The certificate and diploma programmes at the University of Liechtenstein are aligned with the Bologna system and carry ECTS credits. Including the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), they comprise between 10 and 30 ECTS credits, with one ECTS point representing approximately 30 hours of workload. Around one third of the programme is delivered through on-campus classroom teaching. Depending on the programme, the duration is between one and two semesters.

These programmes not only provide practice-oriented professional education but also offer a clear pathway to further academic programmes – such as potential credit transfer into a master’s degree.

An example: In the field of fiduciary services, the combination of a certificate and a diploma programme (totalling 60 ECTS credits) can serve as targeted preparation for the Liechtenstein trustee examination. For participants without an academic degree, this qualification is recognised under Art. 7 (b) of the Trustee Act (TrHG) in conjunction with the Trustee Examination Ordinance (TrHPV) as valid proof of education. This creates a clearly regulated path to professional licensing.

In this way, the programmes combine professional relevance with academic progression, a valuable foundation for long-term career development.

The professional education programmes at the University of Liechtenstein are aimed at experienced professionals from diverse educational backgrounds. Depending on the programme, the following requirements apply:

Certificate Programmes

Eligible applicants include individuals with a vocational secondary school diploma (Berufsmatura from Liechtenstein, Austria, or Switzerland) or a general university entrance qualification (Matura, Abitur), along with relevant professional experience.

In justified cases, applicants without a formal qualification may also be admitted, provided they can demonstrate appropriate professional competence and the ability to study at the required academic level.

Please note:
The binding admission requirements for each programme are published directly on the respective programme page.

We support the sustainable and responsible shaping of Liechtenstein's future in the digital age through regionally and internationally relevant research, education and continuing education, as well as knowledge and technology transfer. Together with our partners, we generate theoretical and practical knowledge to help shape Liechtenstein and the region in a proactive and forward-thinking manner.

We offer research, education and continuing education, as well as knowledge and technology transfer for a sustainable and responsible future. We achieve this by focusing on socially, ecologically, and socially relevant topics in the fields of business (with a focus on finance, entrepreneurship, and business informatics), business law, as well as architecture and spatial development. We see ourselves as a platform for the exchange of research and practice and thus strengthen Liechtenstein's competitiveness. We contribute to the availability of highly qualified specialists, especially for the country of Liechtenstein.

The University of Liechtenstein offers a high-quality and internationally recognised range of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programmes in the fields of architecture and spatial development as well as business and business law. These include two bachelor's programmes, four master's programmes and three PhD programmes. In this way, the University of Liechtenstein makes an important contribution to providing the regional economy with qualified specialists and executives.

The University of Liechtenstein achieves internationally recognised research performance in both basic and applied research. It places great importance on interdisciplinary collaboration across its core themes of digitalization, innovation, sustainability and responsibility. The research findings are made accessible to the public through academic publications and lectures.

The University of Liechtenstein offers a professional education portfolio tailored to the needs and requirements of the regional economy, including executive master’s programmes, certificate and diploma programmes, intensive courses, conferences and in-company training. In doing so, it makes an important contribution to achieving the goals set out in Liechtenstein’s education strategy for strengthening life and professional skills as well as learning and innovation skills.

The University of Liechtenstein stands out through specific transfer projects and research services such as studies and expert reports in cooperation with companies, associations, municipalities, the state and other stakeholders. Acting as a driver of innovation, it works closely with companies and supports the development of new business models as well as regulatory frameworks to strengthen the competitiveness of the regional economy.

The University of Liechtenstein engages in active communication of research findings and uses target group-oriented formats for this purpose. Within its thematic focus areas, it serves as a centre of competence and makes its knowledge available to business and society. Through public events and exhibitions, the University of Liechtenstein provides a platform for exchange between academia and society.

The programme is divided into two stages: the preparatory phase and the dissertation phase.

The preparatory phase consists of a series of curricular components. During this stage, methodological and subject-specific skills are further developed. In addition, doctoral students prepare a preliminary study or research plan for their dissertation, which they present in a colloquium.

The second stage of the programme is the dissertation phase. The research work is carried out independently, and the results are presented in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is concluded with a disputation, that is, an oral defence.

