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FAQs Important information before starting your studies

Here we answer frequently asked questions before you start your studies. 

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Timeline

Graphical representation of the timeline of the recording process.

Admission exam dates 

  • When will the entrance exam dates be published on the website?
    The dates for the entrance exams for each profile and instrument will be available on the website by December at the latest.

Application, admission and entrance examination

  • Is there an age limit for admission to the entrance examination?
    No. 
  • When can I register for the entrance examination?
    The online form is expected to be available from mid-December and can be found on the respective programme websites.
  • When will I find out if I am invited to the entrance examination?
    Within three weeks of your application, we will review your file and inform you whether you have been admitted to the entrance examination. 
  • When will I receive further information about the entrance exam?
    You will receive an invitation to the entrance exam and further information about the exam no later than two weeks before the exam date. The invitation contains a link to SwitchDrive, where you can submit your program and scores.
  • Can I contact my preferred teacher before the entrance examinations? 
    The main subject lecturers may be contacted at any time. It is highly recommended to contact them in advance.
  • Where do the entrance examinations take place?
    Please note that all our entrance examinations take place on site. Only the written theory exam for admission to the bachelor's program takes place online.
  • Is it possible to participate online if I am unable to attend in person (e.g., due to other commitments like exams, travel restrictions, etc.)?
    The practical entrance examinations take place exclusively on site in person. 
  • I am not quite sure whether I have understood the repertoire requirements correctly or whether a piece of my choice fulfils the requirements. Who can I contact? 
    If you have any questions about the repertoire or the content of the entrance examinations, you can contact the relevant institute office.
  • Do I have to take a theory exam?
    All bachelor's degree candidates must take a written theoretical exam prior to the practical exam. This exam is conducted online. An oral theoretical examination is also held as part of the practical bachelor's entrance examination. The dates and content of the theoretical examination are published on our website. Master's candidates do not have to take a theoretical examination.
  • Do I have to take a theory assessment?
    Candidates for master's programs do not have to take a theory exam. Under certain circumstances (depending on your bachelor's degree), you may be required to take a theory placement test after passing the entrance exam. The result of the theory assessment has no influence on the allocation of study places. However, it determines which theory modules must be taken in the master's program. You will be informed whether you need to take the assessment when you are admitted to the entrance examination. The content of the assessment is published on our website.
  • How do I withdraw from the entrance examination?
    Any withdrawal of registration must be made in writing to the education administration ausbildungmusik@hslu.ch. The registration fee paid will not be refunded. The registration fee paid will not be refunded.
  • Can I make use of piano accompaniment for the examination? 
    For entrance examinations in the classical music department, it is possible to request piano accompaniment from the Lucerne School of Music. This must be registered via SwitchDrive at least 14 days before the examination.
  • Can I bring my own accompanist to the entrance exam?
    Yes, you can bring your own accompanist. It is not necessary to register this person.
  • Do I have to submit the sheet music for my repertoire before the practical exam?
    • Classical profile: Yes, the program and the complete scores/piano reductions (no individual parts) must be submitted to the Lucerne School of Music via SwitchDrive at least 14 days before the exam.
    • Pedagogy profile: Yes, clearly legible sheet music must be sent by email to the Institute of Music Pedagogy 14 days before the entrance exam date.
    • Jazz profile: Information on this can be found under the exam contents.
  • In which language is the entrance exam conducted?
    The entrance exams are conducted in German if possible, otherwise in English.
  • I am interested in several degree programs (e.g., Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Arts in Music/Music Theory). How do I proceed with my application?
    It is possible to take several entrance examinations. For each degree program, you must complete an online application and pay the application fee. You will only be considered for study places for which you have applied.
  • I am interested in the Master's program in Solo Performance. Can I also apply for other programs at the same time?
    Places on the Master's program in Solo Performance are very limited. Admission is based on a two-stage process, in which you perform in front of the student council in the first round and in front of a jury in the second round. When registering for Solo Performance, you will be explicitly informed that you can also register for another program (Classical Performance or Orchestra) at the same time, provided you are eligible. Further information can be found on our website.
  • I am interested in several majors in the master's program (e.g., instrumental pedagogy and classical performance). How do I proceed with my application?
    It is possible to take several entrance exams. For each major, you must submit an online application and pay the application fee. You will only be considered for study places for which you have submitted an application.

Course content

  • Where can I find detailed information about the course content (curricula, module descriptions)?
    Detailed descriptions of all curricula for the bachelor's and master's programs as well as the doctoral program can be found in our study guide (only in German).

Tuition and Semester Fees 

  • When will I receive the invoice for the semester fees?
    The semester fees will be invoiced after the start of the semester. The invoice for the autumn semester will be sent to you in the first week of the semester in September.
  • What costs are associated with my studies?
    You can find more information on tuition fees on our website.

Scholarships/Financing 

  • Where can I apply for financial support?
    Scholarships are awarded by various private and public institutions (foundations, funds, etc.), each of which has different requirements.  All information on scholarships and finances can be found on our website. Please address applications and questions directly to the institutions that award scholarships. The Lucerne School of Music does not issue any financial guarantees.

Start of Studies/Dates academic year

  • When can I start my studies?
    The programme begins with the official start of the semester in mid-September. The exact dates can be found on our website. As attendance is compulsory, it is not possible to start studying after the beginning of the semester. Extended summer holidays, military service, civilian service or entry difficulties are generally not accepted as reasons for a delayed start of studies.
    Please also note the dates of the opening days, which takes place before the start of studies. Tthe dates will be announced to those concerned in good time. We recommend keeping the week before the official start of the semester free for the opening activities.
    A start of studies in the spring semester is not possible for external applicants.
  • Where can I find the key dates, such as holidays, public holidays, project weeks, etc.?
    All dates for the coming academic years can be found on our website.

Crediting of ECTS points 

  • Can I have credits from my previous degree programme recognised?
    Basically, achievements from a previous degree programme can be credited if there is congruence in terms of content. Which and how many ECTS credits can be credited may be decided after the acceptance of the study place in discussion with the study coordination.

Entry and visa 

  • What documents do I need for entry into Switzerland?
    Candidates from EU or EFTA countries can enter Switzerland without a visa. Persons from all other countries must apply in person for a national visa «D» at the Swiss embassy or consulate general in their place of residence. Further information about entry and visa can be found on our website.

Living in Switzerland 

  • I am looking for a flat. What steps should I take?
    In Lucerne, affordable rooms and flats are in high demand. So make sure you find accommodation in good time. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers housing in Lucerne and the surrounding area for students. On our website you will find more information about the offer as well as the contact details of the person to contact.