Pre-Master Program in Foundations of Information Technology (FIT)

Are you passionate about programming but find that you are missing some fundamental computer science concepts in algorithms, data structures, theory of computing, logic, concurrency, databases, linear algebra, statistics and other topics normally covered by a Bachelor program in computer science?

Constructor Institute’s new Pre-Master (FIT) program may be just what you need.

The Pre-Master Program in Foundations of Information Technology (FIT), will bring you up to date on your missing knowledge.

FIT program prepares you for success in advanced studies in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Quantum Technologies, and the IT industry. This program is tailored for individuals who have some programming enthusiasm but may be missing essential components in their background.

And here’s the twist: if you successfully complete the program with a minimum overall grade of 5* or higher, you automatically qualify for admission into one of Constructor Institute’s master programs (Computer Science, Software Engineering and Leadership – CSSEL, and Quantum Software Engineering and Computer Science – QSECS), along with a tuition reduction.

*Grades for the pre-master program follow the Swiss grading system, with 1 (minimum) and 6 (maximum), while 4 is the minimum passing grade.

Why is the Pre-Master a good FIT for you?

Many professionals in the field have acquired specific programming tools and techniques but encounter limitations in their career development due to a lack of essential foundations in computer science and software engineering. The Pre-Master (FIT) Program addresses these deficiencies and equips its graduates for successful further study and exciting careers in advanced IT projects, utilizing modern techniques of software engineering, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.

Program features

• Duration: One semester (4 months)
• Starting date: Beginning of every Spring semester ( February – March)
• Deadline: Rolling admission basis
• Tuition fee: CHF 3,000
• Referral program: Refer your friends and colleagues to our program and receive a 10% discount on the tuition fee for all referrals.*
• Credits: 24 ECTS (approx. 720 hours of work)
• Focus: Theoretical and practical foundations
• Eligibility: Bachelor degree
• Outcome: This certificate grants automatic entry into CSSEL or QSECS master programs at Constructor Institute upon completion with a minimum overall grade of 5** or higher.
• Career readiness: Well-equipped for immediate industry placement
• Format: Fully online

* Refer your friends and colleagues to join our prestigious Pre-Master program, and both you and your referred candidates will enjoy a special 10% reduction in tuition fees! It’s a win-win situation – you not only enhance your educational experience but also create a network of like-minded individuals on the same exciting academic adventure.

Here’s how it works:

Refer a friend or colleague to our Pre-Master program.
When they apply, ensure they mention your name as the referrer.
Both you and your friend will enjoy a 10% reduction in tuition fees!

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your educational journey and help your peers do the same. Share the gift of education and enjoy the rewards together!

**Grades for the Pre-Master program follow the Swiss grading system, with 1 (minimum) and 6 (maximum), while 4 is the minimum passing grade.

Program structure

The schedule for the Pre-Master Program 2024 is divided into two blocks:

• Block A: Foundations
  4 Courses (3 ECTS*** each)
• Block B: Applications
  4 Courses (3 ECTS each)

The total program comprises 24 ECTS credits.

Assessment
Continuous grading during each course
Final exams

***Credit point in the European Credit Transfer System

Curriculum

Block A (March/April – May)

• Logic & discrete math
• Theory of Computing
• Math for AI and ML
• Object-Oriented Programming

Block B (June – July )

• Algorithms and data structure lab
• Operating systems & concurrency
• Information systems
• Machine learning

Who should apply?

• Professionals with basic knowledge in related study fields seeking advanced preparation in Computer Science or Quantum Technologies.
• Individuals with scientific degrees (math, physics, engineering).
• Solid understanding of mathematics.
• Bachelor students aspiring to pursue a Master degree in Information- Technology-related disciplines but without a strong academic background in computer science, and considering the CSSEL or QSECS Master programs.

To qualify for the program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t have to be specifically in computer science, but we prefer a technical background. The Admission Committee will assess the acceptability of your degree.

If you achieve an overall grade of at least 5* , you are guaranteed admission to any of Constructor Institute’s Master of Science programs and qualify for a tuition fee reduction, eliminating the need for a Bachelor’s degree in computer science. Our selection process operates on a rolling admission basis.

*Grades for the pre-master program follow the Swiss grading system, with 1 (minimum) and 6 (maximum), while 4 is the minimum passing grade.

Refund policy

• Full refund if Constructor Institute cancels the program.
• Full refund if participant cancels in writing 2 weeks or more before start of program.
• 50% refund if participant cancels in writing 1 week or more before start of program.
• No refund in other circumstances. Constructor Institute may at its discretion offer a partial or total transfer of the fees to another program.

How to apply?

Note: If you have already applied to a Constructor Institute master program, you do not need to resubmit the documents already sent.

To start the application process, please reach out to us by filling the form.

The required documents are:

• Proof of identity: Provide a government-issued national ID or passport for EU and non-EU citizens.
• University transcripts: Submit your most updated transcripts or official mark sheets of completed semesters. Include explanations of grading systems if applicable.
• Diplomas: Submit a copy of all diplomas received.
• CV: Describe your academic, professional, extracurricular, and voluntary activities.
• Motivation statement: Write a 1-page letter explaining your choice of Constructor Institute, reasons for admission, and exceptional qualities. If you are interested in apply for a scholarship, please indicate that here.

Optional, but desirable:

• Proof of English Language Proficiency (optional): Demonstrate English language proficiency by any official language certificate or by a personal interview with one of our representatives.
• Recommendation letter (optional): Obtain letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or employers, ensuring they are signed and unique.

Since Switzerland is a part of the Schengen zone, a Schengen visa will win you the right to go to the country, but if you want to stay there as a student, you must take a few more steps. The procedures are different for EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA students.

After getting the acceptance letter, follows the process of setting an appointment with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country. The procedure takes time, so make sure to set the appointment six months prior to your studying. The processing time for the short stay visas is around 10-15 days, and for long stay visas, eight to ten weeks.

For each document required, you have to provide the original along with three copies. The papers should be in English or in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh). If they are not in one of these languages, you will need a certified translation of those documents. 

Switzerland Student Visa Requirements

• The completed and signed application forms for a long stay visa (D type) in one of the languages mentioned above. 
• Passport – valid three months beyond the planned stay.
• Four passport-size biometric photographs.
• Letter of acceptance (certificate of enrollment) issued by a Swiss university.
• Paid visa application fee. 
• Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees (for the first year of your studies).
• Proof of sufficient financial coverage: copies of bank statements or a letter from the bank provided by you or your supervisor. Funds are supposed to cover living costs in Switzerland for the duration of schooling (21,000 CHF or 19,200 EUR at the beginning of each year of your studies).
• Scholarship/Loan proof (if available) from an institution that proves that the scholarship or loan will cover all expenses for the study.
• CV.
• Letter of motivation, which should also include your professional plans for the future.

Submitting the Switzerland student visa application

After filling the application and completing all required documents, you should submit them in person at the Swiss embassy/consulate at the designated time of your appointment. Along with submitting your documents, you are required to pay the Swiss student visa application fee. 

After receiving your Swiss Student Visa

You may enter Switzerland after you receive a student visa. Within the first two weeks of arrival, you have to register at the local Residents Registration Office of your canton as well as visit the cantonal migration office in order to obtain a residence permit form.

B permit (a biometric card) is the type of residence permit for student stay. Prior to that, you will receive an attestation that allows you to open a Swiss bank account. It will take up to 8 weeks for your B permit to be processed. 

Student Visa Validity

The student visa or the B permit obtained in Switzerland initially is valid for one year. After one year, you have the option to extend it. However, updated proof of income is required in order for your student visa to be extended.