Traditional mobility: organizational aspects

USI has established agreements with the other 9 Swiss universities and the 2 institutes of technology and with more than 100 institutions abroad. The responsive portal is the main tool available to USI students. It is important to carefully review the partner institutions to make an informed choice and ensure credit recognition.

Four useful tips for choosing your destination

• Use the interactive portal and filter by your study programme. Careful: agreements are normally faculty-wide or university-wide. It is therefore of crucial importance to check the courst catalogue to make sure that the academic offer is suitable for your study plan and personal interests;
• Click on the “i” icon to access the page of each university, where you will find a collection of useful information and links;
• Check the language of instruction and the academic calendar carefully;
• Read the factsheet thoroughly — this essential document is created for exchange students and contains all the information needed to organise your study period abroad (course catalogue link, academic calendar, language requirements, accommodation info, and more).

RESPONSIVE PORTAL

Free place for Spring Semester 2027

Information sessions provide useful details for organising your mobility experience: exchange programmes, partner universities, application procedures, admission requirements, financial aspects, and more are presented. In 2025, the information sessions will be held on the following dates and times. Attendance is free and no registration is required.

* In this dedicated session, 3 main aspects will be presented: choice of the destination, Learning Agreement and proof of foreign language competences.

The International Relations and Study Abroad Service offers the possibility to book a personal meeting to discuss the details of your exchange project. We will be happy to assist you in organising your study abroad experience and answer any question you may have.

• Lugano Campus: select "ILARIA JUON: USI students CAMPUS LUGANO"
• Mendrisio Campus: select "STEFANO BASTIANELLI: Academy of Architecture (Mendrisio)"

BOOK YOUR MEETING

Written by former USI students who included an exchange period in their study programme, the exchange reports - accessible through the partner universities’ portal - are a valuable source of information: they are the voices of those who have gone through this experience before you!

Please select “Exchange experience reports” in the top left corner. You may filter by study programme and/or destination. 

RESPONSIVE PORTAL

The special edition is the magazine of the International Relations and Study Abroad Service distributed during the Welcome Days, the information sessions for exchanges and, generally, during the promotional campaign for exchanges that takes place each year in Autumn. Don't miss it! In addition to useful information and insights on the topic of exchanges, the leisure section offers a crossword, a mini language guide, the horoscope for exchanges and much more! 

• Issue 2024
• Issue 2025

@usi_relint_exchangegram_26-27, the Telegram Channel of the International Relations and Study Abroad Service. 

This channel aims to keep you informed — in an informal way — about study exchanges and the opportunities USI offers you. We will post information about calls for applications, deadlines, and enrollment procedures, as well as useful links, short presentations of our partner universities, exchange student testimonials, and much more. We will also host live Q&A sessions to allow you to ask questions about exchanges. 

STAY TUNED

A short video on why we believe a study experience abroad will further enrich your study curriculum and help you grow as a person.

WATCH VIDEO

On the occasion of "Il Mondo in USI", an event held in October 2023 with the aim of promoting multiculturalism, cultural diversity and inclusion within the context of university life, the International Relations and Study Abroad Service published an international cookbook. This cookbook is the result of the passion, creativity, diversity, and multiculturalism of the USI community. In these pages, we invite you to embark on a unique gastronomic journey through the traditions, flavours, and stories of different cultures.

Every recipe presented here carries a unique story and opens a window to the world, creating a bridge that connects our experiences and shows us how much we can learn from one another through the universal language of food. In an era where the world seems to be divided on many issues, cuisine becomes a point of unity, a way to celebrate our differences, and discover our similarities. This cookbook is a celebration of this diversity. It represents our commitment to embracing multiculturalism, promoting inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect.

