Support to Academic Refugees

SUPSI stands in full solidarity with scientific, academic, and student communities at risk. Guided by our values of integrity, collaboration, and responsibility, we recognize the importance of welcoming and supporting those who have experienced displacement or danger.

Our academic institution celebrates diversity and promotes personal academic growth for every individual. We recognize the presence in Switzerland of highly qualified refugees who have the academic background and motivation to continue their studies or professional paths- but face considerable barriers.
SUPSI offers dedicated support services to help overcome these obstacles and foster successful access to higher education. Please note that tuition fees and course-related costs apply also to refugee, but students can contact the student advisory service after admission for information regarding financial support options.

Pathways to engage with SUPSI’s academic offerings

The best option for you will depend on your prior qualifications, your residency and permit status, your language proficiency, and your academic or professional goals. Below, you will find a brief overview of each pathway and what it entails.

Refugees with a strong academic background who wish to explore university studies without immediately earning a degree can attend classes but do not sit exams or earn ECTS credits. As auditors they enjoy the same learning experience (lectures, labs) as matriculated students but without assessment.

Requirements:

previous qualification that would permit entry to a bachelor’s programme in your home country
current residence in Switzerland with an asylum-related permit (recognized refugee, provisionally admitted, asylum seeker, or protected person – permits B, F, N or S)
and sufficient language skills (according to the course knowledge of Italian or English at about CEFR level B1 is required to follow classes)

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Refugees who wish to enroll in a full SUPSI bachelor’s or master’s degree programme will be treated like other international applicant for the programme of your choice.

Requirements:

Hold a B (recognised refugee or other provisionally admitted foreigners and stateless persons) or S permit; candidates with F or N status may be considered case by case
Age: ≥ 18 years
Meet the standard admission criteria for the chosen bachelor’s or master’s programme (To find out about the requirements, costs and admission deadlines for individual courses, please consult the degree course page)
You must also have strong language skills: SUPSI instruction is primarily in Italian (level B2 - C1) or English (level B2–C1), depending on the programme.

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Refugees with prior tertiary education or professional experience who wish to update or extend their skill set, obtain specialized certificates (CAS, DAS, MAS/EMBA) or access short-term “Advanced Training” modules.

Requirements:

Hold a B (recognised refugee or other provisionally admitted foreigners and stateless persons) or S permit; candidates with F or N status may be considered case by case
Age: ≥ 18 years
Meet the standard admission criteria for the chosen course (For detailed admission criteria and tuition fees by course, see: Continuing Education - SUPSI)
You must also have strong language skills: Italian (level B2 - C1) or English (level B2–C1), depending on the course.

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SUPSI is a member of the Scholars at Risk network, an international program dedicated to hosting teachers, researchers, and other members of academic communities who are under serious threats to their lives, freedom, and right to education.

Visit SAR Switzerland for guidelines: SAR Switzerland

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Listening Service

Through its counselling helpdesk and psychological help, SUPSI remains available to all students and staff experiencing distressing situations and in need of particular support. Our Listening Service provides a welcoming and confidential environment where individuals can express their concerns, engage with qualified professionals, and receive the necessary support to address personal and academic challenges they may encounter along their university journey.

Contacts:
Listening Service
+41 (0) 58 666 61 54
sportello.upa@supsi.ch

How to Apply / Contact

Please complete the SUPSI Refugee Application form. The SUPSI refugee support coordinator will review your application and contact you by email with next steps.

Refugee application form

You may also reach out directly with questions to the International Office at the following email: emergency@supsi.ch