Erasmus +

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts awarded Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE)

The European Commission has approved the accreditation application submitted by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts for the Erasmus Charter of Higher Education (ECHE). In doing so, HSLU meets the binding quality standards for participation in Erasmus+, the European programme for education, training, youth and sport, from 2027 onwards, marking a key milestone in preparations for Switzerland's and HSLU's reassociation to Erasmus+. 

Significance of the Erasmus Charter

The Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) is the European Union’s official quality certificate for higher education institutions. The award of the Erasmus Charter confirms that HSLU complies with the fundamental quality standards of the European Union for delivering international education, mobility, and cooperation activities. It establishes shared principles for international mobilities and partnerships. Among other aspects, the Charter guarantees:

  • Equal, barrier-free access to international experiences
  • Transparent procedures for selection and funding
  • Full academic recognition of study achievements completed abroad

Obtaining the Charter is the formal prerequisite enabling HSLU, upon Switzerland's reassociation to Erasmus+ from 2027, to submit and lead funding applications for mobilities as well as European cooperation and innovation projects.

Tangible Benefits for Students and Staff

The ECHE forms the foundation for the ongoing development of international opportunities at HSLU:

  • Expanded mobility options: Alongside traditional exchange semesters, flexible short-term mobilities and combined formats (Blended Intensive Programmes) are being further expanded.
  • Staff mobility: Lecturers as well as staff members across all areas benefit from expanded opportunities for teaching and training visits in Europe and worldwide.
  • Digital processes: Administrative workflows – from registration to academic recognition – are being gradually digitalised through standardised, Europe-wide procedures (via Erasmus Without Paper), making organisation more efficient and transparent.
  • Strengthening international networks: HSLU can deepen its collaboration with international partner universities, engage more actively in European education and innovation consortias and network projects, lead its own cooperation projects, and secure European funding.

Outlook: Swiss Association from 2027

The political objective is clearly defined: from the 2027/28 academic year, Switzerland aims to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme as a fully associated member. The final framework will be determined with parliamentary approval of the funding package in December 2026.

Regardless of the outcome of the political process, all previously established opportunities remain fully guaranteed – study periods abroad and international cooperations will continue seamlessly via the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) if required. By securing the ECHE, HSLU has set the course to actively help shape the future of the European Higher Education Area across education, research, and innovation from 2027, while also driving knowledge transfer into Central Switzerland.

  • Erasmus Code: CH LUZERN14
  • Erasmus+ Participant Identification Code (PIC): 998686781
  • Erasmus+ Organisation ID (OID): E10205068

As of October 2026