Studying in Lucerne
All You Need to Know for Your Study Time
In this section you'll find all the necessary background information for a successful study time in Lucerne. Some information such as the Swiss visa regulations, you might want to take a close look at, a few months before you depart from your hometown. Some of the others might be of a more general interest to you.
Lucerne First Visit
Language
Visa/Immigration
Medical Insurance
Swiss Educational System
Libraries
Lucerne First Visit
Every day thousands of tourists are strolling around beautiful Lucerne, sipping coffee after extensive shopping or after a nice walk along Lake Lucerne's shoreline. Lucerne has established a reputation as a worldwide tourism hub and its monuments such as the modern KKL building and famous wooden medieval Chapel bridge are well known all over the world. Lucerne, like no other city really represents the "chocolate side" of Switzerland. Lucerne is perhaps less known for its educational capacity, but this is for sure to change over the next years. Lucerne is not only a great place for a Swiss holiday experience, but also perfect for any international student who wants to be well prepared for an ever changing global economy. Lucerne - a beautiful lively city embedded in a dreamlike natural environment, traditional yet contemporary - it is a fun place for young people to enjoy a fresh drink at any of the restaurants along the lake and river. At the same time, they can work on their projects by accessing the internet through Lucerne's unique and free wireless city Internet. Because of the many tourists, it is rather easy to communicate almost anywhere in town since most locals are able to speak at least some basic English. Being at the true heart of Europe, Lucerne is built as an ideal starting point for other European cities, a 5-hour train-trip brings you to Paris, a flight ticket with any budget airline can bring you to London for as low as 30 US$. Access to various traditional as well as extreme-sports like mountain biking, sailing, skiing, all kind of watersports and more ensures that not only the brainwaves are kept active.
Language
You may think that the German language may be a problem for your studies, but actually more and more international schools are available in the Lucerne area and English has become an important second language even in the local primary schools where it is replacing French. All of the international schools have a 100% English curriculum. Students in some cases can join some intensive English language courses to prepare them for further studies. In many big cities around the world there is a GOETHE institute where you can learn German before coming to Europe.
Goethe institutes around the world
Visa/Immigration
Students from countries outside the EU or the EEC need to apply, at an early stage, for visa at the Swiss embassy of their home country.
Students living in a Schengen country can enter the country with a valid passport and should bring their residence permit. For a stay in Switzerland exceeding a period of three months, a residence permit is required from the immigration office of the canton of Lucerne.
On arrival in Lucerne you will need to register with the local authority within 10 days, presenting your residence permit. Here is a list of additional documents you will have to present:
Medical Insurance
While studying in Switzerland you must be covered by appropriate medical insurance. EU citizens should bring an insurance form E-106, or a European Health Insurance Card. Temporary guest students are exempt from the otherwise compulsory health insurance in Switzerland as long as they can provide evidence that they are adequately covered (privately or by their educational institution) for medical treatment and against illness and accident while staying in Switzerland. It is absolutely essential that you get written confirmation from your health insurance company that this is the case, and that you have this document with you when you come to Switzerland.
Swiss Educational System
In Switzerland there exists a manifold school and university system with the following levels:
Libraries
The main library is the Zentralbibliothek Luzern. There are links from this site to all college libraries and also other major Swiss University libraries. Many newspapers and periodicals can be consulted free of charge online. The libraries also offer working places for students, including internet access and copy machines. You can purchase a library card and a card for the copy machines at one of the libraries of the Lucerne library network. Be aware that during holidays, the libraries may have reduced opening hours or be closed.
For more info about libraries see this link
Language
Visa/Immigration
Medical Insurance
Swiss Educational System
Libraries
Lucerne First Visit
Every day thousands of tourists are strolling around beautiful Lucerne, sipping coffee after extensive shopping or after a nice walk along Lake Lucerne's shoreline. Lucerne has established a reputation as a worldwide tourism hub and its monuments such as the modern KKL building and famous wooden medieval Chapel bridge are well known all over the world. Lucerne, like no other city really represents the "chocolate side" of Switzerland. Lucerne is perhaps less known for its educational capacity, but this is for sure to change over the next years. Lucerne is not only a great place for a Swiss holiday experience, but also perfect for any international student who wants to be well prepared for an ever changing global economy. Lucerne - a beautiful lively city embedded in a dreamlike natural environment, traditional yet contemporary - it is a fun place for young people to enjoy a fresh drink at any of the restaurants along the lake and river. At the same time, they can work on their projects by accessing the internet through Lucerne's unique and free wireless city Internet. Because of the many tourists, it is rather easy to communicate almost anywhere in town since most locals are able to speak at least some basic English. Being at the true heart of Europe, Lucerne is built as an ideal starting point for other European cities, a 5-hour train-trip brings you to Paris, a flight ticket with any budget airline can bring you to London for as low as 30 US$. Access to various traditional as well as extreme-sports like mountain biking, sailing, skiing, all kind of watersports and more ensures that not only the brainwaves are kept active.
Language
You may think that the German language may be a problem for your studies, but actually more and more international schools are available in the Lucerne area and English has become an important second language even in the local primary schools where it is replacing French. All of the international schools have a 100% English curriculum. Students in some cases can join some intensive English language courses to prepare them for further studies. In many big cities around the world there is a GOETHE institute where you can learn German before coming to Europe.
Goethe institutes around the world
Visa/Immigration
Students from countries outside the EU or the EEC need to apply, at an early stage, for visa at the Swiss embassy of their home country.
Students living in a Schengen country can enter the country with a valid passport and should bring their residence permit. For a stay in Switzerland exceeding a period of three months, a residence permit is required from the immigration office of the canton of Lucerne.
On arrival in Lucerne you will need to register with the local authority within 10 days, presenting your residence permit. Here is a list of additional documents you will have to present:
- a valid passport
- a passport photo (bring additional copies, e.g. for your study card, public transport card, etc.)
- a confirmation of your participation in an exchange programme or an undergraduate/graduate course of study
- a medical insurance certificate (E106 form, European Health Insurance Card or a written confirmation of your medical insurance company stating coverage of all medical costs that may incur during your stay)
- a written proof that you are able to finance your studies in Switzerland (e.g. bank statement, grants)
Medical Insurance
While studying in Switzerland you must be covered by appropriate medical insurance. EU citizens should bring an insurance form E-106, or a European Health Insurance Card. Temporary guest students are exempt from the otherwise compulsory health insurance in Switzerland as long as they can provide evidence that they are adequately covered (privately or by their educational institution) for medical treatment and against illness and accident while staying in Switzerland. It is absolutely essential that you get written confirmation from your health insurance company that this is the case, and that you have this document with you when you come to Switzerland.
Swiss Educational System
In Switzerland there exists a manifold school and university system with the following levels:
- Pre-school Level
- Primary Level
- Lower Secondary Level
- Upper Secondary Level
- Tertiary Level (Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences)
- Continuing Education
- Special Needs Education
Libraries
The main library is the Zentralbibliothek Luzern. There are links from this site to all college libraries and also other major Swiss University libraries. Many newspapers and periodicals can be consulted free of charge online. The libraries also offer working places for students, including internet access and copy machines. You can purchase a library card and a card for the copy machines at one of the libraries of the Lucerne library network. Be aware that during holidays, the libraries may have reduced opening hours or be closed.
For more info about libraries see this link
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