Admission

The admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English. Non-native English speakers applying to the Master’s or whose previous degree was obtained in another language, are required to provide an internationally acknowledged language certificate equal to the B2 level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR) or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

The B2 level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:

*Due to the current health emergency, USI temporarily accepts TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IETLS Indicator as alternatives to the standard tests.
TOEFL: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/
IELTS: https://www.ieltsindicator.com/

Whilst it is an important requisite to be fluent in English, you do not need to know or learn Italian in order to successfully participate in the proposed study programme.

Italian

As Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, students might be interested in acquiring the basics in Italian, in order to be able to get around in everyday life.
The Università della Svizzera italiana offers an Italian language study programme organized in various modules. All its non-Italian-speaking students, researchers and professors are invited to participate free of charge.

1. Preparative intensive course for beginners
   In the three weeks preceding the beginning of the fall term, an intensive Italian class is organised.
2. Courses offered during the semesters
   Several Italian classes with different levels of difficulties are organised during the academic year.

Read all details about the Italian classes offered at USI, here.

Exceptional Measure for the A.Y. 2020/21: when do I have to submit my English language certification?

• Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society / Economics / Informatics: by 30 December 2020. 

  If a student/student fails to obtain the required level of English by the deadline, enrolment in the 2021 winter session will be cancelled, the exams taken in the intermediate session will be invalidated and admission to the Master's degree will not be confirmed.
  ​Candidates will also be required to reach level C1 by the deadline for obtaining the degree.