DOWNLOAD COOKBOOK

International Relations and Study Abroad Service:

• Guidelines for Study Exchanges (until exchanges in the Spring Semester 2026)
• Guidelines for Study Exchanges (as of exchange in the Academic Year 2026-2027)

• Academy of Architecture: Direttiva per la mobilità (Italian only)
• Faculty of Biomedical Science: Regulation for academic mobility
• Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society: Regulations for student mobility
• Faculty of Economics: Guidelines for Exchange Programmes
• Faculty of Informatics: Directive on Student Mobility
• Faculty of Theology: to be updated

The Learning Agreement is a fundamental document that USI students must prepare as an integral part of their exchange period. It confirms the acceptance of the courses followed at the partner university and, consequently, guarantees the recognition of the exams taken in exchange.

The management of the Learning Agreement can be different depending on the Faculty and the study programme. The International Relations and Study Abroad Service has therefore prepared two documents useful to complete the Learning Agreement (in Mobility Online via digital module) in the correct way:

• Learning Agreement User Manual: you do not need to read the entire document, but please read carefully the chapter concerning the study programme you are enrolled in. The document has been drawn up in Italian or in English for the study programmes taught in one or the other language respectively.
• Fields for Learning Agreement: a factsheet with all the fields that need to completed with instructions on how to complete them correctly.

Wrongly filled Learning Agreements will be rejected. ECTS obtained with exams that were not pre-approved will not be transferred.

We remind you that ECTS points earned with language courses will not be transferred. Only bachelor students at the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society can discuss a possible (yet not guaranteed) transfer of some specific language course credits with the director of studies.

To prepare the Learning Agreement it is strongly recommended to consult the factsheet of the partner university, to access the correct course catalogue (some universities offer only a selection of courses to incoming students, and not the entire catalogue) and collect additional useful information (limited access to courses, pre-requisites, course allocation methods, etc). Course approval is not guaranteed until confirmation from the partner university. The Learning Agreement is therefore a document subject to change and is made of two parts: Learning Agreement Before (a study plan proposal) and Learning Agreement Final (with or without additional Changes). Students in exchange have time until one month from the beginning of the exchange to submit the Final version.

Work load

In general, the number of credits corresponds with the semester/full year at USI (30/60 ECTS) or to the equivalent of a full-time program of one semester at the host institution. Some universities set a minimum workload that students must respect. This information is usually indicated in the factsheets.

Useful document (provided within Mobility Online as well)

Learning Agreement: user manual

Fields for Learning Agreement

The Departmental Coordinators are responsible for approving the Learning Agreement. In order to proceed, they receive an automatic email directly from Mobility Online when a Learning Agreement is ready to be checked. There is therefore no need for the candidate to make direct contact, but in the case of specific questions about courses or exams when compiling the Learning Agreement, the candidate can refer to the following coordinators:

Students enrolling in an exchange programme must meet the minimum language requirements set by the host university for the language in which they intend to study. Proof must be provided no later than the internal enrolment deadline. It is the responsibility of each USI student to ensure that they meet the minimum requirement (level and type of certificate). This information can be found in the factsheets of the partner universities. If in doubt, please contact the International Relations and Study Abroad Service.  

For partner universities of the Academy of Architecture, please contact the International Relations and Study Abroad Service of the Academy. 

The LLM Laboratory of Modern Languages organises Italian, German, French and English language courses. In addition to language study, the courses are enriched by the study of German, French and English cultures, academic courses and sectorial courses.

Courses are free of charge and open to students from all faculties and enable them to achieve various levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Please note that the Laboratory of Modern Languages is also the official seat for IELTS and Goethe-Institut certification.

Are you thinking about studying abroad? Do the universities of your interest require a foreign language certificate? Do not hesitate to contact the Laboratory of Modern Languages to find out which solution is best for you!

Discover more about the Laboratory of Modern Languages

The entire management of an exchange takes place in Mobility Online. The platform contains information, documentation, and procedures to be completed from registration to the end of the mobility period. It is the responsibility of each exchange student to keep the platform updated and provide the required information.

