Higher education
Accredited universities
The Canton of Vaud hosts several high-quality universities. The website SwisstudyCheck explains the difference between a public and a private university, how the Swiss university recognition system works, and introduces you to the universities in our canton.
Here you will find a short presentation of each university and institute as well as links for more information:
- The University of Lausanne is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties with approximately 17’100 students and about 4’400 research, teaching and technical staff. Its research activities focus on three main themes: human and social sciences, life sciences and medicine, and environmental sciences. UNIL lays great store by the quality and innovation of its teaching. This is characterised by a highly interdisciplinary approach which is even reflected in the organisation of its faculties.
- The EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne) is Europe’s most cosmopolitan technical university. It welcomes students, professors and collaborators of more than 120 nationalities. EPFL has both a Swiss and international vocation and focuses on three missions: teaching, research and innovation. EPFL collaborates with an important network of partners, including other universities and colleges, secondary schools and gymnasiums, industry and the economy, political circles and the general public, with the aim of having a real impact on society.
- The IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is an academic institution and a place where entrepreneurial spirit and world-renowned researchers meet industry-leading businesses and start-up. A world-leading Executive Education.
- The University of Teacher Education of the Canton of Vaud (HEP Vaud) offers a complete range of training courses for teaching professions. It prepares its students for teaching careers, supports them in their development, and thus facilitates their integration into the professional world. HEP Vaud also plays a key role on the Swiss education research scene.
- The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) is Switzerland’s expert organization for vocational education and training. We offer basic and continuing training to VET professionals, conduct VET research, contribute to the development of occupations and support international cooperation in vocational and professional education and training.
- The following schools are part of the University of Applied Science - Western Switzerland (HES-SO) which currently hosts some 21'000 students in a vast network of schools located in the cantons of Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud and Berne. Its many sites offer courses and other services in six major fields of study: Engineering and Architecture; Business, Management and Services; Design and Fine Arts; Health Sciences; Social Work; Music and Performing Arts.
- School of Art & Design - ECAL/Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne, is a world-class institution, offering excellent BA & MA courses, unique student and graduate communities, a privileged network of recognised experts and state-of-the-art infrastructure. ECAL trains tomorrow's creative minds in the following fields: Cinema, Industrial & Product Design, Fine Arts, Graphic & Type Design, Media & Interaction Design and Photography.
- HEMU – Haute École de Musique is an educational institution reputed for its demanding and comprehensive elite training, as well as its involvement with professional circles and its investment in the musical life. Multidisciplinary and multi-genre, the HEMU encompasses every training profile in classical, jazz and pop music.
- School of Engineering and Management - HEIG-VD provides a range of bachelor courses in engineering (9 tracks) and business. Its applied research & development brings together the latest scientific advances with the needs of its economic partners to give high-added-value products and services and also informs the bachelor courses.
- School of Social Work and Health Sciences Lausanne - HETSL offers Bachelor's level courses in Social Work and Occupational therapy. Its teaching is practice-oriented and prepares tomorrow’s professionals to be involved at the heart of society.
- La Source, School of Nursing, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Swizerland has been offering high-level nursing education, incorporating all the profession’s human, scientific and technical dimensions for more than 160 years. Initial training includes the "Année Propédeutique Santé" (APS) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Post-graduate education enables professionals in the health, care and social sectors to develop competencies by taking a DAS, a CAS or one of the many "à la carte" training modules.
- School of Health Sciences - HESAV – Located in Lausanne, in the heart of the university hospital complex (CHUV), we train health professionals in four Bachelor degrees: Nursing, Medical radiology technique, Physiotherapy, Midwifery. We also offer numerous continuing and postgraduate training courses as well as a Health Foundation Year (APS). The prospect of the future Campus Santé, which will bring together all its programs in an emblematic building, further enhances its attractiveness and enables it to play an active role in the scientific, economic and cultural development of Switzerland.
- At the EHL Hospitality Business School: Imagine students acquiring soft skills in simulation games, developing a strategic mindset in junior consulting jobs and practicing management techniques in their extra-curricular activities? This is EHL, where we redefine hospitality leadership as a smart mix of autonomous thinking, respect, empathy and caring for others. We believe that soft skills paired with great know-how is what defines the most inspiring people.
- La Manufacture - Haute école des arts de la scène approaches courses in theatre and dance from a perspective of research and creativity.
- CHANGINS - Haute école de viticulture et oenologie offers education and research in viticulture and oenology. At BA level, the engineer in viticulture and oenology is distinguished by his high-level technical, theoretical and practical skills in the fields of viticulture, oenology and business management. He has a sustainable and innovative approach to the various aspects of his profession.
The Viticulture and Oenology programme of the Master of Science in Life Sciences (MLS) is offered in the form of a joint degree with the Vinifera EuroMaster. Students following this 120 ECTS programme spend the first year at Changins. The second year is spent at one of the universities in the Vinifera EuroMaster Consortium.
Useful information
- Swisstudycheck: Universities in the canton of Vaud: choosing one; how to distinguish them; will my diploma be recognised?
- State Secretariat for Research, Education and Innovation, SERI