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USI is a young and agile university that offers its students a quality education and an enhancing study experience.
International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary,
engaging, and interactive approach, leaving room for practical
application.
The quality of the study curricula is complemented by
USI's small size, its cosmopolitan environment, and its informal and
dynamic culture.
These elements make USI a hub of opportunity
open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with
their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected
horizons, and embrace international careers.
Who we are
USI. Create freely, act responsibly.
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is one of the 12 certified public universities in Switzerland and member of swissuniversities. It is organised in six faculties
and is active in several study and research areas, among which:
architecture, communication sciences, computational science, data
science, economics, health studies, humanities, informatics, law,
medicine and biomedicine.
USI is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take centre stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
3'922 students and 1'008 professors and researchers, hailing from 114 countries, convene every day on the four campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona. The relatively small size of the campuses encourages the free flow and open exchange of ideas.
USI encourages faculty, students and researchers to develop their
potential, and appreciates their curiosity and willingness to experiment
with new ways of thinking, learning, teaching and working.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness and responsibility.
contributing
to the development of the region by enabling the transfer of knowledge,
innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural and scientific debate in
their areas of competence.
Vision
USI aspires to become the natural choice for those yearning to grow intellectually, humanly, and responsibly.
USI envisions to be a way for the future and strives to be known as:
An institution that believes in diversity
A hub for great talent
A partner of choice for knowledge transfer
A knowledge lab
A place where senses and aesthetics, in addition to logic and reason, are fostered
A model employer
A region-wide campus
Values
In pursuit of its mission, USI draws inspiration from three main values:
USI is a young and agile university that offers its students a quality education and an enhancing study experience.
International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary,
engaging, and interactive approach, leaving room for practical
application.
The quality of the study curricula is complemented by
USI's small size, its cosmopolitan environment, and its informal and
dynamic culture.
These elements make USI a hub of opportunity
open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with
their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected
horizons, and embrace international careers.
Who we are
USI. Create freely, act responsibly.
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is one of the 12 certified public universities in Switzerland and member of swissuniversities. It is organised in six faculties
and is active in several study and research areas, among which:
architecture, communication sciences, computational science, data
science, economics, health studies, humanities, informatics, law,
medicine and biomedicine.
USI is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take centre stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
3'922 students and 1'008 professors and researchers, hailing from 114 countries, convene every day on the four campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona. The relatively small size of the campuses encourages the free flow and open exchange of ideas.
USI encourages faculty, students and researchers to develop their
potential, and appreciates their curiosity and willingness to experiment
with new ways of thinking, learning, teaching and working.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness and responsibility.
contributing
to the development of the region by enabling the transfer of knowledge,
innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural and scientific debate in
their areas of competence.
Vision
USI aspires to become the natural choice for those yearning to grow intellectually, humanly, and responsibly.
USI envisions to be a way for the future and strives to be known as:
An institution that believes in diversity
A hub for great talent
A partner of choice for knowledge transfer
A knowledge lab
A place where senses and aesthetics, in addition to logic and reason, are fostered
A model employer
A region-wide campus
Values
In pursuit of its mission, USI draws inspiration from three main values:
USI Bachelors's degrees are 3-year (6 semesters) full-time study programs that comply with the principles set out by the Bologna Declaration.
The USI Bachelor's diploma enables students to continue at the postgraduate level (Master's degree).
Our programmes
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) offers 7 Bachelor's programmes:
Architecture
Italian Language, Literature and Culture
Communication
Economics
Informatics
Data Science
Theology
Philosophy
The Bachelor in Architecture is organised at the Academy of Architecture, on the Mendrisio campus.
All other Bachelor programs are organised on the Lugano campus. USI Bachelor curricula provide levels of specialisation and, at the same time, a multidisplinary approach, combining quality education with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, offering many opportunities for informal dialogue between faculty and students.
Credits
All courses are awarded with ECTS points. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) guarantees that credits are compatible and transferable within all European universities. A full time academic year consists of 60 ECTS (30 credits each semester). Full Bachelor studies correspond to 180 ECTS. The second level of university studies (postgraduate or Master's degree), which completes the "3 + 2" system (Bologna system), consists in three or four semesters, equivalent to 90 or 120 ECTS.