Curriculum

With a doctoral degree in business law from the University of Liechtenstein, you will have a wide range of career opportunities. You can pursue an academic career, for example as a professor or researcher at universities and research institutes. In addition, you will be qualified for leading positions in national and international law firms, financial institutions or consulting companies, particularly in areas such as company, foundation and trust law, banking and financial market law, economic criminal law and tax law. Your expertise will also make you a sought-after adviser for companies and institutions dealing with complex legal and regulatory issues.

To apply for the doctoral programme in business law at the University of Liechtenstein, you must have completed at least 270 ECTS credits in consecutive or equivalent higher education programmes. A university master's degree or equivalent university degree is required. Your previous education must be relevant in the field of business law. In addition, you must have language skills at level C1 in the language of instruction. The application is submitted online via our Application and Admission page – the earlier, the better. You will also find further information about deadlines there. Your application must be complete by the end of the application period. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that admission to the doctoral programme does not include a position as a research assistant at the university, and that we do not offer scholarships.

PhD students are generally expected to reside in or near Liechtenstein. The programme itself does not entitle you to a residence permit in Liechtenstein.

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you may choose to live in a border region of Austria, Switzerland, or Germany and commute.

If you do not live in or near Liechtenstein and are not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, participation in the programme is not feasible.

Admission Guidelines

Guidelines for future doctoral students

Campus life combines academic learning, practical experience and an active community. The student-founded initiative UniVision offers projects in strategy and process management, while START Vaduz fosters entrepreneurial thinking with pitch events and networking. “Spinnerei” shapes social life on campus and runs the “Red Cube Bar” as a popular meeting place. Numerous sports activities provide exercise and balance alongside your studies. This creates a campus environment that offers valuable connections, practical experience and a wide range of leisure opportunities. You can find more information and details on the Student Life page.

The programme is divided into two stages: the preparatory phase and the dissertation phase.

The preparatory phase consists of a series of curricular components. During this stage, methodological and subject-specific skills are further developed. In addition, doctoral students prepare a preliminary study or research plan for their dissertation, which they present in a colloquium.

The second stage of the programme is the dissertation phase. The research work is carried out independently, and the results are presented in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is concluded with a disputation, that is, an oral defence.

Curriculum

With a doctoral degree in economics from the University of Liechtenstein, you will have a wide range of career opportunities. You will be qualified for leading academic positions, such as professor or research director at universities and research institutions. In business, you can take on top positions in large companies, consulting firms or international financial institutions. Your expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, management, information systems and international financial services will also make you a sought-after expert for strategic and academic consulting. Additionally, you can work in policy consulting, with international organisations or in corporate research to develop innovative solutions and concepts.

To apply for the doctoral programme in business economics at the University of Liechtenstein, you must have completed at least 270 ECTS credits in consecutive or equivalent higher education programmes. A university master's degree or equivalent university degree is required. Your previous education must be relevant in the field of business economics. In addition, you must have language skills at level C1 in the language of instruction. The application is submitted online via our Application and Admission page – the earlier, the better. You will also find further information about deadlines there. Your application must be complete by the end of the application period. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that admission to the doctoral programme does not include a position as a research assistant at the university, and that we do not offer scholarships.

PhD students are generally expected to reside in or near Liechtenstein. The programme itself does not entitle you to a residence permit in Liechtenstein.

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you may choose to live in a border region of Austria, Switzerland, or Germany and commute.

If you do not live in or near Liechtenstein and are not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, participation in the programme is not feasible.

Admission Guidelines

Guidelines for future doctoral students

Campus life combines academic learning, practical experience and an active community. The student-founded initiative UniVision offers projects in strategy and process management, while START Vaduz fosters entrepreneurial thinking with pitch events and networking. “Spinnerei” shapes social life on campus and runs the “Red Cube Bar” as a popular meeting place. Numerous sports activities provide exercise and balance alongside your studies. This creates a campus environment that offers valuable connections, practical experience and a wide range of leisure opportunities. You can find more information and details on the Student Life page.

The programme is divided into two stages: the preparatory phase and the dissertation phase.

The preparatory phase consists of a series of curricular components. During this stage, methodological and subject-specific skills are further developed. In addition, doctoral students prepare a preliminary study or research plan for their dissertation, which they present in a colloquium.

