FAQ Frequently asked questions about studying at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

In principle, a Swiss Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität) in any specialisation qualifies you for admission to a Bachelor's degree programme. In addition, at least one year of relevant practical work experience is required. This can be gained through appropriate vocational training or a recognised work placement. 

Whether your previous vocational training is considered relevant depends on your chosen degree program. If you have a non-technical educational background, we particularly recommend additional preparation in mathematics and physics for engineering degree programmes. 

There are also admission pathways for applicants holding a Swiss general academic baccalaureate (gymnasiale Matura), a specialised baccalaureate (Fachmaturität) or equivalent qualifications. 

Find out more about the admission requirements.

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Yes. A Swissl academic baccalaureate (gymnasiale Matura) provides a pathway to a Bachelor's degree program at the HSLU School of Engineering and Architecture. The required practical work experience can be gained in different ways.

Prospective students without relevant professional experience can acquire the necessary practical skills through a work placement or a practice-integrated Bachelor's degree program (PiBS). 

One option for students with a general academic baccalaureate is the practice-integrated Bachelor's degree programme (PiBS), available in engineering disciplines. This programme generally takes four years to complete. Students can begin studying part-time immediately after completing their baccalaureate while simultaneously undertaking a work placement at a company, with a minimum employment level of 40%. This allows them to gain valuable professional experience during their studies and combine academic learning at HSLU with practical work experience. 

Alternatively, students can complete a relevant work placement, which generally lasts one year. This must be completed before the start of the second year of study at the latest. 

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Yes. An alternative admission pathway is available. Applicants aged 25 or over who have completed vocational training leading to a Swiss Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) and have relevant professional experience may be eligible for the preparatory admission programm (Zulassungsstudium), provided they meet the specified requirements. The program lasts one academic year (two semesters) and focuses primarily on mathematics, physics, German and English.
After successfully passing the entrance examination, applicants may be admitted to a Bachelor's degree program through the designated admission procedure. 

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Yes. The HSLU School of Engineering and Architecture offers its Bachelor's degree programs in four study models: 

• Full-time: Studying is your main priority. The standard duration is three years. 
• Part-time: You can organise your studies flexibly around employment or personal commitments. 
• Work-study: Combine your studies with professionally relevant employment. This model generally takes four to five years. 
• Practice-integrated Bachelor's degree programme (PiBS): Designed for students with a Swiss general academic baccalaureate who wish to begin part-time studies immediately after graduation while gaining valuable professional experience through a relevant work placement at a company.

A particular advantage is that students can generally switch between study models at the beginning of each semester. Find out more about study models and starting your studies.

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A full-time Bachelor's degree program normally takes six semesters, or three years, to complete.  In the work-study model, the typical duration is four to five years, depending on the modules selected. For part-time students, the duration depends on their individual study workload. The practice-integrated Bachelor's degree program (PiBS) takes eight semesters. If you begin your studies in the spring semester, the full-time program generally takes seven rather than six semesters to complete. 

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The standard study fee is CHF 800 per semester. Additional costs include a one-off application processing fee of CHF 200, other administrative fees and, depending on the degree programme, expenses for learning materials, excursions or technical equipment. Certain international students are required to pay an additional fee of CHF 500 per semester. You may also be eligible for scholarships or grants if you are pursuing your first qualification. 

For more information, please refer to the overview of fees.

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The HSLU School of Engineering and Architecture offers two starting dates: September (autumn semester) and February (spring semester). Please note that starting in the spring semester generally extends the duration of a full-time degree program by one semester. We recommend applying at least four months before the start of your studies. Later applications are also possible.

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A Bachelor's degree from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) – School of Engineering and Architecture opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Our practice-oriented education prepares you for entering the professional world by equipping you with both sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are in demand in the workplace.

Your specific career prospects depend on your chosen degree programme and specialisation. Depending on your field of study, you may pursue a career in areas such as: 

• Engineering and technical development: Developing, designing and optimising machinery, electronic systems and technical products. 
• Architecture and construction: Planning, designing and delivering buildings, structures and infrastructure projects. 
• Energy and sustainability: Developing energy-efficient building systems, renewable energy technologies and sustainable technical solutions. 
• Digitalisation and technology: Working in automation, digital planning, intelligent systems and digital transformation. 
• Medical engineering and life sciences: Developing and applying medical technologies and innovative solutions in healthcare. 
• Project management and consulting: Contributing to interdisciplinary projects, providing technical advice and taking on coordination or project management responsibilities. 

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Yes. A Bachelor's degree is a professionally qualifying higher education degree that enables you to enter the job market directly after graduation. Thanks to HSLU's close collaboration with industry partners and its practice-oriented projects and Bachelor's theses, you can establish valuable contacts with potential employers during your studies. 

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As you gain professional experience, you can specialise further in your field or take on greater responsibility in project management, general management or business leadership. 
Alternatively, you can deepen your expertise by pursuing a Master's degree or completing a continuing education program alongside your career, such as a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) or Master of Advanced Studies (MAS). Admission requirements vary depending on the degree program or continuing education course.

For more information, visit our pages on career opportunities after graduation, Master's degree programs and continuing education opportunities at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – School of Engineering and Architecture. 

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The HSLU School of Engineering and Architecture organises information events and taster days at its Horw campus. These events give prospective students the opportunity to attend lectures, compare degree programs, explore the campus and speak directly with current students and program directors. 

• Find out more about the information events
• Find out more about the taster day 

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