Cuts to contributions and limited spots: what changes at USI

Context

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 2027

Cantonal cuts are compounded by federal ones. In the Relief 27 package, approved by Parliament, public funding for higher education will be reduced. For cantonal universities, Measure 26 provides a cut from 120 to 60 million francs per year. Federal polytechnics will also face reductions.

USI is not the only one facing these challenges. As of autumn 2025, the federal polytechnics in Zurich have increased tuition for international students to 2,190 francs per semester, compared to 730 francs for Swiss students. The University of St. Gallen has also introduced limits on the number of international students, setting a cap at 25% of the total.

Student reactions

The Swiss Union of Students (USU) has strongly criticized these measures, calling them 'derived from a short-term vision that can only prove counterproductive.' The organization represents over 140,000 students and demands the preservation of a fair and publicly funded higher education system.

For cross-border workers studying in Ticino, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. With rising tuition fees and limited enrollment, access to Swiss universities is becoming more selective and costly.

Operational details

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 competitive compared to other European universities.

Comparison with Other Swiss Universities Compared to other Swiss universities, USI is already the most expensive institution. With the increase in tuition fees, the situation could further deteriorate, making USI less competitive compared to other Swiss universities.

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Key points

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