SWITZERLAND · LUGANO AND MENDRISIO
Università della Svizzera italiana
public · Founded 1996 · Languages: en, it
In short
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young, internationally-focused Swiss university in Ticino, offering high-quality education with campuses in Lugano and Mendrisio. It provides a dynamic academic environment with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1996
- Students
- 4,503
- International students
- 2,516
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–4k/yr
- Languages
- EN, IT
- Location
- Lugano and Mendrisio, Switzerland
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young and agile Swiss university with a strong international focus, offering a vibrant and open-minded academic environment. With campuses in Lugano and Mendrisio, USI provides a unique setting for study and research, fostering interdisciplinary connections and close interaction between students and faculty. The university emphasizes high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to innovation, preparing students for successful careers in a globalized world.
Why study here
- Experience a high faculty-to-student ratio, enabling close interaction and personalized support.
- Benefit from a wide range of Master's programs taught in English, catering to an international audience.
- Engage with cutting-edge research and innovation, including opportunities for internships and entrepreneurial activities.
- Enjoy a high quality of life in a safe and multicultural environment in Switzerland.
- Access career services offering support for job searching, internships, and networking events.
Student life
USI offers a dynamic student life with various cultural activities and a supportive community. The Career Service assists students with internships, job searching, and career mentoring through events like 'Career Lunch' and workshops on topics such as AI for job search. The Student Corporation (Corporazione studentesca) provides opportunities for engagement and community building. Students can also participate in academic mobility programs for study and internships abroad.
Fees
InternationalFor Bachelor's and Master's programs, the semester tuition fee is CHF 4,000. Doctoral programs typically have a lower fee.
HomeFor Bachelor's and Master's programs, the semester tuition fee is CHF 2,000 for students with official residence in Switzerland or Liechtenstein at the time of their high school diploma.
LivingBudget roughly CHF 1,500-2,000 per month for accommodation, food and personal expenses in Lugano; Ticino is more affordable than Zurich or Geneva but still reflects Swiss living costs.
Tuition fees are charged per semester. Some programs may have different fee structures. Students with Swiss or Liechtenstein residence at the time of their high school diploma pay a reduced fee.
Admissions
Bachelor's entryRecognised secondary school leaving certificate giving access to university (e.g. Swiss Maturità, European Baccalaureate or equivalent).
Master's entryRelevant Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in a related field.
LanguageProof of English and/or Italian proficiency depending on the language of instruction of the chosen programme.
TOEFL iBT85-100 (score varies by program)
IELTS Academic6.0-7.0 (score varies by program)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings: Hospitality & Leisure Management 2024#15
QS World University Rankings: Computer Science & Information Systems 2024201-250
QS World University Rankings: Economics & Econometrics 2024201-250
QS World University Rankings: Business & Management Studies 2024251-300
QS World University Rankings: Communication & Media Studies 2024251-300
University scholarships
Foundation for the Lugano Faculties of USI Bachelor's ScholarshipsCHF 4,000 per year
Accreditation
Università della Svizzera italiana is a public university recognised and accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA) and is a member of swissuniversities.
Programs
a selectionUniversità della Svizzera italiana · Switzerland
Bachelor in Architecture
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.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università della Svizzera italiana · Switzerland
Bachelor in Informatics
Informatics is a pervasive field that touches nearly every aspect of modern life, from communication and commerce to engineering and transportation. USI's Faculty of Informatics was established in 2004 to address the growing importance of this discipline. The Bachelor in Informatics program focuses on the fundamental principles of computer science, including software design and architecture, modeling and analysis of complex systems, the theory behind emerging technologies, and the development of systematic thinking. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing programming through hands-on projects and daily laboratory work.
Bachelor's
Level
€9k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università della Svizzera italiana · Switzerland
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a three-year program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze and interpret complex datasets. The curriculum provides a strong grounding in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, preparing students for a rapidly growing field. The program offers a unified core curriculum for the first three semesters, ensuring all students develop a comprehensive understanding of essential concepts. Subsequently, students can specialize in either the "Informatics" stream or the "Finance & Economics" stream in their fourth semester, allowing for a deeper dive into their chosen area. Electives are available in the later semesters, offering further flexibility and the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific interests. Graduates will be well-prepared for diverse career paths in data analysis, software development, financial modeling, and research, or for further studies at the master's level.
