Cuts to contributions and limited spots: what changes…
The University of Italian Switzerland reduces spots for international students. Tuition doubled for those coming from abroad. Federal cuts starting in 2027.
Contesto
In brief - USI loses 6.5 million in annual contributions - Federal cuts to universities from 2027 - Tuition for international students doubled ## Key facts - What: Cuts to public contributions - When: From 2026 (canton) and 2027 (federal) - Where: Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano - Who: Ticino cantonal government and Confederation - Amount: -6.5 million/year for USI; -60 million/year for cantonal universities The Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano is facing an unprecedented financial crisis. In December 2025, the Canton cut one million francs in annual contributions, and now the State Council has announced an additional reduction of 5.5 million francs every year. Interim Rector Gabriele Balbi told the Corriere del Ticino that this cut of 6.5 million from a budget of 130 million 'is definitely felt.' The situation is also critical for students. USI has reached 4,749 enrolled students across bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs, and the infrastructure may not hold up. For this reason, starting in September 2026, some courses will have limited enrollment: 190 spots for Economics in Italian, 150 for Communication, and 70 each for the master's programs in Finance and Management. Swiss students will have guaranteed access, while international students will be disadvantaged. ### Tuition doubled for international students The cantonal government has clearly stated that USI 'will have to implement measures to contain spending and/or increase revenue, for example by raising tuition fees for foreign students.' USI is already the most expensive university in Switzerland, with differentiated fees: students from other countries pay double. With the increase, the situation will worsen further for international students. ### Federal cuts from 202...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for International Students The new measures will have a significant impact on students arriving from abroad to study in Switzerland. With the numerus clausus, many may not find a place in the most sought-after degree courses. Furthermore, the increase in tuition fees will make USI even more expensive, putting international students' pockets to the test. ### Comparison with Other Swiss Universities USI is not the only Swiss university to introduce numerus clausus and differentiated tuition fees. The University of St. Gallen, for example, limits the percentage of international students to 25% of the total, with tuition fees reaching CHF 3,300 per semester. The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has also introduced an indirect limit on the number of foreign students, setting a maximum ceiling of 3,000 first-year bachelor's degree enrollments. ### Possible Scenarios If the situation were to worsen, many international students might decide not to enroll at USI or transfer to other European universities. This could have a negative impact on the cultural and academic diversity of the institution, which has always attracted students from around the world. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the cuts, USI was an accessible institution for international students, with differentiated but not prohibitive tuition fees. Now, with the increase in tuition fees and numerus clausus, the situation has completely changed. Swiss students will have guaranteed access, while those coming from abroad will face greater difficulties. ### Comparison with Other European Universities Compared to other European universities, USI is already one of the most expensive. With the increase in tuition fees, the situation could further deteriorate, making USI less comp...
Punti chiave
What to do if you're an international student If you're an international student considering enrolling at USI, it's important to be aware of the new measures. Here's what to do: 1. Check the fees: Review the new tuition rates for international students and assess whether you can afford to study at USI. 2. Check the quota: Verify if the course you're interested in has a limited number of spots and if there are any available for international students. 3. Consider other options: If USI becomes too expensive or inaccessible, look into other Swiss or European universities. 4. Seek funding: Look for scholarships or financial aid that can help you cover university expenses. 5. Contact USI: If you have questions or concerns, reach out to USI for updated information on fees and quotas. ### Useful Tools To better understand the situation, you can use the tuition fee calculator to compare USI's costs with other Swiss and European universities. Additionally, you can consult the scholarship guide to find funding options that can help you cover university expenses. ### Conclusion The situation at USI is complex and rapidly evolving. If you're an international student considering enrolling at USI, it's crucial to inform yourself thoroughly and evaluate all available options. With the new measures, access to USI may become more difficult and costly, but with careful planning and research, it's still possible to find solutions. Source: tvsvizzera.it
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Which courses will have limited enrollment at USI?","a":"Starting September 2026, the courses with limited enrollment at USI will be Economics in Italian (190 spots), Communication (150 spots), Finance (70 spots), and Management (70 spots)."},{"q":"How much will it cost for international students to study at USI?","a":"International students at USI already pay double compared to Swiss students. With the increase in tuition fees, costs could double again, making USI even more expensive."},{"q":"What can international students do to cope with the situation?","a":"International students can inform themselves about the new tuition fees, check the limited enrollment numbers, consider other university options, seek funding, and contact USI for updated information."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which courses will have limited enrollment at USI?
- Starting September 2026, the courses with limited enrollment at USI will be Economics in Italian (190 spots), Communication (150 spots), Finance (70 spots), and Management (70 spots).
- How much will it cost for international students to study at USI?
- International students at USI already pay double compared to Swiss students. With the increase in tuition fees, costs could double again, making USI even more expensive.
- What can international students do to cope with the situation?
- International students can inform themselves about the new tuition fees, check the limited enrollment numbers, consider other university options, seek funding, and contact USI for updated information.