LINK TO THE APPLICATION FORM

Call for exchange in the academic year 2026/2027 (Autumn Semester / Entire Academic Year) is currently closed and will open again after mid-August for exchanges in the Spring Semester 2027. 

Please note:

• Login is done using your SWITCH edu-ID credentials;
• Only one application per semester will be accepted;
  • Lugano Campus: a maximum of two choices in order of preference;
  • Mendrisio Campus: a maximum of five choices in order of preference.
• Bachelor in Economics: students who are planning an exchange for an entire academic year in two different destinations must submit two separate forms, one for the Autumn Semester and one for the Spring Semester. 
• After the first login, you will access the application form, which must be fully completed (mandatory fields are marked with *). Once you click “send application,” the system will send a confirmation email (“Confirmation of registration”). From that moment, the personal link to access the platform is the one provided at the bottom of the email. Login continues to be done with SWITCH edu-ID credentials.
• To complete your application, you must access the platform and follow all the steps indicated in the Work Flow.

Lugano Campus

• Proof of language proficiency, complying with the minimum language requirements set by the partner university;
• Lettera of motivation (to be writte directly within Mobility Online);
• Learning Agreement (all necessary information will be available in Mobility Online).

Mendrisio Campus

• Lettera of motivation (to be writte directly within Mobility Online);
• Bachelor project portfolio, A4, PDF, maximum 30MB;
• Proof of language proficiency, if available and if required by the host university.

15 JANUARY 2027, 23.59 hrs to complete and submit the online application form, for exchanges in the following academic year. The link to the application form is published on 14 December 2026. 

3 FEBRUARY 2027, 23.59 hrs to complete all required steps in your Work Flow. 

23 SEPTEMBER 2026, 23.59 hrs only for the Spring Semester 2027 (Lugano Campus only, and only for destinations where places are still available). The link to the application form is published in the second half of August 2026. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application after the deadline is not possible.

Lugano Campus: Selection is based on a ranking system. The selection criteria and their calculation are detailed in the Guidelines for Study Exchanges. Each candidate will be selected for one destination only: either the first choice or the second choice. It will not be required to confirm the acceptance of the exchange place: the selection implicitly provides for this. Students who are not selected for neither their first nor their second choice will be contacted to evaluate a third destination among the free places. 

Mendrisio Campus: Selection is based solely on the weighted average of exam grades. This process takes place once a year in February for the entire academic year. Each candidate will be selected for one destination only. More information is available in the Guidelines for Study Exchanges, Article 11 and following, and in the Direttiva per la mobilità universitaria of the Academy of Architecture. Students who are not selected will be contacted to discuss the case. 

Applicants for an exchange are expected to register only if genuinely interested in participating. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances or serious impediments may lead to withdrawal. Please note the following:

• Students who intend to withdraw from their mobility period must promptly notify the International Relations and Study Abroad Service in writing;
• If timing allows, the place may be reassigned to a previously unselected student. Otherwise, the place will remain vacant;
• The ranking will not be redone;
• In case of failure to start the exchange, the full enrolment fee will be applied to the student (see Article 15 of the General Regulations for Admissions and Enrolments);
• In case of early return from the mobility period, the enrolment fee will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, according to the principle of proportionality;
• Students are also required to reimburse the SEMP scholarship in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the National Agency Movetia.

It is not possible to enrol simultaneously at two partner universities or to take courses both at USI and at a partner university at the same time. Furthermore, changing the destination after selection is not allowed. Therefore, please choose your destination carefully.

Those who wish to study at a university with which USI does not have a bilateral agreement must be prepared to organise their stay much more independently (with limited support from the International Relations and Study Abroad Service). This type of mobility is not permitted for students of the Academy of Architecture. 

