Welcome and Orientation Day

Welcome to Fribourg!

Welcome Days 

The Welcome Days before the beginning of the semester are an opportunity for us to welcome all new international students to Fribourg and facilitate a successful start into their studies. 

For the 2 to 3 weeks preceding the official beginning of the semester, the Language Centre of the University of Fribourg oranises intensive French and German courses. The International Relations Office (IRO), together with the Language Centre and ESN Fribourg (Erasmus Student Network), organises several activities and events for incoming international students to familiarise themselves with the University and the city of Fribourg.

When do the Welcome Days take place and who can participate?

Welcome Days happen before the beginning of each semester (autumn and spring semester).
The next Welcome Days will take place as follows:

  • Welcome Day 1: August 24, 2026 (with a guided tour of the city) - for incoming students participating in the intensive French or German course.
  • Welcome Day 2: September 10, 2026 (with a guided tour of the city) - for all incoming students who are NOT taking the intensive French or German course.
Participation in one of the sessions is mandatory for all incoming exchange students.

What do the Welcome Days offer?

A detailed program of the Welcome and Orientation day will be sent to you in January for the spring semester and in July for the autumn semester.

You will receive your certificate of registration at the University of Fribourg during the Welcome Day.
This certificate allows you to register at the Immigration Office (SPOMI). For more details, please refer to the Residence Permit page. You can also find this document on your MyUnifr portal. 

Students whose home university requires a Certificate of Attendance can have it signed by IRO at the Welcome Day (please bring the printed document with you).

After the Welcome and Orientation Day, you will go to the UNI-INFO office (MIS 10) to get your student card (Campus Card).

We recommend arriving in Fribourg 24 to 48 hours prior to the Welcome and Orientation Day.