Roland Böhi
Before you start preparing for the BMS entrance exam, you need to decide on a BMS specialization. If you decided on BMS during your apprenticeship, you need to choose the BMS that matches your apprenticeship.
However, if you want to complete the BMS after your apprenticeship, you will need to consider which subjects to choose for the BMS. In this article, we will introduce you to the various subject areas and show you which subjects you should choose and when.
The five specializations of the vocational baccalaureate
There are five different specializations for the vocational baccalaureate. These five specializations are:
Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences
In the Technology, Architecture, and Life Sciences department, the focus is on mathematics and natural sciences. This specialization will prepare you for technical and scientific degree programs.
FH degree programs for which you will be prepared:
- Engineering and information technology
- Architecture, construction and planning
- Chemistry and Life Sciences
In Zurich, you can find this subject area at the following schools:
- Zurich Vocational Baccalaureate School (BMZ)
- Winterthur Vocational Training School BBW
- Uster Vocational School BFSU
Economics and services
You should choose this department if you want to study something related to economics. Mathematics, economics, accounting, and languages are important in the Economics and Services department.
FH degree programs for which you will be prepared:
- Business economics
- Communication
- Business informatics
- Commercial law
- Communication
- Tourism
In Zurich, you can find this subject area at the following schools:
- KV Zurich Business School
- KV Winterthur Business School
- KV Wetzikon Business School
- Lake Zurich Education Center BZZ Horgen and Stäfa
- Uster Vocational School (BFSU)
- Bülach vocational school
- Zurich Vocational Baccalaureate School (BMZ)
Health and social services
Biology, psychology, and sociology play an important role in the health and social sciences. This field of study is therefore also suitable for social professions.
FH degree programs for which you will be prepared:
- Care
- Midwife
- Physiotherapy
- Social work
In Zurich, you can find this subject area at the following schools:
Nature, landscape and food
In the specialization Nature, Landscape and Food, you will learn everything you need to know to pursue a career in the fields of chemistry, food, nature and agriculture. The core subjects are therefore biology, physics and chemistry.
FH degree programs for which you will be prepared:
- Agriculture and forestry
- Food Engineering
- Landscape architecture
In Zurich, you can find this subject area at the following schools:
Design and art
The Design and Art program is aimed at anyone who wants a basic education in design and art. Students explore various digital and analog art forms, such as drawing, photography, and design.
In the Art and Design program, you will be introduced to various art forms and learn different artistic skills.
FH degree programs for which you will be prepared:
- Visual communication
- Product and industrial design
- Interior design
In Zurich, you can find this subject area at the following schools:
Important addendum
However, you do not necessarily have to choose these fields of study in order to complete these specific degree programs. Ultimately, you need a BMS degree to be admitted to the FH, regardless of your field of study. However, the right field of study can teach you the basics you will need for your studies.
Which BMS specialization is right for me?
Choosing the right BMS subject area depends on where your interests and strengths lie. If you are interested in technology and like math or natural sciences, then Engineering, Architecture, Life Sciences would suit you well. If you are more interested in business and enjoy working with numbers or languages, then Business and services is ideal. If you would like to work with people later on, in the social or medical field, then Health and social work could be right for you. If you are interested in nature, the environment or nutrition, choose Nature, landscape and food. And if you are creative, like to design and want to develop your artistic talents, design and art is the best fit for you.
Requirements for the BMS
The BMS (BM1 or BM2) can be attended by the following persons:
- Learners in an EFZ apprenticeship who demonstrate good academic performance can complete the BMS alongside their apprenticeship.
- Professionals with a vocational baccalaureate (EFZ) who wish to continue their education can attend the BMS after their apprenticeship in a one- to two-year full-time or part-time program.
To be admitted to the BMS, you must pass an entrance exam.
Admission to the ZAP-BMS (central entrance examination for the BMS) is granted if
- BM 1: an apprenticeship contract for a three- or four-year vocational apprenticeship exists.
- BM 2: a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) is available.
Previous achievements will be taken into account in the entrance examination if candidates meet one of the following two conditions at the time of registration:
- Visit by the 3rd grade of a public secondary school A in Zurich, which does not have different levels of achievement.
- Visit by the 3rd grade of a public secondary school A in Zurich that offers different levels of academic achievement. All subjects offered at different levels must be taken at the highest level.
In all other cases, only the exam grade counts for admission to the vocational baccalaureate program.
The preliminary grade is made up of the report card grades from the first semester of the third secondary class. The following subjects count Mathematics, German, French, English and Science and Technology one fifth each fifth. The preliminary grade is not rounded.
Conclusion
The vocational baccalaureate diploma opens up many opportunities for your professional and academic future. Whether you are technically gifted, interested in business, socially engaged, nature-loving, or creative—there is a BMS specialization to suit every strength and career aspiration. It is important that you start thinking about your interests, abilities, and goals at an early stage.
To be admitted to BMS, you must meet certain requirements, depending on whether you want to do BMS during or after your apprenticeship. In many cases, an entrance exam is required. Those who have good previous academic results have certain advantages.
The choice of specialization does not necessarily determine your future studies, but it can make it easier for you to get started. That's why it's worth choosing carefully and preparing well—this will lay the foundation for a successful future at the university of applied sciences.
Sources:
Information on the fields of study (August 2025)
