Study orientation
The issues addressed in the counselling ranged from the employability of the qualification in the local area, to the coherence between the chosen training and the desired occupation, to the sustainability of one's training project, all of which aim to promote professional integration in the desired sector.
The counselling activities offered by SUPSI's guidance area are aimed at potential students, students in education or undergraduates and recent graduates wishing to undertake a Master's degree, as well as adults who need to redefine a new career trajectory, obtain information on the recognition of qualifications or further specialise in a particular field.
Questions can be asked in the way that best suits your needs:
- Via e-mail by writing to orientamento@supsi.ch
- By phone at +41(0)58 666 6024, service active all Monday through Friday.
- By appointment, in person at the Manno office or online
FAQs List
Are specific knowledge / skills required to become an ambassador?
It depends on the type of activity. For example, a good knowledge of national languages is required to participate in fairs outside the canton. Other activities, on the other hand, do not require specific skills or knowledge.
Are specific skills required to join the Association?
No, being a member of the Student Association allows you to experiment and develop new skills, without necessarily having specific knowledge or previous experience.
Are the activities free?
Yes, they are free.
Are the coaching activities free?
Yes, the sessions are completely free.
Are the extra-curricular courses free?
The courses are free for Bachelor and Master students.
Are there any library services I have to pay for?
For students and collaborators of SUPSI, all library services are free.
Are there free parking spaces for students?
No, there are no free parking spaces available for students.
Can families external to SUPSI access the SUPSInido?
Yes, children from external families are welcome in the SUPSInido centers, depending on the number of available places.
Can I ask for courses or modules completed in previous university courses to be recognised?
Equivalence requests can be made only for entire modules already certified in previous educational programmes. Students with certificates testifying a positive assessment of individual courses closely related to those in the DFA modules can ask to be exonerated from attending these modules and from taking the relative exams. The procedures to follow and the deadlines for making requests of this type are specified in the document entitled “Procedura per il riconoscimento di equivalenze” (Procedure for the recognition of equivalence).
Can I ask for more than one financial help?
In principle it is possible, but as you will see in the descriptive details of each procedure, among the requirements to be fulfilled often appears the constraint “I have not received other financial support”.
Can I contact the Career Counseling Service from any SUPSI affiliated Department or School?
Yes, career counseling is open to everyone regardless of the field of study. Our consultants work across the board and are ready to support you regardless of your sector.
Can I contact the Coaching Service without obligation?
Yes, after a first contact with one of our coaches you can easily decide whether or not you want to continue with the coaching sessions.
Can I contact the Orientation Counseling Service if I am interested in courses from other educational institutions?
Yes, we guarantee a neutral consulting service and confidentiality. We will therefore try to favor the choice of a path that is as appropriate as possible to your wishes and career aspirations.
Can I do internships during the 3 years of the programme?
Yes, the curriculum includes 3-month internship periods during the final semester of the programme. The Bachelor programme finds training positions with SUPSI partners, and collaborates with these partners to determine the educational project that the student will work on.
Can I propose to the Association to organise an event or activity that interests me?
Of course! You can send your proposal via this page by selecting the 'propose an activity' item at the top.
Can I submit an application even if I have not yet obtained the qualification required for admission?
The qualification valid for admission to the Master's and Diploma degree courses must be obtained by 1st September of the year of the beginning of the course.
Can I subscribe to the library if I live abroad? Do I have any limitations?
Registration to the library is possible from abroad. If you wish to register with swisscovery, you must register with a SWITCH edu-id.
Can I turn to the Student Association if I have difficulties in my studies?
Yes. The Student Association is available to support students in dealing with any difficulties inherent within the university environment.
Can I work during the course of my studies?
Yes, since the Master’s programme also has a part-time option.
Can other credits or modules be recognised by the Bachelor in Leisure Management?
If you have already acquired ECTS at another university, or at another SUP, or in another SUPSI Bachelor programme, you are entitled to ask for recognition of equivalence, which must in any case be approved by the Head of the degree course. As regards any potential equivalence recognition for modules already acquired and that are related to the study programme, please contact the Head of the Bachelor programme in writing, but only after having passed the ranking examination at least 5 working days before the start of the semester.
