Study in Lausanne

QS Best Student Cities ranking: =19th

Lausanne is the fourth-largest city in Switzerland by population, and is in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. Located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva and with the Jura Mountains to the north-west, Lausanne is certainly a scenic place to be a student.

Lausanne is a hub of international sport, home to the International Olympic Committee, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and around 55 other international sporting associations. Sporty students can enjoy watersports on nearby Lake Geneva, mountaineering and winter sports in the neighbouring mountains, as well as cycling, with popular routes taking you through local vineyards.

The city is also a cultural hotspot, with 46 buildings or sites listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance, including Lausanne Cathedral, the Casino de Montbenon, Olympic Museum and Fondation de l'Hermitage. There are also numerous museums with subjects ranging from art to zoology -- suffice to say, it'll be hard to get bored as a student in Lausanne!

Internationally ranked universities in Lausanne

More about Lausanne 

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why Study in Lausanne

A city surrounded by nature

The abundance of nature surrounding the city of Lausanne is made clear upon arrival. With the world-famous Lake Geneva on one side and the majestic Swiss Alps on the other, Lausanne boasts vineyards, forests, mountains, rivers, and shorelines. The natural beauty is second to none and a definite stand-out for students looking to stay in a picturesque city that offers so much variety.

The art district

A new addition to Lausanne is the art district Platforme 10. A collaboration between the Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Photography and the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts as well as art patrons from across the city – Platforme 10 houses a variety of modern works from world-famous artists. It also features a variety of shops and café’s where guests can socialise and spend time with friends.

The Olympic capital

For sports enthusiasts, Lausanne is the official capital of the Olympic Games and has been since 1994. It is home to the Olympic countdown clock and the official Olympic Museum. The museum showcases historical objects and Olympic memorabilia including the torches, medals, and the equipment of some of the world’s most famous athletes.

On top of this, it’s also the home of over 50 sports federations making it a great place for students to enjoy a variety of sports or even pursue a sporting career.

Great Nightlife

Lausanne is known for its vibrant city centre which features a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs which have all proven to be very popular with students and great place to socialise and make friends. Locations vary from wineries and corner cafés to Michelin star restaurants and underground clubs and cocktail bars. There is something for every kind of nightlife lover to enjoy.

Cost of Studying in Lausanne

Though it is beautiful, Lausanne can be costly. Known to be one of Europe’s most expensive countries, Switzerland comes with a hefty price tag for the cost of living, explaining it’s ranking of 82^nd for affordability.

Despite the cost of living, compared to some other European countries, the university fees in Lausanne are very reasonable. The average fee for international students on average is around $1,500 USD. This is compared to London's $24,400 average price and Paris's $2,400.

Careers in Lausanne

A score of 23^rd in the employability rankings means that Lausanne is a great place to start thinking about a career.

One popular career path that students in the city may want to pursue is art. The variety of museums and galleries means that Lausanne is a great place for aspiring artists, art buyers or art historians to begin their careers.

Alternatively, anyone who wants to get involved in the business side of the sporting world might enjoy studying in Lausanne for its close ties to many international sporting venues and federations.