The University of Bern, commonly referred to as the University of BERNE, is a public university located in the city of Bern, Switzerland. Founded in 1834, it is the oldest university in Switzerland and is one of the country's most prestigious institutions of higher learning. The university offers a wide range of degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law. It is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Institute for International Studies.