Graduates of the Specialist Secondary School of Hotel and Tourism (SSSAT) who have graduated within the last five years and have passed the ranking exams are eligible for a passerelle agreement, with recognition of 90 ECTS credits.
Can students work as specialist teachers during the course of their studies?
The programme can be attended by those with a 50% employment contract. This compatibility is not guaranteed in the event that programme additions are requested. As a teacher-in-training, it is possible to request the Sezione della pedagogia speciale (Special Pedagogy Section) for a limited teaching appointment at a special school, complying with the recommendations issued by Cantonal competitive exams. As regards operating in other professions related to the specialised teaching field, the competitive exam conditions shall apply.
Cosa sono i crediti formativi ECTS?
Following the Bologna Reform, study courses have been structured into modules and each module is allocated a number of study credits according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One ECTS credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 to 30 hours. 60 credits represent the annual workload in the case of full-time education. A Bachelor's degree requires 180 ECTS and a Master's degree 90 to 120 ECTS.
Do all applicants take part in the activities?
Applicants are selected according to the needs of the event and could be chosen, for example, depending on their course, language skills, year of study, etc.
Do I have to pay for the sessions (1 to 3) with a SUPSI counselor?
No, the scheduled sessions (maximum 3) are covered by SUPSI.
Do I have to submit an English language certificate to be admitted to the Master of Arts in Interaction Design?
No, we do not require any language certificate. Your level must be good enough to interact with the teachers and to present your projects.
Do I need prior knowledge of specific software and hardware to be admitted to the Master of Arts in Interaction Design?
Some people are already experts in software, others have no programming experience at all. Workshops of the first module allow students to acquire or increase their knowledge in programming, electronics, digital fabrication to make prototypes work. We ensure enough faculty support, and the class composition facilitates peer learning.
Do the counselors offer guidance both at the end of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree?
Yes, guidance counseling covers all levels of study. We offer support in the choice of Masters or higher professional trainings (APF, EPF, SSS) as well as SUPSI’s Continuing Education courses.
How can I ask for help or advice at the library?
You can contact the library of your Department by e-mail or by phone. If necessary, an appointment will be made.
How can I cancel my registration for the activities?
You can cancel your registration by writing an email to esperienza.studenti@supsi.ch.
How can I certify level B2 in French?
Certification is through an accredited DELF certification body. For details, consult the document 'French Language Skills' on the website.
Once you have the certificate, send it to dfa.bachelor@supsi.ch.
How can I register to the USI-SUPSI Sport offer on the Lugano-Viganello campus?
On the following page you can purchase the type of subscription that interests you most. You can also download the MyWellness app to organize your workouts in the East Campus Gym.
How can I request a book to a library from another university or a cantonal library?
You must first register to the catalog. The SLSP-Courier service allows you to request a book from one library online and collect it from another library of your choice.
How can I request a collaboration with the early childhood service?
The early childhood service collaborates with the SUPSI departments and with local institutions and organizations on issues related to early childhood (training, good practices, quality).
You can contact the head of the early childhood service by calling (0)58 666 69 00
How long does the acclimatization period last at SUPSInido? Is it compulsory?
The acclimatization time is organized over a period of 2-3 weeks and is generally followed by a few days at a reduced time. This delicate moment is necessary to create a smooth and safe transition for the baby, thus promoting his or her well-being once regular attendance begins.
How many coaching lessons can I take during my career at SUPSI?
A maximum of five meetings is offered to each student.
How many sessions can I have with a SUPSI counselor?
1 to 3 sessions can be held, after which a further follow-up meeting can be arranged two or three months after the last appointment.
How much does the attendance at SUPSInido cost?
For SUPSI trainees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, assistants, and apprentices) the fees amount to:
- Daily fee: CHF 45.-
- Half-day fee (to be understood as attendance of less than 5 hours a day): CHF 27.-
How much time in advance is it necessary to reserve a place at a SUPSInido center?
The SUPSInido centers (Manno, Viganello, and Locarno) give priority to children of SUPSI students and collaborators. However, this does not guarantee that there will be short-term availability or that it will correspond to the family’s preferred days and times. We recommend that you contact your SUPSInido center as soon as possible (during pregnancy), for a non-binding pre-registration.
How well should I know German and/or English in order to enrol on the foreign language modules of the Bachelor programme?
