Information for exchange students

Study Abroad Program for Visiting Students / Freemovers

Expand your knowledge and world perspective by spending a semester or a year at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Information for exchange students
Kapellbrücke in Luzern

If you are a student from a non-partner institution, you are most welcome to apply via our study abroad program for a semester or two. Students from partner institutions please apply via our Exchange Program.

Why study abroad
Studying abroad is about adding value to your time as a student and enjoying a truly dynamic, life-changing experience. You’ll travel and live in another country, interact with people from different backgrounds and experience a different way of life. You’ll get to know yourself better, gain greater confidence in your decision-making skills and immerse yourself in a new culture, all whilst enhancing your career prospects.

Why the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology

  • Excellent lecturers
  • Up to date courses in English and German
  • New Campus in Zug-Rotkreuz (Opening in August 2019)
  • On campus housing
  • The first School of Computer Science and Information Technology at a Swiss University of Applied Sciences
Please find many helpful information about the University as well as entering and living in Switzerland in our International Student Guide.
 
Selecting your courses
You’ll study alongside our students on our new campus to ensure you get the most from this cultural, social and intercollegiate experience.

Courses

Exams typically take place at the end of the semester. Some courses base their final grades on assignments, presentations or interim exams during the semester rather than on end-of-course exams.

The School awards European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits throughout its programs. 30 ECTS credits (full-time semester - a minimum of 18 ECTS is required) at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts correspond to 15 in North America and 60 in the UK.

The decision regarding the crediting of work carried out rests with the student’s home university. The International Office of the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology helps students to compile the required documents and will issue a transcript of records at the end of the semester.

Pilatus und Luzerner Seebecken

Admission Requirements

To apply for our Study Abroad programs you will need to meet our academic and English language requirements.

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English language requirements
If English is not your first language, then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.

The University does accept different English language qualifications

  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
  • Cambridge English First (Grade A)
  • TOEFL

Academic requirements
Applications on undergraduate level must have completed at least two semesters of their degree before the semester abroad starts and be actively pursue their degree at a university (undergraduate or graduate).. Application on graduate level must have completed at least one semester of their degree before the semester abroad starts. Students need at least a GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

 

Fees and Costs

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts all students pay the same fees. There is no differentiation between Swiss and international students. The tuition fee for one semester is CHF 800.-.

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 Additional costs to be paid to the university:

  • Enrolment fee: CHF 200.-
  • Exam fee: CHF 150.-
  • Student card fee: 50.-
  • Fee for university sports: CHF 25.-

In total, the semester fee at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – School of computer Science and Information Technology, is CHF 1225.- (approx. EUR 1170)

The invoice for the semester fees will be sent to the students at the beginning of the semester and must be settled within 30 days.

 

Dates and Deadlines

Please find all important dates in our academic calendar.

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The Introductory Weeks for new international students are taking place two weeks before the semester starts. The «Get started in Lucerne» workshop is mandatory. All other offers are voluntary. Normally, the «Get started in Lucerne» Workshop is offered twice. Students can choose one of the events. The content is identical. Accepted students will be informed about the program by email as soon as the registration is open. Information on living and studying in Switzerland will be provided during the Introductory Weeks as well. 

Application deadlines for Study Abroad Students

  • Applications for semester 1 (fall): 15 April
  • Applications for semester 2 (spring): 15 October

If the student requires a visa to enter Switzerland, the application should be submitted as far in advance as possible.

We are looking forward to receiving your application.

Application

In order to receive the application link, the student should please send the following information and documents to the School’s International Office: international-i@hslu.ch.

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  • First name and family name
  • Name of your Home University
  • Name of study program and level at home university
  • Motivation Letter
  • CV
  • Latest Transcript of Records
 

Living in Lucerne and Surrounding Areas

On the Website «living in Rotkreuz and Lucerne» you can find useful information about coming to and staying in Lucerne, Rotkreuz and Switzerland.