Lucerne

All programmes in Switzerland

Ever thought your study abroad city could feel like a postcard? Keep reading to find more about your next destionation!

Lucerne  where medieval streets, lakeside sunsets, and snow-covered peaks are just part of everyday life. It’s not the biggest city, but that’s part of the charm. Everything’s close, the pace is relaxed, and it’s surprisingly easy to feel at home.

If you're looking for a city that’s scenic, safe, and still packed with things to do, Lucerne might just be the underrated gem you’ve been searching for. 

Study in Lucerne: Find Bachelors and Masters

Living in Lucerne as a Student

Lucerne is smaller than other Swiss cities, but it definitely doesn’t fall short on quality of life. Students usually spend around CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,700 per month, with rent being the biggest chunk, typically between CHF 500 and CHF 900, depending on the neighbourhood and housing type.

The city offers a great mix of peaceful lakeside hangouts and active social life. You’ll find plenty of cafés, bars, student nights, and cultural events, plus weekend escapes into the mountains are a no-brainer. Everything feels close, which makes it easy to meet people and get involved in local life.

Study.eu Tip: Many attractions, concerts, and museums offer student discounts, so always ask!

Universities in Lucerne

Lucerne may be compact, but it offers big opportunities for your studies. Here's where you can study:

• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU): One of the leading applied universities in Switzerland, offering Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in business, engineering, design, social work, and music. Known for strong industry links and hands-on learning.
• University of Lucerne: A small but respected institution with programmes in humanities, law, theology, and social sciences. It has a growing focus on internationalisation, including English-taught degrees.
• Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality: Offers specialised programmes in hospitality and tourism management, often combining academic study with practical experience.

Lucerne might not have the same number of universities as Zurich or Geneva, but it’s still a solid choice for international students, especially at the Master’s level. If you’re considering graduate studies, don’t miss our guide on Master’s degrees in Switzerland for more insights on programmes, costs, and how to apply.

Universities in Lucerne: Degrees fully taught in English

Job Opportunities

Lucerne has a solid economy with strengths in tourism, healthcare, creative industries, and IT, so there’s a decent range of part-time jobs and internships available for students. Hotels, cafés, event venues, and cultural institutions are especially active during tourist season and often look for help.

If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can work in Switzerland without needing a separate permit. Non-EU students with a residence permit are allowed to work up to 15 hours a week during the semester, and full-time during holidays.

Speaking some German is definitely a plus, especially for hospitality or customer-facing jobs. Universities often offer language courses, and many have job boards or student support offices to help you get started.

Getting There and Around

Lucerne is super well-connected. You can reach it in just under an hour by train from Zurich, which means flying into Zurich Airport (ZRH) is often the easiest option. There are also regular train connections from other Swiss cities like Basel, Bern, and Lausanne.

Once you’re in town, public transport is simple and reliable. The local buses and trains make it easy to commute to campus, and students can often apply for discounted travel passes. The city is also very walkable, and cycling is a great option too, especially along the lake or through the Altstadt (old town).

Whether you’re headed to class, hiking a mountain trail, or just grabbing coffee by the lake, Lucerne makes it all easy.

 

List of universities in Lucerne

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