Educational model
International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary, engaging and interactive approach. The USI educational model is enhanced by a system that closely accompanies students in their learning path, with small classes enabling group exercises and direct dialogue with professors.
Teaching language
The official teaching language of the Bachelors in Architecture, Economics, Communication, Italian Language, Literature and Civilisation, Theology and Philosophy is Italian. Interested students can attend intensive Italian courses before the beginning of the autumn semester and the extensive courses throughout the academic year.
The Bachelor of Science in Informatics is taught entirely in English. Interested students are offered an intensive English language course before the beginning of the academic year and a technical English course during the first semester.
The Master's degrees at USI are defined by their high level of specialization, leading to international careers both in the professional and academic fields. Distinguished faculty in the respective disciplines provide innovative and quality teaching with a strong interdisciplinary approach and in collaboration with local and international institutions. The direct dialogue with professors and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Univeristy are the elements that enable students to broaden their views and to define their education individually. Theory is applied in case studies and consulting projects for companies and other business entities (field project).
The Master of Science or Master of Arts degrees are full-time graduate-level specialisation programs (3 or 4 semesters) awarded with 90-120 ECTS points.
Master's degrees are offered in the following subject areas:
Humanities
Master in Architecture
Master in History and Theory of Art and Archictecture
Master in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana
Master in Philosophy
Master of Theology
Master in Interreligious Dialogue: Science, Philosophy and Theology of Religions
Master in Diritto canonico ed ecclesiastico comparato
Finance
Master in Finance
Master in European Studies in Investor Relations and Financial Communication
Master in Financial Technology and Computing
Tourism
Master in International Tourism
Political Economy
Master in Economia e politiche internazionali
Master in Economics
Master in Public Management and Policy (PMP)
Management and Marketing
Master in Management
Master in Management and Informatics
Master in Marketing and Transformative Economy
Master in Digital Fashion Communication
Master in Corporate Communication
Master in Public Management and Policy (PMP)
Health
Master in Communication, Management and Health
Master in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication
Media and Communication
Master in Media Management
Master in Communication, Management and Health
Master in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication
Master in Corporate Communication
Master in Digital Fashion Communication
Master in European Studies in Investor Relations and Financial Communication
Maturità federale and Maturità cantonale recognised by the appropriate Federal Commission;
Maturità commerciale cantonale (Scuola cantonale di commercio, Bellinzona);
Final diploma from a university of applied sciences or diploma of a technical college recognised by the appropriate federal authorities: in these cases, where the field of study selected is the same as the previous one, the single Faculties may recommend admitting candidates to an advanced level of the programme and exempt them from particular examinations or from the internship period.
School-leaving certificates issued by Swiss schools abroad are equally accepted.
2. Foreign diplomas
Applicants in possession of foreign secondary education and/or of a
foreign university diploma considered to be equivalent are admitted to
the undergraduate programme. As a rule, reference is made to the
guidelines of the University Admissions Commission of the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities (swissuniversities).
Where equivalence cannot be unequivocally defined, candidates may be
invited to attend an interview or to sit a test, and supplementary,
pre-university courses may be prescribed.
Bachelor's (undergraduate) degree from an acknowledged university. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree are admitted unconditionally to a Master’s program in the same subject area. Admission to programs in other subject areas can be subject to the addition of levelling courses, by assessement of the competent Faculty in charge of evaluating the application.
2. Specific requirements:
Please refer to the individual Master programme websites, in the Admissions secton.
These elements make USI a hub of opportunity open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected horizons and embrace international careers.
The University, through the Career Service, offers to its students a series of activities and contact services with the job market.
In particular, the Service:
promotes and develops internship opportunities, coordinating curricular internships;
helps students who are seeking their first jobs, providing counselling and career-oriented services;
organises information sessions on a variety of companies and organisations, in the private and public sector, nationally and internationally.
More in detail:
The internship: Find an internship / job, Internship stories / Info stage
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
USI - Università della Svizzera italiana is one of the top public universities in Lugano, Switzerland. It is ranked #=405 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
USI - Università della Svizzera italiana
Campus Lugano, Lugano Switzerland
# =405QS World University Rankings
8Undergraduate programs
27Postgraduate programs
8,000 CHFTuition Fee/year
Follow University
About USI - Università della Svizzera italiana
USI is a young and agile university that offers its students a quality education and an enhancing study experience. International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary, engaging, and interactive approach, leaving room for practical application.
