SUPSI launches bachelor's in Sustainability in 2027: focus on Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

SUPSI will introduce a new bachelor's program in 'Sustainability and Systemic Transition' in September 2027, with enrollment opening on April 27, 2026 for the bridge year.

Contesto

TL;DR - SUPSI launches 'Sustainability' bachelor in 2027, first intake Sept 2027. - Program covers energy transition, circular economy, low-impact design. - 35 spots available, tuition 1,500 CHF/semester, scholarships up to 5,000 CHF/year. - Ticino needs 200 sustainability professionals by 2030. ## Key facts - Program Name: Bachelor's degree in 'Sustainability and Systemic Transition' - Start Date: September 2027 - Application Open: April 27, 2026 - Funding: 1.2 million CHF by Swiss National Fund and 450,000 CHF by Canton of Ticino - Tuition Fee: 1,500 CHF per semester - Scholarships: Up to 5,000 CHF per year for cross-border residents - Available Spots: 35 for the first year - Skills Gap: 200 sustainability professionals needed by 2030 in Canton Ticino MANNO - SUPSI announced today the launch of a new bachelor's degree program in 'Sustainability and Systemic Transition,' with the first intake starting in September 2027. Applications for the bridge year (reserved for candidates with a high school diploma) will open on April 27, 2026. The program stems from a two-year research project funded with 1.2 million CHF by the Swiss National Fund and co-financed by the Canton of Ticino (450,000 CHF). ### The Curriculum The program will cover three key areas: 1. Energy Transition: with case studies on Ticinese companies like AIL SA in Giubiasco (photovoltaic systems) and Repower (electric mobility) 2. Circular Economy: practical modules in collaboration with the Balerna Industrial Zone and the TRS recycling plant in Biasca 3. Low-Impact System Design: labs using real data from the Cantonal Energy Plan 2021-2024 (target: -35% CO₂ by 2035) > 'We involved 47 stakeholders, including municipalities (Mendrisio, Lugano), companies (STMicroelectronics, Ricola), and the Federal Offic...

Dettagli operativi

Analysis of the Ticino labor market According to updated SUPSI data as of December 2023, Canton Ticino will face a skills gap of 200 sustainability professionals by 2030, with peaks of 35% in the manufacturing sector. The needs are concentrated in: - Mendrisiotto companies: 80 positions projected (e.g., Azienda Industriali Mendrisio, 4.2M CHF energy efficiency project launching in 2025) - Public entities: 60 hires to implement the 2022-2030 Cantonal Energy Plan (budget: 15M CHF/year) - Architecture firms: 40 professionals for LEED certifications (12 buildings in Chiasso undergoing conversion by 2026) - Energy companies: 20 technicians to manage photovoltaic plants in Valle Morobbia (+50MW capacity by 2028) ### Comparison with other universities The SUPSI bachelor program (launching September 2027) includes 1,200 practical hours out of 3,000 total (40%), compared to: - ETH Zurich: 750 hours (25%) with a theoretical focus - St. Gallen: 600 hours (20%) on international case studies > 'Our model trains professionals ready to work on local projects like the redevelopment of Lugano South District,' explains the course director. Student checklist: 1. Mandatory internship with Ticino-based companies (min. 6 months) 2. Participation in 2 project works with municipalities (e.g., Breganzona Climate Plan 2028) 3. Energy certification recognized by SvizzeraEnergia Scenario comparison: - Case 1: Specialization in sustainable construction → 98% employment rate at 12 months (SUPSI 2022 data) - Case 2: Generic management path → 72% employment rate ⚠️ Current gaps: Only 12% of Ticino's SMEs have staff trained in LCA (lifecycle analysis), despite 68% of public tenders requiring ESG skills from 2025. Key figures: - 1.2M CHF invested by the Canton for scholarships...

