Most schools offer courses to become an HF computer scientist (formerly HF computer science technician), mainly on a part-time basis, while other schools also offer full-time courses. The full-time HF computer science course takes two years, the part-time course takes three to three and a half years. The relevant schools will inform you about the possible study models via the contact form.

With the Techniker Informatik HF diploma (new title: Informatiker HF) you have the following further development opportunities:

• Courses and seminars as well as offers from higher technical colleges and universities of applied sciences
• University of Applied Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Business Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Systems Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Medical Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) in Business Administration with a specialization in Business Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science (FH) Computer Science and Communication Systems
• Postgraduate level with courses offered by universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences
  • NDS Network Engineering
  • NDS WebEngineering
  • Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Information Systems
  • MAS in Business Analysis
  • MAS in Business Information Management
  • Executive MBA IT-Project Management
  • MAS in Business Administration

The degree course in computer science at a university of applied sciences (HF) can or could be chosen with various specializations. The following specializations were available for the computer scientist HF / computer scientist HF course:

• System technology
• Application development
• Computer engineering

Since fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "HF technician specialization") have received a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. In addition, the (previous) specializations for the HF IT technician course (formerly HF IT technician) application development, systems engineering and IT engineering have been removed from the previous framework curriculum.

However, under certain conditions, schools can offer their own specializations. However, this does not change the title of the course.

A survey of prospective students on the platform revealed the following results for the currently desired form of teaching for a HF Computer Science degree:

• 32 % for classroom teaching
• 26 % for hybrid teaching (face-to-face and online teaching combined)
• 25 % for online lessons
• 17 % have no preference for studying computer science

Compared to the previous year, face-to-face teaching is five percent less popular. The desire for hybrid teaching increased by three percent. One percent more would like online teaching in HF Informatics studies and one percent more currently have no preference.

Computer scientist jobs with a required HF degree involve the following tasks:

• Have a broad basic knowledge of system architecture, operating systems, networks, databases and web and software engineering
• manage small and medium-sized IT projects in their company or department
• Regular analysis and optimization of business processes, IT resources and their use in the relevant area
• Specialization in systems engineering: plan, install and maintain computer networks, servers, IT workstations and communication equipment
• Specialization in application development: develop applications for web and app, databases and object-oriented programs in software development
• Specialization in technical computer science: take on demanding tasks in process and software project planning, development, production and testing, but also in technical sales and service of technical devices and systems

As a rule, the following topics are covered in a computer scientist HF apprenticeship (formerly technician HF computer science): Computer science, project and personnel management, communication, marketing, leadership, leadership skills, mathematics, physics, law, finance and accounting, business administration, programming, IT security, DevOps, databases, data analysis and much more.

The following admission requirements must be met for the CHE Computer Scientist degree program:

• Relevant vocational education and training (Federal VET Diploma)

or

• Other Federal VET Diploma

or

• Completion of a gymnasiale Matura or Specialized School

or

• Sur dossier recording

The training period may be extended for people without a relevant Federal VET Diploma. The schools will provide details.

The following points also apply:

• In the case of part-time training, at least 50% workload for a part-time CHE IT degree course in the technical/commercial field
• In the case of full-time CHE IT studies, internships of at least 720 learning hours (with relevant Federal VET Diploma) or at least 1800 learning hours (without relevant Federal VET Diploma)
• Depending on the school: entrance examination and/or attendance of a preliminary course in mathematics.

The following requirements are placed on computer scientists HF (formerly Techniker HF Informatik):

• analytical-conceptual skills
• networked thinking and acting
• Sense of responsibility
• Leadership and social skills

After successfully completing the degree course in Computer Science HF, graduates are awarded the federally recognized title of "Graduate Computer Scientist HF" (formerly "Graduate Technician HF Computer Science" and "Graduate Technician HF Computer Science").

According to a survey, the following information about lecturers at IT colleges is the most important for participants (multiple answers possible):

• 61 percent of subjects taught
• 58 percent Teaching methodology
• 53 percent professional experience
• 49 percent Function and activity
• 44 percent Training and further education
• 31 percent recorded IT study lesson sequence
• 28 percent current portrait
• 22 percent Introduction video
• 20 percent ratings from course graduates
• 16 percent previous successes
• 7 percent social media links
• 6 percent Leisure activities