Cuts to Cantonal Funding: The Position of Interim Rector Gabriele Balbi

Gabriele Balbi, the Interim Rector of Università della Svizzera italiana, has commented on the Ticino State Council's decision to reduce cantonal funding for the University by 5.5 million francs. This adjustment, part of the measures to implement health insurance initiatives, follows a previously announced cut of one million francs. This brings the total annual reduction in USI's performance mandate to 6.5 million francs, effective from 2027.

"Università della Svizzera italiana is the institution most affected by the cuts," notes Gabriele Balbi. "We are ready to play our part in the collective effort to honour the public mandate expressed through the health insurance initiatives. However, we will have to address these cuts through painful measures that may fundamentally change the University as we know it. Our primary focus will be on upholding a high standard of cutting-edge education for our students and remaining competitive in research, where further federal cuts have already been announced."

In the short term, the Interim Rector explains, the University may be able to absorb part of the financial impact thanks to its own internal resources and the growth recorded in recent years. "Over the 2027–28 period, we will be able to withstand the cantonal cuts thanks to revenue from growing student numbers and research successes, alongside the lean, efficient, and responsible management of USI, which has allowed us to build up reserves over time. However, these resources are liable to be depleted quickly. In the meantime, it will be necessary to identify solutions to compensate for the shortfall until the next performance mandate is negotiated, in the hope that no further budget reductions occur."

Balbi also emphasises that the University is already working on possible response plans to the new financial situation. "USI has already developed several financial scenarios; however, a number of internal steps must be completed before any concrete measures are announced. The projections developed to date were based on different assumptions—such as federal cuts and the potential impact of bilateral agreements—whereas the scale of the recently announced cantonal reductions could not have been anticipated until a few days ago. Our strategy will focus on expenditure containment, alongside initiatives to increase revenue and diversify our funding sources."

Among the measures currently being considered is a review of tuition fees for future international students. "The Canton's message already mentions a possible intervention 'through an increase in fees for foreign students'. An upward adjustment to fees for future international students will be evaluated to strengthen financial sustainability without impacting current students or making USI less appealing to Swiss applicants. In this regard, it is important to underline that international students already represent a significant factor in USI's financial balance: they involve a fixed cost of 10.5 million for the Canton but generate revenue of approximately 37 million, thanks to tuition fees (which are higher than those for Swiss students) and federal contributions. Public funding for international students is capped at thresholds set by the Canton; however, it creates a significant multiplier effect that supports the University's broader development."

In this context, the Interim Rector also appeals for support from the community and the University's partners. "For those who care about USI and want to continue maintaining it as a jewel in the crown of Italian-speaking Switzerland, now is the time to act. These cuts, needless to say, entail downsizing, especially regarding the University's international and global ambitions, which are also reflected in the rankings. Our goal is to continue a dream that was introduced 30 years ago."

Despite the challenges ahead, Balbi remains keen to reassure students and their families about the University's future. "Our students and their families can look to the future with confidence. USI, as we know it—a high-quality institution as it approaches its 30th anniversary—will continue to earn its trust."