Overview
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a public university in Lausanne, Switzerland, known for strong research and teaching across humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and medicine. Founded in 1537 as a theological academy, it became a university in 1890. UNIL is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering a campus environment that many students find both inspiring and practical for daily study.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Lausanne (UNIL) |
| Established | 1537 (became a university in 1890) |
| Type | Public |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Student Population | Approximately 17,000 students |
| Website | UNIL official website |
3. Fee Structure
Tuition fees at UNIL are the same for Swiss and international students. For the most up-to-date amounts, always confirm details on the university’s official fee pages before planning your budget. As a general reference, the fees are:
- Tuition Fee: CHF 500 per semester
- Compulsory Fees: CHF 80 per semester
- One-time Fees: CHF 200
Note: Fee structures can change by academic year, so it’s best to verify current figures on the official UNIL website.
4. Academic Programs
UNIL provides a wide selection of programs through its seven faculties:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine
- Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne)
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environment
- Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
Most courses are taught in French, while several Master’s programs are available in English. If you’re comparing options in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, you may also want to review University of Geneva for additional language and program pathways.
5. Facilities
- Modern lecture halls and classrooms
- Research laboratories and subject-specific centers
- University libraries with extensive physical and digital collections
- Sports facilities and student-run clubs
- Student residences and accommodation support resources
6. Accommodation
UNIL works with the Fondation Maisons pour Etudiants Lausanne (FMEL) to support student housing. Because demand can be high, it’s recommended to start the accommodation process early and to keep an eye on application timelines shared by the university and FMEL. For broader housing context in Switzerland, you can also compare student life options across other institutions, such as University of Zurich.
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@unil.ch
- Phone: +41 21 692 11 11
- Address: Unicentre, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
More Universities in Switzerland
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of St. Gallen
- University of Fribourg
- Università della Svizzera italiana
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