University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne (UNIL), situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a public research university with a rich history dating back to 1537. It is recognized for its strong research programs and interdisciplinary approach to education. UNIL offers a dynamic and international environment for its nearly 17,000 students.

Academics

UNIL boasts seven faculties, with three being unique in Switzerland: Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration; Biology and Medicine; and Geosciences and Environment. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary teaching approach, offering various programs such as the Master's in Forensic Sciences and the Master's in Behavior, Evolution and Conservation. Collaboration and exchange are central to UNIL's academic mission, with one-third of its Master's programs being joint initiatives with other Swiss higher education institutions. The university offers a wide range of programs, including Bachelor's, Master's, doctorate, and postgraduate degrees, as well as short programs and part-time studies.

International Students

UNIL is highly international, with approximately one-quarter of its close to 16,000 students coming from abroad, representing nearly 128 nationalities. The university provides a Welcome Centre to assist international hires and their families with settling into daily life in Switzerland, Lausanne, and at UNIL. While the main teaching language is French, some Master's programs and several undergraduate courses are taught in English, particularly in Business and Economics, Biology, English Literature, Geosciences and Environment, and Law and Public Administration. International students starting a Master's program who do not speak French are invited to a special English-language welcome session. A wide array of student organizations and associations cater to diverse interests, including cultural groups and those related to specific disciplines.

Campus & Location

The UNIL campus is primarily located just outside Lausanne, on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva. It forms a vast campus alongside the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), creating a vibrant academic hub. The campus itself is a lively place with state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious lecture halls and modern research laboratories. An excellent public transport network connects the campus to the city of Lausanne, known as the "Olympic Capital" for its ties to the Olympic movement and varied cultural activities. The campus is also notably green, with a significant portion dedicated to green spaces.

Career Outcomes

University studies at UNIL equip students with not only scientific knowledge but also valuable general skills such as analytical thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are highly sought after by employers. The university's HUB Entrepreneurship and Innovation supports entrepreneurial spirit among students, researchers, and the wider community, offering programs to foster entrepreneurial skills and develop innovative projects. Lausanne itself is a dynamic startup ecosystem, with UNIL contributing to a rich pool of talent and cutting-edge research. The Careers Centre at UNIL assists students with their transition to employment, offering support in identifying profiles, clarifying professional objectives, and preparing job applications. Alumni portraits showcase diverse career paths in various sectors, including teaching, culture, communication, international cooperation, law, social sciences, economics, geosciences, and health.