Please note the following provisions:

• An internal application is required: upon request, the International Relations and Study Abroad Service will provide a link to the online form.
• As part of the application process, you will be required to upload proof that your destination has been approved by your programme director. Please verify this before applying. 
• It is the applicant's responsibility to verify a) whether the identified university accepts freemover students, b) the relevant enrolment procedures, c) the deadlines, and d) the conditions of participation. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a SEMP scholarship for this programme and that you are subject to tuition fees at the host university. However, half of the tuition fees at USI will be waived.

All selected students are officially nominated to the partner universities by USI’s International Relations and Study Abroad Service within the deadlines set by the host institutions.

All nominated students are contacted directly by the host university with all the details related to the exchange. It is each student’s responsibility to follow the instructions and meet all deadlines set by the host university regarding university registration, course enrolment, health insurance, and accommodation. Please note that each university has its own procedures and timeline for sending out its information package. The International Relations and Study Abroad Service declines any responsibility in case of missed registration deadline or late submission of documents.

Although the formal check of applications and minimum requirements is carried out at USI, the partner university has the right to accept or reject an application. While such cases are rare, we strongly advise against booking travel or accommodation before receiving the official acceptance from the host university. Once acceptance is confirmed, students may proceed with planning their departure and handling any additional administrative matters.

Housing opportunities vary from one university to another. Useful information (types of accommodation, how to apply, deadlines, costs, etc.) is usually included in the information package sent after nomination. It is strongly recommended to follow the host university’s instructions and respect all deadlines, especially in cities known for having a competitive housing market.

If you choose to rely on real estate agencies, intermediaries, websites, or any other channels not managed by the host university, we recommend to carefully review the rental contract and related clauses to avoid unexpected costs.

Please note that travel, meals, and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Some useful resources for housing searches:

• HousingAnywhere
• Uniplaces
• Homestay
• Erasmus Play 

It is also recommended to get in touch with the local section of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), a European non-profit organisation that supports international students under the motto "Students Helping Students."
A list of local sections by country is available here: https://esn.org/sections. 

Useful sources of information are indicated in the responsive portal for partner universities, in each university section.

In addition, most universities offer free (or low-cost) language courses before the start of the semester. Please note that language course credits are generally not recognised by USI as part of the official study plan.

USI students selected for an exchange must ensure they have completed all the necessary administrative procedures before leaving the Canton of Ticino and/or Switzerland (city and cantonal authority, health insurance). The file also contains an overview of the procedure to re-enter Ticino/Switzerland.  

 DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST

• During the mobility period, students remain enrolled at USI and are subject to the conditions established by the Study Regulations of their respective faculties for the completion of their degree.
• Exchange students are eligible for a 50% reduction on the semester tuition fee in cases provided for by Article 15, paragraph 5 of the General Regulations for Admissions and Enrolments.
• All USI exchange agreements are based on bilateral agreements that do not require payment of tuition fees at the host university.
• However, the host university may request payment of a small administrative fee or fees for specific activities (library, gym, use of facilities).

Anyone participating in an exchange under the SEMP programme (Europe and World) may receive a scholarship if they meet the following requirements:

• Be regularly enrolled at USI;
• Not receive other European Union grants for study/work abroad during the same period;
• Not have residency in the country where they intend to carry out the mobility period.

Budget and scholarship disbursement

• The overall budget and scholarship amount are decided by the National Agency Movetia and communicated to higher education institutions during the month of July of the current year;
• If the budget allows, the scholarship is automatically awarded to all students selected for the SEMP programme (Europe and World), without the need to submit a specific application;
• Students will be informed in due time;
• The amount does not cover all costs of the stay but is intended as a contribution towards travel, accommodation, and/or other living expenses;
• The first installment of the SEMP scholarship (70%) is paid after confirmation of arrival in the host country, while the balance (30%) is paid at the end of the mobility period, after completing the return procedures.

