Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

Quick Facts about Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

• Type: Public
• Students: 2,700
• International: 2%
• Campus: Urban
• Tuition: $580 – $580/year
• Language: French
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
• Intakes: September

About Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

Academics

The institution offers specialized Bachelor and Master degrees focused on Social Work and Occupational Therapy. Its teaching approach emphasizes practical experience, integrating laboratory work and field placements to ensure students are ready for professional challenges. HETSL is particularly noted for its multidisciplinary research institutes that address contemporary issues such as aging, disability, and social exclusion. These programs encourage students to develop a critical perspective on societal structures while gaining technical expertise.

International Students

HETSL welcomes international applicants, though most primary instruction is conducted in French, requiring a high level of language proficiency for degree-seeking students. The school participates in the SEMP program, the Swiss equivalent of Erasmus, which facilitates student exchanges and fosters a diverse classroom environment. Support services include academic advising and assistance with administrative procedures to help foreign students integrate into the local community. Student life is enriched by various associations that organize cultural events and social gatherings throughout the academic year.

Campus & Location

Located in the vibrant city of Lausanne, the campus offers a modern learning environment with easy access to the shores of Lake Geneva. The city is a major hub for international organizations and innovation, providing a stimulating backdrop for students of social sciences. Excellent public transportation links the school to the city center and the surrounding Swiss Alps, making it easy to explore regional attractions. The campus itself features specialized libraries and collaborative spaces designed to foster a sense of community among students and faculty.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of HETSL enjoy high employment rates due to the institution’s strong ties with the Swiss healthcare and social service sectors. The school maintains active partnerships with hospitals, public administrations, and non-governmental organizations, often leading to direct recruitment after graduation. Career services provide guidance on job placement and professional networking to help students transition smoothly into the workforce. Many alumni go on to hold leadership positions in social policy or specialized clinical practice across Switzerland and abroad.

Information for International Students at Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL) in Lausanne, Switzerland welcomes international students, with 2% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 2% of students are international
• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing not offered
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: French

Admissions Requirements for Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL):

• Application fee: $150
• Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
• Application deadline: December 1st

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Programs at Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL) (3 programs)

Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL) offers 3 programs across Master, PhD levels.

Master Programs (2)

• Master en Sciences de la Santé (MSc) — 18 months · French · $1,400/yr
  A joint degree with UNIL offering orientations in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Midwifery, and Radiology. Focuses on advanced clinical practice and health sciences research.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Advanced health practitioner, Health researcher
  Deadline: April 30 (Feb 15 for Visa)
• MAS en Direction et gestion d'institutions sociales — French · Part-time
  Master of Advanced Studies focused on the leadership and management of social institutions. Designed for professionals seeking to move into executive roles in the social sector.
  Field: Management
  Career outcomes: Director of social institution, Social sector manager

PhD Programs (1)

• PhD in Social Work / Health Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · French
  Research-based doctoral thesis co-supervised by HETSL and partner universities like UNIL or UNIGE. Focuses on high-level academic research in social work or health fields.
  Field: Social Work / Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Professor, Senior Researcher

Scholarships & Tuition at Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

Annual tuition for international students: $580 – $580/year

✅ Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

• National Ranking: #11 in Switzerland
• QS World University Ranking: #473
• Times Higher Education (THE): #1201
• Ranking tier: Unranked
• Research output: Medium

Campus & Facilities at Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

• No student housing
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Urban
• Average class size: 21
• Housing cost: ~$600/month

Key Highlights

• Part of the HES-SO university network
• Specialized social work and occupational therapy
• Emphasis on practical field placements
• Research on aging and social exclusion
• Instruction primarily conducted in French
• Located in the vibrant city Lausanne

Accreditation

• HES-SO
• Swiss Accreditation Council

Fields of Study at Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

• Social Work
• Health

Notable Alumni

• Elisabeth Baume-Schneider
• Géraldine Chevé
• Rebecca Bendjama

Frequently Asked Questions about Haute école de travail social et de la santé Lausanne (HETSL)

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