Incoming Students

The academic year at UTE Lucerne is divided into an autumn and a spring semester. There is a two-week break period during each semester (April and October).

Spring Semester: End of February till beginning of June

Autumn Semester: Beginning of September till mid-December

UTE Lucerne offers an international programme in English. The international classes are compulsory for all incoming students. They include courses on i.e.: Global Issues of Sustainability, Swiss and European History, Digital Learning and Classroom Management. In addition, the individual subjects offer a variety of English or bilingual courses. This means that exchange students at UTE Lucerne can easily take enough courses to achieve a total of 30 ECTS per semester, a minimum of 18 ECTS is required. The international course programme is repeated every semester. Therefore, it is not possible for non-German-speaking students to study at UTE Lucerne for more than one semester.
Upon request, UTE Lucerne can arrange school practicum experiences in public or private schools (one half day per week, 4 ECTS).

In addition to the compulsory International Programme, German-speaking students can also choose courses from the regular course catalogue.

Students enrolled for the master’s programme in History Education and Public History or in Natural and Social Science Education and Sustainable Development do not need to attend the compulsory modules on our International Programme.

The international classes are held in English. Therefore, a B2 level in English is required. A confirmation of the English level must be attached to the application form.

UTE Lucerne follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One ECTS is equivalent
to 25–30 hours of student workload. Performance is proven through active participation, oral or written examinations, presentations, and written assignments. Exams take place during the semester. At the end of the semester, students receive a transcript of records showing their academic achievements.

Students from European and non-European partner universities stay enrolled at their home university and do not pay a fee for their exchange semester at UTE Lucerne. They have the opportunity to complete the mobility semester within the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) and generally receive a financial grant if the credits are recognized by their home university.

Students who choose low-emission means of transport for their journey as part of the SEMP programme will receive an additional subsidy. Participants in the Swiss-European Mobility Programme can use the Interrail-Pass for Erasmus+.

Students from universities which are not partners of UTE Lucerne are able to study as free movers. A fee is charged per ECTS credit.

Receiving a manageable number of incoming students per semester allows the UTE Lucerne International Office to take care of our guest on a very personal basis. A welcome and orientation day is held in the week before the official start of the semester. We place great importance on good spirit among our international students. Therefore, the International Office organizes several events per semester which are free of charge.

If desired, incoming students can be matched with a buddy who will help them to find their way around UTE Lucerne and make new connections with fellow students. Besides that, UTE Lucerne works closely with ESN Switzerland.

Students are responsible for complying with visa and entry requirements. Please check with the Swiss Embassy in your home country regarding the visa fees. It takes at least 8 weeks for a visa to be issued. EU/EFTA citizens don’t need a visa.

A residence permit is required for anyone staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days. Students must therefore register at their place of residence within 14 days of entering Switzerland.

UTE Lucerne does not have on-campus housing and international students will need to make their own housing arrangements. However, our office will gladly assist with information about low-prized housing options.
The International Office can also help students find accommodation with host families in and around Lucerne.

The cost of living in Switzerland is relatively high by international standards and ranges between CHF 1200 and CHF 1600 per month, depending on individual needs and activities.

Estimated living costs for Lucerne:
Student accommodation: app. CHF 650/month
Mobile: depending on individual use, app. CHF 20/month
Local transportation (bus, train): CHF 70/month
Health Insurance (if no EHIC): app. CHF 50/month
Food (self-prepared): app. CHF 200–300/month

Lunch at student Cafeteria: CHF 10
Dinner at a restaurant: app. CHF 30–40
Beer / coffee / soft drink: CHF 5–6
Student Visa (only non-EU/EFTA): please check with the Swiss Embassy in your home country
Residence permit: CHF 70 (EU/EFTA countries) or CHF 250 (non-EU/EFTA countries)

Anyone staying in Switzerland for more than three months must have compulsory health and accident insurance. If the health insurance policy from your home country meets the Swiss standards, you can be exempted from the insurance obligation. For students from EU countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be accepted. Otherwise, you must take out basic insurance with a Swiss student health insurance company.

Public transport in Switzerland is outstanding. Switzerland has a dense and well-developed network. Almost any place can be reached by public transport. This, however, means that prices for public transport are also rather high. If you stay for a longer period of time, you are well advised to check the possibilities in advance.
Due to the limited number of expensive parking spaces in the city centre, travelling by car is not recommended.