The quality of the study curricula is complemented by USI's small size, its cosmopolitan environment, and its informal and dynamic culture.
These elements make USI a hub of opportunity open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected horizons, and embrace international careers.
Who we are
USI. Create freely,
act responsibly.
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is one of the 12 certified public universities in Switzerland and member of swissuniversities. It is organised in six faculties and is active in several study and research areas, among which: architecture, communication sciences, computational science, data science, economics, health studies, humanities, informatics, law, medicine and biomedicine.
USI is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take centre stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
3'922 students and 1'008 professors and researchers, hailing from 114 countries, convene every day on the four campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona. The relatively small size of the campuses encourages the free flow and open exchange of ideas. USI encourages faculty, students and researchers to develop their potential, and appreciates their curiosity and willingness to experiment with new ways of thinking, learning, teaching and working.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness and responsibility.
Why USI
Seven reasons for choosing USI:
Mission
Based on the Law that regulates the Università della Svizzera italiana, USI mission consists of:
Vision
USI aspires to become the natural choice for those yearning to grow intellectually, humanly, and responsibly.
USI envisions to be a way for the future and strives to be known as:
Values
In pursuit of its mission, USI draws inspiration from three main values:
Moreover, USI has made some specific commitments: to gender equality in the organisation of public events and to sustainable development.
About USI - Università della Svizzera italiana
USI is a young and agile university that offers its students a quality education and an enhancing study experience. International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary, engaging, and interactive approach, leaving room for practical application.
The quality of the study curricula is complemented by USI's small size, its cosmopolitan environment, and its informal and dynamic culture.
These elements make USI a hub of opportunity open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected horizons, and embrace international careers.
Who we are
USI. Create freely,
act responsibly.
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is one of the 12 certified public universities in Switzerland and member of swissuniversities. It is organised in six faculties and is active in several study and research areas, among which: architecture, communication sciences, computational science, data science, economics, health studies, humanities, informatics, law, medicine and biomedicine.
USI is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take centre stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative.
3'922 students and 1'008 professors and researchers, hailing from 114 countries, convene every day on the four campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona. The relatively small size of the campuses encourages the free flow and open exchange of ideas. USI encourages faculty, students and researchers to develop their potential, and appreciates their curiosity and willingness to experiment with new ways of thinking, learning, teaching and working.
Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness and responsibility.
Why USI
Seven reasons for choosing USI:
Mission
Based on the Law that regulates the Università della Svizzera italiana, USI mission consists of:
Vision
USI aspires to become the natural choice for those yearning to grow intellectually, humanly, and responsibly.
USI envisions to be a way for the future and strives to be known as:
Values
In pursuit of its mission, USI draws inspiration from three main values:
Moreover, USI has made some specific commitments: to gender equality in the organisation of public events and to sustainable development.
Available programs
Bachelor UG
Master PG
USI Bachelors's degrees are 3-year (6 semesters) full-time study programs that comply with the principles set out by the Bologna Declaration.
The USI Bachelor's diploma enables students to continue at the postgraduate level (Master's degree).
Our programmes
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) offers 7 Bachelor's programmes:
The Bachelor in Architecture is organised at the Academy of Architecture, on the Mendrisio campus.
All other Bachelor programs are organised on the Lugano campus. USI Bachelor curricula provide levels of specialisation and, at the same time, a multidisplinary approach, combining quality education with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, offering many opportunities for informal dialogue between faculty and students.
Credits
All courses are awarded with ECTS points. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) guarantees that credits are compatible and transferable within all European universities. A full time academic year consists of 60 ECTS (30 credits each semester). Full Bachelor studies correspond to 180 ECTS. The second level of university studies (postgraduate or Master's degree), which completes the "3 + 2" system (Bologna system), consists in three or four semesters, equivalent to 90 or 120 ECTS.
