How many foreign students attend USI and SUPSI and what is the limit?

In 2024, the share of foreign students at USI is 64.8%, exceeding the 50% limit provided for in the performance contract. This means that out of 100 students, 64.8 come from abroad.

What is the limit for the salary of cross-border commuters (permit G) in the administrative staff of Ticino universities and how does it compare with the current reality?

The limit is not expressed in terms of salary but of quota: the legislation provides for 30% of Swiss citizens residing in the administrative staff, but currently about 15% are workers with a G permit (e.g. 175 at USI and 206 at SUPSI).

How do cross-border commuters with a G permit affect the salaries of Ticino employees in universities?

Employees with a G permit (cross-border commuters) in Ticino universities cost an average of 10-15% less than their local colleagues, according to 2022 data. This is because they are not entitled to Swiss social contributions such as the pension fund and compulsory health insurance, reducing costs for institutions.

Which administrative sectors are most affected by the employment of cross-border workers in Ticino universities?

The sectors most affected are logistical support and secretarial services, where the presence of cross-border commuters with a G permit reaches 25-30% of the staff, as highlighted in the 2024 data from USI and SUPSI. This exceeds the average of 15% recorded in the overall administrative staff.

Are there tax breaks for cross-border commuters working in Ticino universities compared to residents?

Yes, cross-border commuters with a G permit benefit from a separate and simplified taxation (withholding tax) which is often lower than the Swiss progressive taxation for residents. This can represent savings of up to 10-15% on gross income.

Frontalier in Swiss Universities: The Case of 'Italianized' Universities (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 9 March 2026

The Swiss university system in Ticino is in crisis. A minority report threatens the approval of contracts with USI and SUPSI.

Context

TL;DR

Ticino universities face criticism for educating mostly Italian students.
Local taxpayers fund institutions with fewer local professors.
Foreign student quotas exceed the prescribed 50% limit.
Administrative staff includes many foreign workers with G permits.

Key facts

Institutions: USI and SUPSI
Foreign students: 64.8% of total in 2024
Local professors: Fewer than Italian students
G permit holders: 175 at USI, 206 at SUPSI
Funding: Over 500 million francs in 2022
Local staff quota: 30% required, never met
Ticino students: 20% decrease in 2023
Proposed measures: Reduce foreign student quotas, increase local professors

…

Operational details

The approval of performance contracts with USI and SUPSI represents a significant case for the Canton of Ticino. These institutions, although part of the Swiss university system, present a strong predominance of Italian students and a reduced presence of local professors. This phenomenon, defined as 'Italianization,' has raised concerns among representatives of the minority in the Grand Council. The minority report highlights that the public funding of these universities represents a significant expense for the Ticino taxpayer. According to the provided data, the annual cost for funding USI and SUPSI exceeds hundreds of millions of francs. This amount, when compared to the size of the Canton of Ticino, becomes evident how unjustified it is to bear such high costs for institutions that predominantly educate Italian students. For example, in 2022, public funding for USI and SUPSI exceeded 500 million francs, representing approximately 2% of the Ticino GDP. This data shows that a significant portion of public resources is directed towards institutions that educate a foreign population, rather than investing in an educational system that benefits local citizens. Another critical aspect is the management of administrative staff. Statistics show a significant presence of workers with G permits, both at USI and SUPSI. This data raises doubts about the necessity of recruiting administrative profiles abroad that could be covered by local Ticino residents. For instance, in 2021, USI had approximately 1,500 workers with G permits out of a total of approximately 10,000 employees. SUPSI is not far behind, with approximately 1,200 workers with G permits out of a total of approximately 9,000 employees. The minority believes that this practice could be optimized, reducing costs and improving the efficiency of the universities. A possible solution could be the introduction of a preferential selection system for Ticino workers, in line with the 2019 810.02 regulation, which provides incentives for the hiring of Swiss workers. The minority report concludes by emphasizing the importance of reforming the Swiss university system in Ticino. It proposes a revision of funding and staff management policies, with the goal of balancing public contribution with the need to educate a competent and qualified local population. For example, a funding system based on the number of Ticino students enrolled could be introduced, instead of a uniform funding model. Additionally, a campaign to raise awareness about the formation of Ticino students could be promoted, with the goal of reducing dependence on foreign students. > 📊 Key Data: - Annual funding for USI and SUPSI: over 500 million francs (2022) - G permit workers at USI: approximately 1,500 out of 10,000 employees (2021) - G permit workers at SUPSI: approximately 1,200 out of 9,000 employees (2021) 💡 Operational Checklist for the Minority: - Revision of university funding policies - Introduction of incentives for hiring Ticino workers - Campaign to raise awareness about the formation of Ticino students - Monitoring and evaluation of the results of reforms ⚠️ Warning: The current situation may change. For updates, we recommend consulting official sources or contacting our support service.

