Pre-Study Integration Programme

• Modules as specialist auditors in the desired degree programme (selection from the relevant module programme)
• German language course level C1 (the C1 exam is not part of the programme and must be completed at an official examination centre)
• Mentoring by local students
• Review meetings with the Coordination Office
• Participation in sports campus activities

Please note that the pre-study integration programme is equivalent to a full-time degree programme. See also our FAQs (time required for pre-study integration programme). 

• Swiss residence permit: B (refugee), F, S or N
• Proof of language skills: German level B2
• Proof of school-leaving certificate from the country of origin/equivalent qualification to study at our university
• University experience or proof of studies completed abroad (admission is based on individual aptitude assessment)
• Written consent from your case-management office/ social counselling centre (if available)
• Minimum age: 18 years 

Additional criteria

• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: one year of relevant work experience (can also be acquired after the pre-study integration programme)
• University of Lucerne: bachelor's degree from a recognized university or country-specific requirements according to swissuniversities (when registering for studies)
• University of Teacher Education Lucerne: German level C2 and country-specific requirements according to swissuniversities (when registering for studies)

Please note: The number of participants is limited, so admission cannot be guaranteed. The final decision on admission will only be made after an admission interview. 

• Fill out the application form and upload the required documents* - application deadline: 30 April each year
• Review of the applications by the Coordination Office
• Admission interviews (between 11 and 21 May 2026)
• German assessment test (Wednesday, 27 May 2026, between 8.30 -12 am)
• Notification of admission by the end of June each year
• Start of integration pre-study programme in September each year

Please note: Participation in the pre-study integration programme does not automatically lead to admission to a regular programme. Please clarify the admission requirements at an early stage. The Coordination Office will be happy to assist you. 

*required documents: residence permit, passport (if available), university entrance qualification or university certificate, German language certificate B2, CV, letter of motivation, declaration of consent from your case-managemet office/ social counselling centre (if available)

The participation fee for two semesters amounts to CHF 4,500 - 7,000, depending on which field of study you wish to pursue later on. Additional costs for teaching materials, laptops, transport, etc. must be taken into account. These are not covered by the programme. Applicants can enquire about possible financing options via the integration allowance at their case-management office/ social counselling centre. 

Applicants who are not (or no longer) in the asylum welfare structures and are not entitled to integration support benefits should contact the Lucerne Campus for Refugees Coordination Office regarding funding options. 

"I really enjoyed participating in the pre-study integration programme at the Lucerne Campus for Refugees and am very grateful for this experience. I greatly appreciated the course and, above all, the personal attention and support we received.

I was particularly impressed by how much time and effort was devoted to helping us improve our German language skills. We always had the opportunity to ask questions and get answers, and I always felt that I could turn to someone and ask for help. This personal and supportive guidance made a huge difference for me.

Even though the pre-study integration programme ultimately didn’t lead to the outcome I had originally hoped for, I greatly value the experience. For me, the course was much more than just preparation for university. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, learn more about Swiss culture and society, and get to know university life from both an academic and a social perspective.

In a way, this experience was an eye-opener for me. I learned many new things that I probably would never have encountered if I had relied solely on my previous, familiar paths. The pre-study programme opened up new perspectives for me and showed me just how many opportunities there are to grow and discover new paths.

I especially remember the people I met. I appreciate every single person who treated me with openness, friendliness, and helpfulness and supported me along the way. This atmosphere of openness and acceptance is something very special—and something that we, as people coming to a new country, need from time to time.

I am therefore very glad that I was able to have this experience, and I would definitely recommend the pre-study integration programme to others in a similar situation."

Oleksandra Krotova took courses in the Master's Design programme at HSLU - DFK during the pre-study integration programme. 

"The pre-study integration programme was an important step for me in reorienting myself academically and professionally in Switzerland. Through the programme, I was able to gain new knowledge of Swiss law, further develop my German to an academic level, and become more familiar with the Swiss education and career systems. 

I found the support from my mentor, the regular meetings, and the interactions with faculty and students to be particularly valuable. The programme boosted my self-confidence and opened up new perspectives for my professional path in Switzerland. 

I recommend the pre-study integration programme to anyone with refugee experience who wants to further their development in Switzerland and find new academic or prefessional paths."

Anonymous took lectures in the Bachelor's in Law during the pre-study integration programme.