Information page of the International Office
Gather all necessary documents (Learning Agreement etc.)
Going to university abroad involves plenty of paperwork. To ensure a smooth start to your time in Switzerland, start gathering the bits and pieces you need early. Do not put original copies of documents in your checked luggage; carry these items with you at all times.
When you arrive in Switzerland, you will be asked to show the following documents to customs and immigration officers:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Visa stamped in your passport (if you had to apply for a visa)
- Your Letter of Acceptance from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
You may also be asked to show:
- Proof that you have access to adequate funds for the duration of your stay
- Original transcripts, supporting documents and certified English / German translations of these documents
- Other official identification, such as a driver’s license
- Medical records and prescriptions
Although not required when you enter the country, we highly recommend bringing the following:
- An emergency contact list, with details on contacts in Switzerland and from home
- Reference letters from employers and teachers, especially if you plan on working while you are going to university
The certificate of student status is a free certificate of participation or non-participation that is available to all students of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. You can use a statement of student status to prove that you are a student at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts if a student ID or certificate of study is not sufficient.
You can obtain this statement by e-mail or - if you are an exchange student - via the Mobility Online Tool.
Arrival and departure certificates are mainly for SEMP or Erasmus+ exchange students. Some universities require one or the other, some both. Please also follow the instructions of your home university!
These certificates can be signed by the Student Services or the International Office. Please follow the instructions of your home university as to when you have to return the papers.
After your arrival at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and only if you are an exchange student, changes to your Learning Agreement (LA) are possible (due to overlaps, cancellations, fully booked courses, etc.) You may need approval for changes from your home university. If you change any courses, HSLU needs you to update your LA with the according courses. If you meet the requirements and there is a free spot in the course, you are welcome to include it in your Learning Agreement.
You can get a signature on your Learning Agreement from the International Offices by visiting them during office hours or by sending an electronic copy by e-mail.
Please note that the LA is neither an application for any courses nor a guarantee that you will be admitted to these courses.
If you require further information about the LA or wish to make changes, please contact the International Offices.