Erasmus guide Universita della Svizzera italiana
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universita della Svizzera italiana in Lugano, Switzerland.
City
LuganoCountry
SwitzerlandInternational
Visible international community; verify the current figure before decisions.
Enrollment
Student scale should be verified on the official institutional facts page.
Study abroad at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI): overview
Study abroad at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI) is strongest when academic fit is clear and city logistics are realistic.
Enrollment
Student scale should be verified on the official institutional facts page.
International Mix
Visible international community; verify the current figure before decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Informatics, Communication, Economics, Architecture and need to confirm language, seats and housing early.
Language of instruction: Italian, English
Exchange & application at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Start with nomination, application, Learning Agreement, insurance and arrival documents. Do not treat courses as final until confirmed.
✅Requirements
Nomination or official application, insurance, passport and approved courses.
📨Nomination Process
The home university nominates first; the host application follows.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | 1 May | 15 May |
| Spring Semester | 31 October | 15 November |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm housing
- Check courses
- Prepare insurance
- Attend orientation
Academics & courses at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
At Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI), check credits, teaching language, prerequisites, library access and exam calendar.
📝Course Registration
Course choice depends on faculty, seats, language and prerequisites.
🎓Credit System
ECTS or local credit system
💯Grading System
Confirm conversion with your home university.
✍️Exam Culture
May combine exams, projects, presentations and attendance.
📚Library Access
Library and digital resources after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Separate exchange, local fees, housing and full-degree tuition. Exchange tuition is not the same thing as an international degree fee.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | CHF 0 host tuition when a reciprocal exchange agreement applies | Housing, insurance, transport and local administrative costs still apply. |
| Full degree - international | CHF 4,000 per semester | Bachelor and Master semester fee for regular degree students. |
| Local/regional student | CHF 2,000 per semester for eligible Swiss, Liechtenstein or Campione routes | Reduced semester fee applies only under the official residency conditions. |
CHF 0 host tuition when a reciprocal exchange agreement applies
Housing, insurance, transport and local administrative costs still apply.
CHF 4,000 per semester
Bachelor and Master semester fee for regular degree students.
CHF 2,000 per semester for eligible Swiss, Liechtenstein or Campione routes
Reduced semester fee applies only under the official residency conditions.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Housing for Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI) should run alongside the application. Compare residence, private rooms and transport.
Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI) offers official housing
Apply early.
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Lugano
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Use the international office, orientation, student services and faculty coordinator from week one.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
Public/local insurance where applicable
Private insurance
Travel insurance with study cover
Student life at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Student life at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI) depends on repeated routines: clubs, sport, libraries, buddy programmes and residences.
Student Clubs
- International societies
- University sport
- Academic clubs
Buddy Program
Buddy or mentor where available
Sports & Recreation
- University sport
Public Groups & Communities
https://www.usi.ch/en
Your First 2 Weeks
- Orientation
- Insurance
- Courses
- Housing
Key exchange dates at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Key dates are nomination, application, course choice, housing, arrival, orientation and exams. Put them in one calendar.
-
1
Nomination and application
Before each intake
Check international office.
-
2
Housing and arrival
After acceptance
Prepare contract, insurance and transport.
-
3
Classes and exams
Semester
Check calendar before return travel.