Duration of funding

• The minimum funding period is two full months (60 days) up to a maximum of 12 months per study cycle. According to the Swiss National Agency’s regulations, students who have already received a SEMP scholarship for study or internship may be granted an additional SEMP scholarship for study or internship for a maximum period equal to the difference between the maximum duration (12 months) and the months previously funded;
• For this calculation, only the months during which the scholarship was paid count, not the actual duration of the activity;
• Partial funding of mobility for study purposes is not possible.

Examples:

• Master student (Faculty of Lugano) undertaking a mobility period for study purposes in an EU or non-EU country and receiving 4 months of SEMP scholarship funding for this mobility may receive additional funding for a possible internship in an EU or World organisation for up to 8 months.
• Bachelor student (Faculty of Lugano) undertaking a mobility period for study purposes in an EU or non-EU country and receiving 10 months of SEMP scholarship funding for this mobility may receive additional funding for a possible internship in an EU or World organisation for up to 2 months.

Important information Academy of Architecture

• Students who have already received a SEMP internship scholarship for a period longer than seven months are not eligible to receive a SEMP study scholarship for an exchange at a partner university, whether in Europe or internationally. Conversely, students who have not yet benefited from a SEMP scholarship for internship are entitled to receive a SEMP scholarship for study exchange.

A financial support (“Grant for eco-friendly travel”) of CHF 100 is granted to those who choose to travel to and/or from their destination by train, bus, or car-sharing (SEMP Europe mobility only). The contribution is paid together with the final installment of the scholarship, upon submission of a copy of the travel receipt along with the end-of-stay documentation.

Students from Swiss universities participating in mobility within the SEMP programme can now benefit from the Interrail Pass for Erasmus+ — a great opportunity to travel sustainably across Europe.

How does it work?

The Interrail Pass for Erasmus+ offers four to six travel days to be used within six months — ideal for the outbound and return journeys plus a few extra days to explore new cities. During these travel days, unlimited train journeys are possible. The travel days can be used at any time within six months from the start date. They can be spread out over time or used consecutively — it’s up to each individual.

The SEMP programme, with its CHF 100 flat-rate ("contribution for eco-friendly travel"), already covers half the cost of the 4-day second-class pass:

• Outgoing students: the flat-rate will be added to Installment II of the SEMP scholarship at the end of the exchange, once completed the end of exchange procedure and upon submission of proof of travel.
• Incoming students: the flat-rate is paid together with the SEMP scholarship in the beginning of the exchange.

This initiative reflects the growing importance of sustainability in international mobility and offers students a practical option to organise their train travel, enriching the exchange experience with greater flexibility and the joy of slow travel.

To learn more, please consult the Interrail/Eurail for Erasmus+ official website

Costs

The Heyning-Roelli Foundation awards scholarships to talented but financially disadvantaged students to support their travel and living expenses. Exchange programmes include the SEMP programme and other programmes based on bilateral agreements. In these programmes, students remain enrolled at their home university and continue their studies there after the end of their exchange.

Applications for the Autumn Semester must be submitted by 20 April, 24:00 CET each year.
Applications for the Spring Semester must be submitted by 20 October, 24:00 CET each year.

Swissuniversities manages government scholarships from more than 30 countries for study or research abroad.

Grants are intended for Swiss students, researchers and, in some cases, artists. In certain countries, residents of Switzerland who do not hold citizenship may also apply, provided they are enrolled at a Swiss university.

Available grants vary by host country and can be awarded for a variety of purposes, including full degree programmes up to the doctoral level, short periods of, research at all career levels, professional training, teaching, and language courses.

Admission requirements, application procedure and scholarship amounts vary by host country and are available on the swissuniversities website: https://www.swissuniversities.ch/en/service/scholarships-for-study-abroad/government-scholarships

USI’s International Relations Service does not handle applications for government scholarships.

For further information we suggest to get in touch with the Scholarship Service of swissuniversities.

Each year, SAS awards a total of 15,000 to 20,000 Swiss francs to five to seven scholarship recipients. The scholarship fund is financed through contributions of SAS members and various third parties.