Educational model
International faculty teach students with an interdisciplinary, engaging and interactive approach. The USI educational model is enhanced by a system that closely accompanies students in their learning path, with small classes enabling group exercises and direct dialogue with professors.
Teaching language
The official teaching language of the Bachelors in Architecture, Economics, Communication, Italian Language, Literature and Civilisation, Theology and Philosophy is Italian. Interested students can attend intensive Italian courses before the beginning of the autumn semester and the extensive courses throughout the academic year.
The Bachelor of Science in Informatics is taught entirely in English. Interested students are offered an intensive English language course before the beginning of the academic year and a technical English course during the first semester.
Arts and Humanities (3)
Bachelor of Arts in Italian Language, Literature and Civilization
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Engineering and Technology (3)
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Informatics
Social Sciences and Management (3)
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of Science in Communication
Bachelor of Theology
The Master's degrees at USI are defined by their high level of specialization, leading to international careers both in the professional and academic fields. Distinguished faculty in the respective disciplines provide innovative and quality teaching with a strong interdisciplinary approach and in collaboration with local and international institutions. The direct dialogue with professors and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Univeristy are the elements that enable students to broaden their views and to define their education individually. Theory is applied in case studies and consulting projects for companies and other business entities (field project).
The Master of Science or Master of Arts degrees are full-time graduate-level specialisation programs (3 or 4 semesters) awarded with 90-120 ECTS points.
Master's degrees are offered in the following subject areas:
Humanities
Finance
Tourism
Political Economy
Management and Marketing
Health
Media and Communication
Informatics
Computational Science
Arts and Humanities (5)
Master of Arts in History and Theory of Art and Architecture
Master of Arts in Italian language, Literature and Civilization
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Master of Science in Architecture
Business and Management (5)
Master of Science in Digital Fashion Communication
Master of Science in Finance
Master of Science in Management
Master of Science in Marketing and Transformative Economy
Engineering and Technology (5)
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Master of Science in Computational Sciences
Master of Science in Financial Technology and Computing
Master of Science in Informatics
Master of Science in Management and Informatics
Master of Science in Software and Data Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (5)
Master of Science in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication
Social Sciences and Management (5)
Master in Scienza, filosofia e teologia delle religioni
Master of Arts in Diritto canonico ed ecclesiastico comparato
Master of Arts in International Tourism
Master of Arts in Interreligious Dialogue: Science, Philosophy and Theology of Religions
Master of Arts in Public Management and Policy
Master of Science in Communication, Management and Health
Master of Science in Corporate Communication
Master of Science in Economics
Master of Science in Economics and International Politics
Master of Science in European Studies in Investor Relations and Financial Communication
Master of Science in Media Management
Master of Theology
University information
Admission to the Undergraduate programmes:
1. Swiss diplomas, awarded in Switzerland
2. Foreign diplomas
Applicants in possession of foreign secondary education and/or of a foreign university diploma considered to be equivalent are admitted to the undergraduate programme. As a rule, reference is made to the guidelines of the University Admissions Commission of the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities (swissuniversities). Where equivalence cannot be unequivocally defined, candidates may be invited to attend an interview or to sit a test, and supplementary, pre-university courses may be prescribed.
Admission to the Postgraduate programmes:
1. General requirements:
Bachelor's (undergraduate) degree from an acknowledged university. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree are admitted unconditionally to a Master’s program in the same subject area. Admission to programs in other subject areas can be subject to the addition of levelling courses, by assessement of the competent Faculty in charge of evaluating the application.
2. Specific requirements:
Please refer to the individual Master programme websites, in the Admissions secton.
3. Language
The admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English.
Find out more about English level and official language certificate required for admission.
Master
Student life
Seven reasons for choosing USI:
These elements make USI a hub of opportunity open to the world, where students can engage in direct dialogue with their professors and define their educational path, discover unexpected horizons and embrace international careers.
The University, through the Career Service, offers to its students a series of activities and contact services with the job market.
In particular, the Service:
More in detail:
Tuition fee and scholarships
Domestic Students
International Students
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
Rankings & ratings
USI - Università della Svizzera italiana is one of the top public universities in Lugano, Switzerland. It is ranked #=405 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Europe University Rankings - Western Europe
QS World University Rankings
USI - Università della Svizzera italiana
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
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