UNIVERSITÀ DELLA SVIZZERA ITALIANA · SWITZERLAND
Bachelor in Architecture
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
The Bachelor in Architecture program at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is an undergraduate degree focused on the foundational principles and practices of architectural design. Located in Switzerland, the Academy of Architecture offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the creative, technical, and critical skills necessary for a career in architecture. The program emphasizes a strong connection between design, theory, and the built environment, fostering a holistic understanding of the discipline. Students will engage with a range of subjects including architectural design, urbanism, history and theory of architecture, structural principles, and representation techniques. The curriculum is structured to encourage a rigorous approach to problem-solving and design innovation. The Academy aims to cultivate architects who are not only skilled designers but also thoughtful contributors to society and the built environment, prepared to address contemporary challenges.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the general entry requirements for the Bachelor in Architecture program?
- You need a valid secondary school leaving certificate. If your qualification is not yet available, you can submit a certificate of attendance. For candidates without a standard qualification, admission can be considered 'by portfolio', which requires specific additional documents and passing entrance exams.
- Are there specific English language proficiency requirements?
- Yes, applicants accepted 'by portfolio' must pass written tests in English as part of the admission process.
- What are the application deadlines for the Bachelor in Architecture program?
- The general application opening is on 9 December 2025. Deadlines are 30 April 2026 for Non-UE/EFTA & Visa Students, and 1 June 2026 for Swiss & EU/EFTA Students. Applications 'by portfolio' have a deadline of 30 April.
- How do I apply and what documents are needed?
- You must complete the online application form and submit required documents electronically, including your qualification for admission and passport/ID. If documents are not in specific European languages, an authenticated Italian translation is needed. Portfolio applications require additional materials like a CV, motivation letter, and project portfolio.
- Are there any scholarships available for Bachelor in Architecture students?
- Yes, the university offers several scholarships, including the '1st year Bachelor Scholarship' and scholarships from foundations like Agnese and Agostino Maletti. Specific submission deadlines and eligibility criteria vary by scholarship and academic year.
- What are the fees for this program?
- An application fee is required for most candidates, with exemptions for those holding specific Swiss qualifications. Tuition fees for home and international students are not specified in the provided data.
Entry requirements
Secondary School Leaving CertificateValid qualification for admission
EnglishPass written tests
For applicants whose application is accepted "by portfolio", admission is contingent on passing written tests in Mathematics, History of Art and Architecture, and English, followed by a personal interview. The university reserves the right to limit enrollment if the number of applications exceeds capacity.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
An application fee is required for most candidates, with exemptions for those holding a Swiss secondary diploma and certain Swiss higher education qualifications.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online Application FormFill out the application form available on the university's website.
2. Prepare and Upload Required DocumentsAttach your qualification for admission (or certificate of attendance if the qualification is not yet available). If your documents are not in Italian, German, French, Romansh, English, Spanish, or Portuguese, you must provide an authenticated translation into Italian.
3. Submit Passport or IDInclude a copy of your passport or ID papers.
4. Portfolio Application (if applicable)If applying 'by portfolio' (for candidates without a valid qualification), submit a CV, a picture (JPEG), work certificates, a letter of motivation, a copy of your ID, and a portfolio showcasing your projects. The deadline for this is April 30.
5. Await Admission DecisionYou will be notified of the application outcome via email. If accepted, you will receive a formal letter of admission.
6. Prepare for Entrance Exams (if required)Applicants accepted 'by portfolio' must pass written tests in Mathematics, History of Art and Architecture, and English, followed by an interview.
Scholarships
1st year Bachelor Scholarship—
1st year Bachelor Scholarship for students of Italian nationality—
Agnese and Agostino Maletti Foundation Scholarships—
Agnese and Agostino Maletti Foundation Scholarships—
Alessandro Conti Scholarship—
Alessandro Conti Scholarship—
Amici dell'Accademia Association Scholarships—
Arnoldo Bettelini Scholarship—
Arnoldo Bettelini Scholarship—
Borsa di solidarietà - semestre primaverile - Lugano—
Frequently asked questions
What are the general entry requirements for the Bachelor in Architecture program?
+
You need a valid secondary school leaving certificate. If your qualification is not yet available, you can submit a certificate of attendance. For candidates without a standard qualification, admission can be considered 'by portfolio', which requires specific additional documents and passing entrance exams.
Are there specific English language proficiency requirements?
+
Yes, applicants accepted 'by portfolio' must pass written tests in English as part of the admission process.
What are the application deadlines for the Bachelor in Architecture program?
+
The general application opening is on 9 December 2025. Deadlines are 30 April 2026 for Non-UE/EFTA & Visa Students, and 1 June 2026 for Swiss & EU/EFTA Students. Applications 'by portfolio' have a deadline of 30 April.
How do I apply and what documents are needed?
+
You must complete the online application form and submit required documents electronically, including your qualification for admission and passport/ID. If documents are not in specific European languages, an authenticated Italian translation is needed. Portfolio applications require additional materials like a CV, motivation letter, and project portfolio.
Are there any scholarships available for Bachelor in Architecture students?
+
Yes, the university offers several scholarships, including the '1st year Bachelor Scholarship' and scholarships from foundations like Agnese and Agostino Maletti. Specific submission deadlines and eligibility criteria vary by scholarship and academic year.
What are the fees for this program?
+
An application fee is required for most candidates, with exemptions for those holding specific Swiss qualifications. Tuition fees for home and international students are not specified in the provided data.