PiBS: Practice-integrated bachelor's degree program for high school graduates

1.1 How do I start studying at PiBS?

1.    Register for the selected BSc program at OST – possible until the end of April
2.    Contact pibs-technik@ost.ch
3.    Application process begins
4.    Select an employer from OST's PiBS company list or another company
5.    Voluntary participation in OST's application workshop
6.    Independent application 
→ Select PiBS model 1 or 2 together with employer
→ Sign a 4-year training contract
7.    Have employment contract validated by OST by the end of August 
8.    Start in the fall semester (mid-September)

1.2 Who is PiBS aimed at?

Holders of a high school diploma, a vocational diploma whose professional experience does not correspond to the field of study, or a recognized foreign qualification.

1.3 What are the admission requirements?

In addition to formal university admission, a signed employment contract with a PiBS partner company for the end of August before the start of studies is required.

1.4 How do I find a suitable company?

OST provides a list of partner companies. In addition, PiBS managers actively assist in the search for a suitable internship position.

1.5 Can I also suggest another company?

Yes, other companies are also possible, provided they meet the requirements and are willing to sign a cooperation agreement with OST.

1.6 What will my internship at the company be like?

The practical training within the company is tailored to the respective degree program. The company operates in a relevant field or industry, allowing students to directly apply and deepen the knowledge they have acquired during their studies.

1.7 Can previous professional experience be credited toward the PiBS?

Yes, it is possible to have some of your previous professional experience credited toward the PiBS program, provided that it was in a relevant field. Credit will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the PiBS administrators at an early stage.

1.8 Can I start working at the company before I begin my studies?

Yes, you can start work before you begin your studies. Under certain conditions, these hours worked in advance can be credited toward the PiBS. It is necessary to consult with the OST at an early stage.

1.9 When does the PiBS program start?

The program starts in the fall semester, i.e. in mid-September. The employment contract with the company must be validated by OST by the end of August at the latest.

1.10 What happens when the employment relationship ends?

Since practical work experience is an integral part of the program, if you leave, you must find a new company as quickly as possible.

1.11 Can I transfer to OST without the PiBS program?

Are you interested in a degree program that is not listed in the PiBS program? Or is the PiBS program not right for you? No problem, there are other opportunities to study at OST. For example, you can transfer to another university: find out more now.

1.12 What options do I have after completing the PiBS program at OST?

After successfully completing your practice-integrated bachelor's degree at OST, a wide range of opportunities will be open to you:

• Career start: With your bachelor's degree and the professional experience you have already gained, you will have excellent prospects on the job market. Since you have already worked 40% of the time in a company during your studies, you will have valuable practical experience and a good network in the professional world. Often, the company where you completed your PiBS will offer you continued employment.
• Master's degree: You can continue your studies with a master's degree program  at OST or another university. For example, OST offers master's degree programs with various profiles, such as engineering with a focus on computer science, data science, or information and cyber security.
• Further education: Numerous further education opportunities in the form of CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies), DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies), or MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) are available to you to deepen your specialist knowledge or specialize.
• International career: With your Swiss university degree and valuable practical experience, you also have good career opportunities internationally.

PiBS combines academic knowledge with practical experience and prepares you optimally for the job market. This combination is particularly valued by employers and opens up a wide range of career paths in the IT and technology industry.

2.1 How do I know if my company is suitable as a PiBS partner company?

A PiBS partner company should offer students the opportunity to receive professional supervision and be integrated into everyday working life with a 40% workload during their four-year training program. It should provide areas of responsibility in technology or business that meet the requirements of the working environment experience (AWE). In addition, the company should be able to identify with one of the following degree programs or be able to train students from one of these fields:

• Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence (RJ, SG: individual modules)
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (RJ)
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering (RJ)
• Bachelor's degree in Renewable Energies and Environmental Technology (RJ)
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (RJ, SG)
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering | Innovation (RJ)
• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics (BU, SG)
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering (RJ, SG)

If these requirements are met, the company is well suited to become a PiBS partner.

2.2 How can my company become a partner in the PiBS program?

If your company is interested in becoming a partner in the PiBS program, please contact pibs-technik@ost.ch directly by email. They will provide you with all the important information about the admission process. The PiBS team will work with you to review the requirements and guide you through the next steps so that you can provide the students with optimal support and integration during their four-year training program.

2.3 What role does the company play in PiBS?

The company conducts a company-specific recruitment process and concludes a four-year training contract with the student for a 40% workload. The practical work is based on the guidelines for work experience (AWE) in the fields of technology and economics. During their training, students receive professional support and are well integrated into the company. There is the opportunity to collaborate on projects and bachelor's theses. In addition, regular interim assessments are conducted to promote personal and professional development. At the end of the four years, students receive a job reference from the company.

2.4 What is the application process for PiBS students?

The hiring process is conducted like a normal application process directly through the company and requires both the employer and the student to agree to work together. OST has no influence on this, except for possible mediation.

2.5 Does the cooperation agreement between OST and companies regulate?

The contract ensures that students learn professional skills through practical examples and can apply what they have learned in theory to their everyday working lives. It also promotes the development of teamwork skills, willingness to cooperate, and professional exchange with experts within the company. If you would like to see the contract, the PiBS managers will be happy to provide you with information. 

2.6 What happens when the employment relationship ends?

Since practical work experience is an integral part of the program, students must find a new company as quickly as possible in the event of termination. 

A bachelor's degree at a university of applied sciences is characterized by a high degree of practical relevance and proximity to applied research. Graduates have sound professional qualifications and can contribute directly and effectively to teams after completing their studies. 

To ensure that the training is relevant to practice, specific professional experience is required for the degree program. The traditional route via an apprenticeship with a vocational baccalaureate diploma fulfills this requirement.

With PiBS, OST – University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland now also offers high school students or apprentices with a non-related apprenticeship and vocational baccalaureate diploma direct entry into the program:

In PiBS, valuable professional experience is gained parallel to the program. This eliminates the need for a prior one-year internship.