Haute école d'art et de design de Lausanne (ECAL)

The Haute école d’art et de design de Lausanne, commonly known as ECAL, is consistently ranked among the world’s top ten universities of art and design. Located in the heart of Western Switzerland, the institution is renowned for its creative rigor and its ability to bridge the gap between artistic expression and commercial viability. It offers a prestigious environment for students seeking to influence the global landscape of contemporary design and visual communication.

Academics

ECAL offers a diverse range of programs across six main departments including Fine Arts, Cinema, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Photography, and Media and Interaction Design. The teaching approach is heavily project based and emphasizes practical application through workshops led by world class professionals and visiting artists. This multidisciplinary environment encourages students to collaborate across different fields to foster innovation. The school is particularly famous for its Master in Product Design and its Type Design programs which are considered global benchmarks in the industry.

International Students

The university maintains a highly cosmopolitan atmosphere with approximately half of its student body consisting of international citizens representing over forty nationalities. While the primary language of instruction for Bachelor programs is French, many Master programs and specialized workshops are conducted in English to accommodate global talent. The school provides various support services to assist with Swiss residency permits and housing searches in the local area. Students also benefit from a tight knit community that organizes frequent exhibitions and social events to help newcomers integrate into Swiss culture.

Campus & Location

The campus is situated in a renovated former hosiery factory in Renens, a vibrant suburb of Lausanne that provides a spacious and industrial aesthetic for creative work. Lausanne itself is a dynamic Olympic capital located on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering a high quality of life and breathtaking Alpine views. The campus is exceptionally well connected by the local M1 metro line and regional trains, making it easy to explore the city center or travel to nearby Geneva. Students have access to state of the art facilities including professional film studios, digital printing labs, and extensive prototyping workshops.

Career Outcomes

ECAL boasts an exceptional employment rate with graduates frequently securing positions at major global brands such as Apple, Nike, and Hermès. The institution maintains strong ties with the industry through high profile partnerships and annual presentations at major events like Milan Design Week. Career services provide students with networking opportunities and guidance on intellectual property to help them launch their own studios or startups. The school’s reputation ensures that its alumni are highly sought after by creative agencies and cultural institutions worldwide.