Bachelor's
Level
€4k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università della Svizzera italiana · Switzerland
Master in Data Science
The Master in Data Science (MDS) at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) provides a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in data science, covering statistical modeling, machine learning, and high-performance computing. This program is designed to equip students with both methodological expertise and applied competencies, preparing them for leading roles in data-driven research and industry. The MDS emphasizes the synergistic advancement of data and computational sciences, teaching students to design and implement novel models, algorithms, and software systems. You will learn to leverage emerging computing architectures for large-scale data analysis and simulation, combining mathematical insight, algorithmic innovation, and computational power to extract knowledge from complex systems and solve challenges in science, technology, and society. A specialized track in High-Performance Computing allows for focused study on scalable algorithms, numerical simulation, and advanced computing methods for large-scale data and model integration.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Università della Svizzera italiana · Switzerland
Master in International Tourism
The Master in International Tourism is designed to prepare professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of the global tourism industry. This program addresses critical contemporary challenges, including sustainability, digital transformation, and the societal impact of technologies like generative AI. Graduates will be skilled in developing innovative strategies and managing tourism operations in a rapidly evolving landscape. The curriculum offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for leadership roles in various sectors of the tourism economy.
Master's
Level
€9k
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
Università della Svizzera italiana · Switzerland
Master of Science in Architecture
The Master of Science in Architecture at USI's Academy of Architecture provides advanced education for students seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of architecture. This program focuses on developing critical thinking, design skills, and a broad perspective on contemporary architectural challenges. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks, historical contexts, and innovative design methodologies. The curriculum is structured to foster individual research and creative exploration, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in architecture and related fields.
Master's
Level
€9k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Switzerland
full fundingCYD Campus, EPFL and armasuisse Science and Technology
Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships
Open to Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates of all nationalities pursuing or planning to pursue research in cyber-defence in Switzerland. Master Thesis Fellowship applicants must be enrolled Master's students at a Swiss institution; Doctoral Fellowship applicants need a Master's degree and admission to a Swiss PhD programme; Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applicants must hold a completed PhD with a strong publication record. All candidates need strong academic performance and a research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
19d left
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel – eikones Center for the Theory and History of the Image
University of Basel NOMIS Fellowships
Open to junior and senior scholars of any nationality who hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, have published either one scholarly monograph or three peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, can propose a research project on the theme 'Images as Models', and are fluent in German or English.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Sep 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCyber-Defence Campus (armasuisse Science and Technology)
CYD Doctoral Fellowships
Open to applicants of all nationalities who are enrolled, or plan to enrol, in a PhD programme at a Swiss university and have a confirmed endorsement from a Swiss professor who will supervise the doctorate. All PhD stages are eligible, though early-stage applicants are preferred, and there is no age restriction. Research must fall within cyber defence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, cryptography, computational and data science and engineering, systems security, or security technologies.
full
Funding
€85k
Max
19d left
Deadline
full fundingCERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics
Researchers who hold (or are about to defend) a PhD in theoretical physics with no more than six years of research experience after the PhD. Open to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States, with a limited number of places under the Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme. Current CERN staff members are not eligible.
full
Funding
€78k
Max
Nov 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel
University of Basel PhD Positions in Advanced Data Management
Open to candidates worldwide who hold an MSc in Computer Science or a related field with software-development experience, show a clear interest in research toward a PhD in advanced data management, have practical or theoretical expertise in databases, multimedia data management or information retrieval, are proficient in English, and can work effectively in a team.
full
Funding
€49k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingETH Zurich
Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
For students with an excellent academic record applying for a master's programme at ETH Zurich, of any nationality. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it as part of your ETH master's admission application, by the December deadline, and selection is by ETH.
full
Funding
€35k
Max
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)?
+
For Bachelor's and Master's programs, the semester tuition fee is CHF 4,000 for international students. Students with official residence in Switzerland or Liechtenstein at the time of their high school diploma pay a reduced fee of CHF 2,000 per semester. Doctoral programs typically have lower fees.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in Lugano?
+
Students should budget approximately CHF 1,500-2,000 per month for accommodation, food, and personal expenses in Lugano. While Ticino is more affordable than cities like Zurich or Geneva, it still reflects Swiss living costs.
Does USI offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, USI offers a wide range of Master's programs taught in English, catering to an international audience. This is highlighted as a key benefit for prospective students.
What are the English proficiency requirements for admission?
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For English-taught programs, applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score between 85-100 or an IELTS Academic score between 6.0-7.0. Specific score requirements can vary by program.
What makes USI unique compared to other Swiss universities?
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USI is the youngest public university in Switzerland, emphasizing a dynamic and modern approach. It offers a strong international outlook, holistic education with interdisciplinary studies, and idyllic campus locations in Ticino.
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