of the framework curriculum in terms of up-to-dateness and quality.
Nevertheless, the universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their study programs for future computer scientists. There may therefore be (slight) differences in the treatment and design of the course content from HF to HF. The universities of applied sciences can, for example, set content priorities within a maximum of 10% of the total learning hours, such as "ICT systems engineering and network technology".
But beware: the protected title "dipl. Informatiker HF / dipl. Informatikerin HF" remains unchanged despite the specialization.
* The sponsorship is made up of the following players: Swissmem, ICT-Berufsbildung Schweiz and the Konferenz der Höheren Fachschulen Technik KHF-T
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training as a computer scientist with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology.
You can look forward to exciting and informative 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.
Are there just a few subjects or topics that you don't find so exciting and could do without? Then don't worry too much; most people feel the same way. If necessary, you could also form a study group with other people from your class. It is usually easier to learn together in a group, as you can motivate each other and master more boring and/or difficult subjects.
However, if you cannot identify with a lot of topics or even an entire learning area, you should attend an information event on the IT HF course with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology and clarify your questions with the school management. Find out exactly what is taught and how deeply you need to familiarize yourself with the subject matter.
If you struggle with many of these subjects, this is not the right course for you. Take a look at other further education courses or attend an information event on the "Computer Scientist HF" course with a focus on ICT systems technology and network technology and clarify whether this is really the right course for you.
Costs and financing of further training
Below you will find a list of the costs you can expect to pay for an IT HF course:
- Tuition fees:Between CHF 15,600 and CHF 22,300.
The fees depend on the school and your canton of residence.* The costs stated here refer to students residing in the canton of training. - Fees for additional certificatesSome schools offer the opportunity to complete further (external) certificates during the course of study. For example, IPMA, CompTIA or ITIL certificates. These costs are usually not included in the tuition fees and are charged additionally.
- Fees for preliminary coursesDo your math skills need a refresher? Most schools offer specific preparatory courses for this. You can expect to pay between CHF 350 and CHF 700.
- Other extra costs:At some schools, not all services and materials are included in the tuition fees. For example, some charge additional fees for enrolment, the student ID card, teaching materials, licenses, training materials, examinations, etc. Find out about the additional costs directly from the HF of your choice.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following requirements apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- At least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to finance between CHF 15,600 and CHF 22,300 for your studies (excluding fees for preliminary courses and additional certificates)?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount for the HF computer science course (formerly HF IT technician) with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses and suitable providers.
- Hereyou will find providers with training courses leading to the "CompTIA" certificate.
- If you are interested in an ITIL certificate, you will findherean overview of suitable schools.
- Ask the schools first about the actual costs (including extra costs) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of the IT HF course at a university of applied sciences (HF) specializing in ICT systems engineering and network technology.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses and suitable providers.
- Hereyou will find providers with training courses leading to the "CompTIA" certificate.
- If you are interested in an ITIL certificate, you will findherean overview of suitable schools.
- First ask the schools about the actual costs for the HF course in computer science with a focus on ICT systems and network technology and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses and suitable providers.
- Hereyou will find providers with training courses leading to the "CompTIA" certificate.
- If you are interested in an ITIL certificate, you will findherean overview of suitable schools.
Duration of study, number of learning hours, forms of learning, teaching times, teaching format and learning effort
- Duration of studyThe degree course in Computer Science HF (formerly Technician HF Computer Science) with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology takes 6 semesters (part-time) or 4 semesters (full-time).
- Number of learning hoursThe course comprises 3600 learning hours for persons with a relevant EFZ. Without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours increases to 5400.
- Forms of learningThe learning hours are divided into academic and practical training components. They are as follows:
- Contact studies: e.g. traditional classroom teaching, supervised group work, accompanied field work, etc.
- Guided self-study: e.g. exercises, research assignments, tasks, reading assignments, etc.
- Individual self-study: e.g. before and after lessons, exam preparation, general study time, etc.
- Practical experience: Practical experience in relevant fields of activity with a workload of 50% (applies to part-time studies)
- Internships: This includes, for example, practical work under the supervision of specialists or internships in the real field of work (the latter applies to full-time studies)
- Qualification procedures: e.g. semester examinations, graded term papers, diploma thesis and examination
- Lesson timesIn part-time studies, lessons often take place on two evenings or once a week and sometimes on Saturdays. As the schools can arrange their own timetables, this can vary from HF to HF. In full-time studies, lessons take place every day.
- Teaching formatMany schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning). Have you lost track of the many different teaching formats?Hereyou will find helpful explanations of the respective teaching formats.
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial lessons" for the Computer Science HF course. This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful degree. Take the opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-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.
Perhaps you could get together with other course participants from the class to form a learning group? The exchange with like-minded people and the commitment to meet at a fixed time to learn together can be very motivating.
If you do not have that much time to devote to training as a computer scientist HF (formerly technician HF computer science) with a focus on ICT systems technology and network technology, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training spread over more than four or six semesters.
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
The degree course in Computer Science HF (formerly Technician HF Computer Science) includes various learning objective assessments throughout the course.
For example, in the form of semester or interim examinations as well as graded semester or project work. The grades you achieve here are also included in your final grades.
Once you have completed all the qualification requirements during your studies, you are admitted to the final qualification procedure, which consists of a practice-oriented diploma thesis and an oral and/or written examination.
Here too, the respective university of applied sciences regulates the details of implementation in its study regulations.
Diploma and title
If the candidates have passed the final qualification procedure, the HF diploma is awarded. They will then be entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title of "qualified computer scientist HF / qualified computer scientist HF".
- In French: "Informaticienne diplômée ES / Informaticien diplômé ES"
- In Italian: "Informatica dipl. SSS / Informatico dipl. SSS"
The recommended translation in English is: "Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Information Technology". This is not a protected title.
Question 7:
Are you confident that you can pass the course leading to the Federal HF Diploma in Computer Science HF with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Contribute your questions actively, 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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course for computer scientists HF (formerly technicians HF computer science) with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology.
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, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Do you suffer from exam anxiety and is this possibly the reason for your insecurity? Here, too, you can get appropriate support to learn suitable techniques and also experience the positive sides of exam anxiety. You can find suitable providershere.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Contribute your questions actively, 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 exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, but would like to train as a computer scientist HF (formerly technician HF computer science) with a focus on ICT systems technology and network technology, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. 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.
You should also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training or by learning appropriate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can be helpful if you have exam anxiety, for example. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the IT training for the HF diploma with a focus on ICT system and network technology does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Computer Scientist HF (formerly Technician HF Computer Science) with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology 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 job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a computer scientist HF (formerly technician HF computer science) with a focus on ICT systems engineering and network technology 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 further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
An IT course at a university of applied sciences (HF) with a focus on ICT systems and network technology is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
How do I find the right school for me?
- To help you decide on the HF degree program, please refer to ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, which will help you to keep an overview.
- Also take a look at ourEvaluation toolwith numerous reviews from former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can view exactly the reviews that interest you.
This course at a university of applied sciences in the field of IT with a focus on ICT systems and network technology 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:
How do I find the right school for me?
- Among other things, ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified, which will help you to keep an overview.
- Also take a look at ourEvaluation toolwith numerous reviews from former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can view exactly the reviews that interest you.
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:
How do I find the right school for me?
- To help you decide on an IT HF further education course, please refer to ourGuide: "How to choose the right training provider". At the back of the guide you will find a helpful checklist with the most important points to be clarified. This will help you to keep an overview.
- Also take a look at ourEvaluation toolwith numerous reviews from former participants of various courses. Thanks to the numerous filter options, including the number of stars, region, year or school, you can view exactly the reviews that interest you.