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USI Università della Svizzera italiana
Introduction
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.
4'190 students and 1'335 professors and researchers, hailing from 115 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:
- Quality of the Swiss university system
- International faculty
- Leading interdisciplinary education
- Teacher/student ratio 1 to 7
- Strong ties with the business world
- Flexible structure, open to the exchange of ideas
- International, dynamic and welcoming environment
Campus Features
The Lugano campus is divided into the West and East campuses.
- The West campus houses the Lugano university library, lecture rooms, event theaters, cafeteria, study areas, offices for academic staff, and Student Services. Surrounded by public gardens and within walking distance of the city center and the lake, this location creates an ideal study environment.
- The East campus, established in 2021, is located just across the river, a five-minute walk from the West campus. It is dedicated to the Faculty of Informatics and the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. This hub features shared spaces, a multi-purpose hall, an exhibition space, a canteen, a crèche, and sports areas.
The Mendrisio campus is home to the Academy of Architecture. It consists of various administrative, educational, research, study, and service buildings in the center of the small town of Mendrisio, most of which are arranged around a charming urban park.
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
Rankings
USI in the Times Higher Education (THE) and Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS), which are amongst the world's most popular and well-known global rankings - latest available data:
- THE World's Best Small Universities 2023
6th worldwide
among small universities.
- THE Young University Rankings 2024
44th worldwide
among ‘young’ universities (less than 50 years old)
- THE World University Rankings 2024
Range 251-300
- QS World University Rankings 2025
405th worldwide
Campus Life & Facilities
Student Services
- Housing Service: looking for an accommodation can be stressful; through the Housing Service you will receive support in this process.
- Careers and Alumni: always ready to suggestions on how to improve your curriculum and support your job research during and after your studies.
- International Relations and Mobility: planning a semester abroad is a good way to stand out with your study profile.
- Modern Languages Lab: If you want to improve your language skills during your studies weekly free language courses can help you give a nice extra on your study curriculum.
- Library: the library offers various multimedia tools and a comprehensive collection of periodicals. It also provides photocopying services and individual spaces for studying with facilitated opening hours.
- Sports Service: over 50 weekly courses and a Gym at complete disposal of all students.
Lugano is a beautiful city on the Lugano Lake surrounded by mountains. The best way to discover Lugano is by walking or through the public bike (with an attractive price for students). Lugano is the biggest city in the Italian Speaking region of Switzerland and offers a big variety of free time activities (sport, wellness, shopping and hikes), a wide range of cultural activities as well as several free events offered all year round.