Quick Summary
Università della Svizzera italiana is a public founded in 1996, located in Lugano, Switzerland. Ranked #330 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 3922 students including 65% from outside Switzerland. Known for strengths in Architecture, Informatics, Communication Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Unique interdisciplinary approach, high faculty-to-student ratio, and strategic location in the heart of Europe.
Subject Strengths
ArchitectureInformaticsCommunication ScienceEconomicsBiomedicine
Founded1996
TypePublic
Total Students3922
Intl Students65%
Faculty Ratio9:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size25 acres
Affiliated HospitalsEnte Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC)
AccreditationSwiss Accreditation Council
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#330
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#251-300
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Executive Master
Programs
Informatics, Economics, Communication Sciences, Architecture, Biomedicine
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA), Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Swiss Accreditation Council
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRERequired for some Master of Finance/Economics programs
GMATRequired for some Master of Finance/Economics programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 30 (Non-EU), June 30 (EU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on a strong motivation letter and ensure that your previous degree is from a recognized institution with high quantitative or qualitative alignment to the target program.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Swiss Franc
UG Tuition
CHF8,000/yr
per year · CHF
Living Cost
CHF20,000/yr
per year · CHF
PG Tuition
CHF8,000/yr
per year · CHF
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
CHF28,100/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CHF
Scholarships AvailableCanton Ticino Scholarships, USI Merit Scholarships, SODESKA Foundation
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidGrants for students from low-income families via the Canton Ticino
Work-StudyStudent assistantships available for Master and PhD students
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, PhD, Executive Master programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Informatics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Finance | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Communication & Media | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Data Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$75,000
Average Salary After Graduation
93%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Swiss financial sector and international NGOs
Industry Connections
Credit SuisseUBSGoogleSwisscomEuropean Broadcasting Union
Notable Alumni
Distinguished architects, leading data scientists, and Swiss media executives
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (USI Home, Casa Accademia)
Sports Facilities
USI Sport Service with access to local fitness centers and lake activities
Student Clubs
AIESEC, USI Voices, Corporation of Informatics Students, Finance Club
Library Resources
University Library Lugano, Academy of Architecture Library Mendrisio
Exchange Programs
SEMP (Erasmus successor), Swiss-Mobility, International agreements
Summer Programs
Middle Eastern Studies Summer School, Architecture Workshops