Frequently Asked Questions
Applications for study at the University of Lucerne are submitted via the university’s UniPortal. Please take note of the application deadlines: 30 November for the spring semester and 30 April for the autumn semester. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a personal registration invitation by email. Further details are available on the application and admission page.
It is possible to register for study programmes after the official application deadline, up until the following dates:
Spring semester: 31 January
Autumn semester: 31 August
Please note that a late application incurs an additional processing fee of CHF 150.
The study registration fee for all levels of study is CHF 100, with the exception of the Religious Education diploma course, which carries a fee of CHF 515.
A bachelor’s degree is the first academic qualification within the tiered degree structure of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. Admission to a bachelor’s programme is subject to specific requirements, such as a recognised school-leaving certificate and sufficient German language skills.
Students who are unable to attend classes for an extended period due to valid circumstances (illness, accident, maternity leave, internship, military or civilian service) may apply for a leave of absence. This must be requested in writing from the responsible dean’s office.
A leave of absence is granted for one semester and may be approved no more than twice per academic cycle. During this period, students remain enrolled at the University of Lucerne but are exempt from paying tuition fees. However, they are not permitted to attend courses or sit examinations. Access to university libraries and the student email account remains available throughout the leave.
Applications for leave must be submitted to the relevant dean’s office by the following deadlines:
Spring semester: 15 February
Autumn semester: 15 September
The CampusCard, issued in credit card format, serves as both a student ID and a means of payment in the canteen.
All academic achievements are measured using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and are awarded in credit points (CPs). One CP corresponds to a workload of 25 to 30 hours, which includes time spent attending classes as well as preparing for and reviewing course material.
The dean’s office is the central point of contact for each faculty and is headed by the dean. It is responsible for various tasks, including quality assurance, coordination of the course catalogue, administration of academic achievements and organisation of examinations.
A faculty is an organisational unit within a university, typically representing a specific subject area. However, several smaller subject areas may also be grouped together within a single faculty. The University of Lucerne comprises the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Economics and Management, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, and the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology.
Studying can be costly and, at times, a significant financial burden. Our website provides advice and support on how to fund your studies, as well as guidance on insurance matters. For instance, you can find information on cantonal education grants. Some foundations also offer financial assistance for students. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the SOL can offer temporary short-term support.
The specific content of each bachelor’s and master’s programme means that different ancient and modern language skills may be required or recommended. Further information is available from the individual faculties.
The Faculty of Theology offers courses in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, which are also open to students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Full details can be found in the Faculty of Theology’s annotated course catalogue under "Language Courses".
No knowledge of Latin is required for programmes within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Students at the University of Lucerne receive a discount of at least 20% on courses offered by the Bénédict language school, which offers courses at various levels in languages such as English, French, Italian, Spanish and German. Further information can be found under language courses.
If you have forgotten your password or have any questions regarding the University of Lucerne's email services, software or hardware, you can contact the IT department’s helpdesk for assistance (helpdesk@unilu.ch T +41 41 229 50 10)
Registration is the process of enroling as a student at the university. It must be completed in person, following a written invitation, before the start of your first semester. Enrolment is terminated once you have completed your studies or if you transfer to another university.
After paying the semester fee, you can download a confirmation of registration for the current semester via the UniPortal. Your registration remains valid if you take a leave of absence or participate in a study-abroad programme (mobility).
Before the introduction of the Bologna model and its tiered study structure (bachelor’s and master’s programmes), the licentiate degree marked the completion of university studies. It is therefore considered equivalent to a master’s degree.
A master’s programme is the second academic degree within the tiered structure of bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission to a master’s programme.
Further information can be found under Uni/PH canteen.
Discounts are offered to members of all Swiss universities.
Requests to defer military service must be submitted to the relevant faculty advisor and are processed by the military authorities in your canton of residence.
Be sure to inform yourself in good time about any service obligations with your unit. Deferral requests must be submitted at least 16 weeks before your service is due to begin. Under the army command’s new regulations, requests submitted less than 14 weeks in advance can only be considered if there are legitimate, urgent and unforeseeable reasons. The necessary forms can be found under military service.
Enrich your studies by spending time at another university in Switzerland, elsewhere in Europe, or anywhere in the world. The University of Lucerne supports this through a variety of exchange programmes and can offer both financial and organisational assistance.
There are many good reasons to spend a semester or two at a different university. Not only can it enhance your academic experience, but it also offers the opportunity to discover new cultures and meet people from diverse backgrounds. Studying abroad can also positively influence your future career prospects.
There are three exchange programmes available: mobility in Switzerland (CH-UNIMOBIL), mobility in Europe (SEMP/Erasmus) and mobility outside of Europe (Partnership).
All information about lecture times, public holidays and dates for the next semester can be found here.
The SOL student organisation represents all University of Lucerne students and their interests within the university and beyond. The SOL is split into various faculty bodies, departments and task forces, all of which welcome participation from students.
Overview of current registration and tuition fees plus bank/payment details.
Further information is available here.
A list of the University of Lucerne’s various sites can be found here.
The UniPortal offers access to a variety of resources including the course catalogue, course registration, changing your personal details and termination of enrolment.
To qualify for university studies, prospective students must meet specific admission requirements. These are published centrally and can be found under application and admission. After you submit your applcation, your documents will be reviewed. You will be notified once a decision has been reached.
