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UniDistance Suisse and Idiap Strengthen their Partnership for the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

UniDistance Suisse and the Idiap Research Institute are strengthening their collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence and continuing the development of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence together. As Switzerland’s first distance-learning Master’s programme in artificial intelligence, the fully redesigned programme welcomed 55 students at the start of the autumn semester 2026.

This partnership further strengthens the connection between university education and research. Idiap researchers contribute their expertise directly to teaching, while students have the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, notably through internships or by completing their Master’s thesis at Idiap. 

Training the Next Generation of Artificial Intelligence Specialists

The programme is offered entirely online, follows a format compatible with professional employment, and is taught in English. It comprises 120 ECTS credits over six semesters and provides students with both a strong theoretical foundation in artificial intelligence and expertise in advanced technologies such as deep learning, large language models (LLMs), computer vision, and agentic AI systems. 

Through this enhanced collaboration, UniDistance Switzerland and Idiap combine their respective strengths in higher education and AI research. Together, they contribute to strengthening the canton of Valais as a centre of excellence for the education and training of artificial intelligence specialists. 

Nicolas Rothen, Rector of UniDistance Switzerland, highlights the programme’s impact beyond the cantonal level: “Artificial intelligence is driving profound transformations across the economy and society. Through its fully online and career-compatible Master’s programme in Artificial Intelligence, UniDistance Switzerland enables professionals to acquire the skills needed to actively contribute to technological developments. In doing so, it helps strengthen Switzerland’s capacity for innovation and its international competitiveness.” 

Read the press release in French

Read the press release in German

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