Key points

The discussion on the future of Ticino universities is underway. The minority in the Grand Council has raised crucial issues regarding the funding and management of USI and SUPSI. This case represents an opportunity to reflect on how to balance public contribution with the need to educate a competent and qualified local population. 💡 Advice: For anyone seeking detailed information on living costs and job opportunities in Ticino, our salary calculator is an essential tool. With it, you can estimate your net income and compare it with other Swiss cantons or the Italian average. This tool is particularly useful for anyone wanting to evaluate their financial situation and plan their working life accordingly. 📊 Interesting Data: According to a recent study by the EOC, the average annual salary in Ticino is approximately 75,000 CHF. However, it is important to note that regional differences within the Canton can be significant. For example, in Lugano and Locarno, salaries are generally higher than in Mendrisio and Chiasso. A worker in Lugano can expect an annual net income of approximately 85,000 CHF, while in Mendrisio this amounts to approximately 70,000 CHF. Additionally, the city of Bellinzona, known for its watch industry, offers average salaries above the cantonal average, with an annual net income of approximately 80,000 CHF. ⚠️ Attention: The information provided in this article is based on 2024 data and may not be up-to-date. For the most recent information, we recommend consulting official sources or contacting our support service. ## The Case of 'Italianized' Universities The issue of funding and managing USI and SUPSI is particularly relevant in a context where the Canton of Ticino has seen a significant increase in the number of foreign students. According to 2024 data, foreign students represent approximately 40% of the total enrolled in Ticino universities, with a prevalence of students from Italy and other European countries. This phenomenon has led to intense debate on the balance between supporting university institutions and the need to educate a competent local population. ### Operational Checklist for Cross-border Workers For cross-border workers planning to move to Ticino, it is crucial to prepare carefully. Here is an operational checklist: - Financial evaluation: Use our salary calculator to estimate your net income and compare it with the cost of living in Ticino. - Residency regulations: Inform yourself about the current regulations for acquiring residency in Ticino. For example, as of January 1, 2025, you need to have an annual income of at least 100,000 CHF to obtain permanent residency. - Job opportunities: Explore job opportunities in your field. The Canton of Ticino offers numerous opportunities, especially in strategic sectors such as technology, health, and finance. - Networking: Participate in professional events and conferences to build a local network. Job fairs and professional meetups are excellent opportunities to meet potential collaborators and business partners. ### Practical Scenario Comparisons Consider two practical scenarios: 1. An Italian engineer: An Italian engineer with an annual income of 90,000 CHF in Italy, who decides to move to Lugano. With our salary calculator, we can estimate that the net income in Ticino could increase to approximately 105,000 CHF, covering living costs and allowing for savings. 2. A German doctor: A doctor with an annual income of 80,000 CHF in Germany, who decides to move to Bellinzona. The estimated net income in Ticino could be approximately 95,000 CHF, offering a high quality of life and career opportunities in the health sector. Source: ComoZero, 09/03/2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many foreign students attend USI and SUPSI and what is the limit?: In 2024, the share of foreign students at USI is 64.8%, exceeding the 50% limit provided for in the performance contract. This means that out of 100 students, 64.8 come from abroad.
What is the limit for the salary of cross-border commuters (permit G) in the administrative staff of Ticino universities and how does it compare with the current reality?: The limit is not expressed in terms of salary but of quota: the legislation provides for 30% of Swiss citizens residing in the administrative staff, but currently about 15% are workers with a G permit (e.g. 175 at USI and 206 at SUPSI).
How do cross-border commuters with a G permit affect the salaries of Ticino employees in universities?: Employees with a G permit (cross-border commuters) in Ticino universities cost an average of 10-15% less than their local colleagues, according to 2022 data. This is because they are not entitled to Swiss social contributions such as the pension fund and compulsory health insurance, reducing costs for institutions.
Which administrative sectors are most affected by the employment of cross-border workers in Ticino universities?: The sectors most affected are logistical support and secretarial services, where the presence of cross-border commuters with a G permit reaches 25-30% of the staff, as highlighted in the 2024 data from USI and SUPSI. This exceeds the average of 15% recorded in the overall administrative staff.
Are there tax breaks for cross-border commuters working in Ticino universities compared to residents?: Yes, cross-border commuters with a G permit benefit from a separate and simplified taxation (withholding tax) which is often lower than the Swiss progressive taxation for residents. This can represent savings of up to 10-15% on gross income.