Application Process for Incomings What exchange students need to know about the application process

International exchange students can apply for an exchange semester at the Lucerne School of Engineering & Architecture. The International Office provides support and advise.

Who can apply for the exchange program?

Students interested in applying for an exchange semester have to be enrolled with a University that has a bilateral agreement with the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture. 

Application process

The application process is as follows:

  1. Nomination by the International Office of the student's home institution by e-mail to ea-international@hslu.ch (deadline see Fact Sheet).
  2. Confirmation of receipt of the nomination by the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture. Nominated students receive the link to the online application tool by e-mail. 
  3. Registration and application (submission of complete application documents) via online application tool (Mobility-Online tool) before the application deadline.
  4. Communication of decision approx. four weeks after the application deadline.

Application documents

The following documents are required for the application / upload in the Mobility-Online tool:
  • valid passport copy (copy must be clearly legible)
  • digital passport photo 
  • letter of motivation
  • Curriculum vitae / CV
  • Current Transcript of Records with Grading Scheme
  • Draft Learning Agreement (course offerings for exchange students)
  • Language certificate (English / German if not native language)
  • Portfolio (only for Architecture or Interior Design)

Application deadlines

  • Fall semester: April 15
  • Spring semester: October 15

Swiss-European Mobility Programme

Student exchanges with our European partner universities are supported within the ‘Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)’ (see Movetia website).  Incoming exchange students can receive a SEMP grant for their exchange semester (subject to sufficient funding). Grants are processed automatically as part of the application. No additional registration is required.

Introductory weeks

At the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Introductory weeks are held two weeks before the start of each semester.

Buddy Programme / Student Life

Exchange students can register for the Buddy Programme organised by ESN Lucerne. Incoming Exchange students have the opportunity to get in touch with local students before and during their stay and benefit from useful tips on student life at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Visa and residence permit

Students from countries requiring a visa must apply for a study visa (type D) at the Swiss embassy in their home country at least three months before entering Switzerland. For further information see: Visa and residence permit for students.

Housing

In Lucerne, affordable rooms and flats are in high demand. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers accommodation for students. Exchange students can register for accommodation via the Mobility-Online tool after a positive admission decision.

Health Insurance

Any person staying in Switzerland for more than 3 months is subject to compulsory health insurance. International students must be covered by health insurance recognised by Swiss law for their exchange semester in Switzerland. For further information see: Insurances.