Additional information can be found on the SAS website: https://www.swiss-am.net/?lang=en

The Berrow Foundation awards seven or more scholarships each year to enable graduates of Swiss universities to undertake a course of advanced study at the University of Oxford as members of Lincoln College. USI graduates are eligible to apply exclusively for the Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships, which are restricted to study in the medical, chemical, or biochemical sciences.

For details about the scholarships, eligibility criteria, and the application procedure, please visit the Lincoln College website.

Most universities organise orientation programmes (mandatory or optional) for incoming students before the semester begins. Exchange students are required to arrive punctually at the host university for orientation and the start of classes. Depending on the academic calendar, the start of courses at the host institution may overlap with USI’s September retake exam session. Late arrival at the partner university is not permitted!

A mandatory orientation programme takes place before each semester. Students who do not attend will not be accepted into the exchange programme. The University of St. Gallen makes no exceptions.

Exchange students take on an important responsibility as ambassadors of USI. By generating interest in USI at the host university, they help ensure the validity and balance of exchange agreements. Participation in exchange-related events, such as international fairs, is highly encouraged. The USI's International Relations and Study Abroad Service will be happy to send promotional materials.

• All students: end of exchange report, completed directly in Mobility Online and published in the responsive portal (anonymously) as useful information source for future exchange students;
• All students: final Learning Agreement, approved and signed by all three parties (student, USI, host university);
• Only SEMP students (Europe and World): certificate of attendance duly completed and signed by the International Office of the host university, with exact start and end dates of courses.

Important information: each partner university has its own official procedure and timeline for issuing the exam certificate.

The exam certificate issued by the partner university must be uploaded in Mobility Online for the necessary verification. Only after this formal check the certificate will be forwarded to the Student Administration for the recognition of exams and the corresponding credits. Credits cannot be obtained simply by attending one or two semesters at another university. The value of an exchange semester is measured through the formal evaluation of courses (grades) and the corresponding credits earned based on passing exams or assessment of other activities (projects, group work, etc.).

In the event of one or more failed exams at the host university, there are few viable options: 

1. Retake the exam(s) at the host university, if a retake session is offered and the attendance of it is reasonable (time, distance, compatibility with other academic activites, etc) 
2. Substitute the failed exams with USI exams in the following semester, in line with the academic offer and the requisites of your study plan; 

In some cases, it is necessary to postpone graduation of semester to catch up the missing ECTS; even though this does not happen often, it is a circumstance that cannnot be completely avoided. 

It is in any case not possibile to validate an exam with an insufficient grade obtained while in exchange. 

1. The exam certificate includes a QR code or a verification link. USI accepts this certificate even if sent by the student.
2. If the certificate lacks a QR code or verification link, it is accepted only if sent by the International Office of the partner university to [email protected].
3. If the certificate lacks a QR code or verification link and the university sends it only to the student, the International Relations and Study Abroad Service will verify its authenticity directly with the partner university.

• Credits earned from master-level courses by bachelor students may be recognized subject to approval;
• Credits earned from bachelor-level courses by master students are not recognized. An exception is made for fourth-year bachelor courses, in countries where the bachelor lasts that long, subject to approval;
• Only passed exams are recognized and recorded in GESTU in the student’s study plan, subject to approval;
• The number of transferred credits corresponds to the credits assigned to the courses at the partner university and not their equivalent at USI. For example, if course "A" is worth 4 credits at the partner university and replaces course "B" worth 6 credits at USI, and the exam is passed, 4 credits will be transferred to the USI transcript, not 6;
• Grades from exams taken during the exchange do not count towards the overall GPA;
• At the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, grades are converted to the USI grading scale; in other faculties, the grade is recorded as "pass" on the transcript;
• Exchange students studying in a country outside the ECTS area can consult the non-ECTS credit conversion indicated on the portal to determine the workload and credits required to complete the semester; if a lower number of credits is obtained, credits will be recognized proportionally.