The second stage of the programme is the dissertation phase. The research work is carried out independently, and the results are presented in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is concluded with a disputation, that is, an oral defence.

Curriculum

With a doctoral degree in architecture and planning from the University of Liechtenstein, you will have numerous career opportunities. You will be well qualified for leadership positions in academia, particularly as a professor or research director at universities and research institutions. You can also take on leadership roles in the architecture and planning industry, whether in international architecture firms, planning agencies or public and private institutions. The programme’s focus on publishing and science communication also prepares you for roles in academic consulting or research projects. In addition, you can make a significant contribution to social and urban development as an expert in topics such as sustainable design and urbanism.

To apply for the doctoral programme in Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein, you must have completed at least 270 ECTS credits in consecutive or equivalent higher education programmes. A university master's degree or equivalent university degree is required. Your previous education must be relevant in the field of architecture and planning. In addition, you must have language skills at level C1 in the language of instruction. The application is submitted online via our Application and Admission page – the earlier, the better. You will also find further information about deadlines there. Your application must be complete by the end of the application period. We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that admission to the doctoral programme does not include a position as a research assistant at the university, and that we do not offer scholarships.

PhD students are generally expected to reside in or near Liechtenstein. The programme itself does not entitle you to a residence permit in Liechtenstein.

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you may choose to live in a border region of Austria, Switzerland, or Germany and commute.

If you do not live in or near Liechtenstein and are not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, participation in the programme is not feasible.

Admission Guidelines

Guidelines for future doctoral students

Campus life combines academic learning, practical experience and an active community. The student-founded initiative UniVision offers projects in strategy and process management, while START Vaduz fosters entrepreneurial thinking with pitch events and networking. “Spinnerei” shapes social life on campus and runs the “Red Cube Bar” as a popular meeting place. Numerous sports activities provide exercise and balance alongside your studies. This creates a campus environment that offers valuable connections, practical experience and a wide range of leisure opportunities. You can find more information and details on the Student Life page.

A semester abroad gives you the opportunity to gain international experience and develop your professional and personal skills in a targeted way. As a member of the ERCIS network and with over 100 partner universities worldwide, the University of Liechtenstein offers students in the MSc in Information Systems unique opportunities for studying abroad.

The semester abroad usually takes place in the summer semester. We will support you in planning and organising your stay. You can find more information on the International Office page.

The Hilti Fellowship Programme offers students of the MSc in Information Systems a unique opportunity to combine academic study with practical experience. Over the course of a semester, participants work at Hilti in Liechtenstein on innovative IT and business projects while continuing their studies in parallel. The programme is designed for high-achieving students and opens up valuable career opportunities in an international company. Due to visa regulations, the programme is only open to citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

Key facts:

• Start: September / February
• Duration: 1 semester
• Number of participants: Maximum 3 students
• Language: English
• Application deadline: 30 April / 31 October
• Compensation: Paid internship

Students in the MSc in Information Systems have the opportunity to complete their summer semester at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg and earn two master’s degrees. Studying in Würzburg deepens knowledge in areas such as information modelling and business information systems and strengthens important practical skills for their professional future.

All academic achievements are mutually recognised. During the exchange semester, students remain enrolled at the University of Liechtenstein and continue to pay the tuition fees there, as well as a semester fee at the University of Würzburg.

Key facts:

• Start: 2nd semester (summer semester)
• Degrees: Two master’s degrees
• Language: German
• Application deadline: 30 September
• Application: Bachelor’s certificate, transcript, letter of motivation, CV
• Fees: Tuition fees at the University of Liechtenstein and semester fee at the University of Würzburg

In the MSc in Information Systems, you have the option to complete your degree with a specialisation in one of four subject areas.

You can choose from the following specialisations:

• Business Process Management
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data and Application Security
• Digital Innovation

To earn a specialisation, you will select at least three specialised modules, carry out your practical project in the chosen area in collaboration with a company as part of the project seminar, and write your master’s thesis in the same field. The specialisation will be shown separately on your master’s diploma, highlighting your specific expertise.

Alternatively, you can complete your degree without a specialisation. In this case, you can put together your own flexible study programme and choose your elective modules freely on an “à la carte” basis.