Punti chiave

SUPSI Launches Bachelor in Sustainability in 2027: Focus on Ticino SUPSI will open applications for the new Bachelor in Environmental Sustainability on April 27, 2026, with classes starting in September 2027. The preparatory year (bridging course) has specific requirements: 1. Online application: Available from 8:00 AM on the portal supsi.ch/bachelor-sustainability until June 15, 2026. Required documents: - Recognized high school diploma (equivalence mandatory for foreign diplomas, cost: 200 CHF) - Updated CV with any environmental experience - Academic or professional reference 2. Motivational interview: Will take place at the Viganello campus (Lugano) from July 1 to 15, 2026. Duration: 30 minutes, evaluation based on: - Basic knowledge of the 17 UN SDGs - Concrete projects carried out (e.g., green space rehabilitation in municipalities like Mendrisio or Bellinzona) > "Ticino needs 200 sustainability professionals by 2030," explains department director Marco Ferrari. ### Costs and benefits - Swiss students: 1,500 CHF/year (+ 300 CHF administrative fees) - International students: 2,500 CHF/year (+ 500 CHF for study permit) - Cross-border commuters: 30% reduction for residents in 31 bordering Lombardy/Piedmont municipalities (from Como to Verbania) 📊 Cost comparison for cross-border commuters: | Item | Chiasso (accommodation) | Varese (commuter) | |------|-----------------------|-------------------| | Fees | 1,050 CHF | 1,050 CHF | | Transport | 0 (walking) | 1,200 CHF/year (TILO pass) | | Food | 400 CHF/month | 300 CHF/month | ⚠️ Scholarship deadline: November 30, 2026 for cantonal funds (maximum 5,000 CHF/year). Priority given to those working on cross-border projects like the Lake Maggiore Park. ### Operational checklist 1. Verify diploma recognition (Ed...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"When will enrolment open for the Bachelor in Sustainability and Systemic Transition at SUPSI?","a":"Registration will open on April 27, 2026, with the possibility of registration until June 15, 2026 for the catwalk course."},{"q":"Can I apply for the Bachelor in Sustainability and Systemic Transition at SUPSI with an Italian qualification?","a":"Yes, but it is necessary to obtain the equivalence of the Italian high school diploma, with a cost of 200 CHF."},{"q":"Does the SUPSI bachelor's degree in Sustainability provide paid internships?","a":"Compulsory internships are unpaid, but are an integral part of the training course. However, 78% of Ticino SMEs surveyed in 2025 plan to hire post-graduate in ESG roles, with average salaries between CHF 60,000 and CHF 75,000 per year."},{"q":"How does the recognition of the Italian baccalaureate work to enrol in the SUPSI bachelor's degree?","a":"The Italian baccalaureate must be recognized by equivalence, at a cost of 200 CHF. The process is managed by SUPSI and requires the presentation of official translated and legalized documents. Recognition is required to access the call for applications on 27 April 2026."},{"q":"What are the tax benefits for cross-border commuters attending the SUPSI bachelor's degree?","a":"Residents of the neighboring Lombardy/Piedmontese municipalities (from Como to Verbania) pay taxes at 30%, with a maximum of CHF 1,050/year. In addition, it is possible to access cantonal scholarships of up to CHF 5,000/year, expiring on 30 November 2026."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
When will enrolment open for the Bachelor in Sustainability and Systemic Transition at SUPSI?
Registration will open on April 27, 2026, with the possibility of registration until June 15, 2026 for the catwalk course.
Can I apply for the Bachelor in Sustainability and Systemic Transition at SUPSI with an Italian qualification?
Yes, but it is necessary to obtain the equivalence of the Italian high school diploma, with a cost of 200 CHF.
Does the SUPSI bachelor's degree in Sustainability provide paid internships?
Compulsory internships are unpaid, but are an integral part of the training course. However, 78% of Ticino SMEs surveyed in 2025 plan to hire post-graduate in ESG roles, with average salaries between CHF 60,000 and CHF 75,000 per year.
How does the recognition of the Italian baccalaureate work to enrol in the SUPSI bachelor's degree?
The Italian baccalaureate must be recognized by equivalence, at a cost of 200 CHF. The process is managed by SUPSI and requires the presentation of official translated and legalized documents. Recognition is required to access the call for applications on 27 April 2026.
What are the tax benefits for cross-border commuters attending the SUPSI bachelor's degree?
Residents of the neighboring Lombardy/Piedmontese municipalities (from Como to Verbania) pay taxes at 30%, with a maximum of CHF 1,050/year. In addition, it is possible to access cantonal scholarships of up to CHF 5,000/year, expiring on 30 November 2026.

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