Languages are crucial for your future, particularly in an industry such as Leisure. The entry level required for regular English (beginning first year) is B1 (according to the PEL), while the entry level for German (beginning second year, but with the possibility to advance to the first year if certified in the internal assessment) is A2 (according to the ELP). You will not be required to have an international certificate, but it will be your responsibility to fill in any gaps in order to reach an adequate level of the language for the courses. Before the start of the courses, you will be able to take assessments to evaluate your level.
I am enrolled in a SUPSI Bachelor/Master in PAP mode, and I find myself in need to find a new job. How can I do it?
We are available for support in preparing your application dossier. In some specific cases, we can also evaluate a modification of the chosen frequency model (eg going from the PAP model to a TP and vice versa). We suggest you expose your specific situation to one of our counselors, so that all possible options can be evaluated.
I do not live in Switzerland, can I apply for financial support?
For foreign students not resident in Switzerland, it is unlikely that they can count on public scholarships, as they are managed at cantonal and communal level, which means that each canton and/or commune attends only to its residents.
The Swiss Confederation offers scholarships for excellence to foreign students, researchers and artists in Switzerland:
Scholarships for research stays, doctoral or post-doctoral studies at a university, a Swiss institute of technology and a university of applied sciences in Switzerland (no scholarships at Bachelor's or Master's level).
Scholarships for advanced art studies at conservatories and art universities in Switzerland (only available for a limited number of countries).
We recommend that you check the support possibilities in your home country and apply for funding in advance. For example, the page of the Italian government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers information on this.
There are some scholarships from private foundations that do not preclude access to students living abroad but are awarded to the best students and only cover tuition fees.
I don’t have a CV and/or a motivation letter, can I still contact the Career Consultancy Service to review my dossier?
Yes, among the various services provided by our consultants, there is the revision of one’s CV and motivation letter. If these documents do not yet exist, we can create them together.
If during the interviews at the help desk, a need for a continuous and regular follow-up emerges, who can I contact to get help?
Our psychologists will help you find a therapist outside SUPSI, in which case the costs will be covered by yourself or by your health insurance depending on the coverage you have contracted with it.
If I feel comfortable with a SUPSI counselor, can I have a follow-up with them?
No, a follow-up of more than 3 sessions is not possible with a SUPSI counselor. On the other hand, if the meetings have been arranged with an external collaborator, it is possible to maintain a follow-up with them. In this case, however, the costs are not covered by SUPSI and therefore remain at your charge.
If I have completed the Assisted Practice Year (APY) required to be admitted to the degree course, can I enrol without further practice periods in the Parallel Practice Programme (PPP)?
Yes, the year of on-the-job experience completed in order to acquire the practical skills needed for enrolment is considered as valid work experience for the PAP curriculum (in parallel with professional working activity).
In case of activities outside Ticino, who will cover the transport and accommodation costs?
The costs of accommodation and (partly) of food are covered by SUPSI.
Is attendance compulsory or optional?
Some modules require compulsory attendance while others do not. Details of whether attendance at individual activities, courses or modules is compulsory are specified in the respective module description and indicated by the lecturer responsible at the start of the course.
Is attendance compulsory or optional?
As stated in the "Regulations for Bachelor and Master Studies", compulsory attendance is indicated in the description of each module/course in the "Course Details" section.
Is attendance compulsory?
In the first year, attendance is compulsory.
For further semesters, attendance is compulsory for practical and laboratory activities.
For details, please consult the DTI Bachelor's degree application guidelines.
Is attendance compulsory?
Compulsory attendance of courses is specified in the module descriptions found in the Study Programme. For courses requiring attendance, absences amounting to more than 20% may mean that the module is automatically not certified.
Is it possible to attend distance learning courses and/or are evening courses planned?
Courses run by the Department of Education and Learning usually take place in Locarno; 80% attendance is required. There are no evening courses.
Is it possible to go from a SUP Bachelor to a UNI or POLY Master?
In principle, yes – subject to the recovery of study credits and only for Master degrees related to one’s Bachelor degree. It is the university in which you enroll that decides on the exact amount of study credits that you need to compensate.
Is the degree awarded only valid in Switzerland or also in the rest of the world?
SUPSI qualifications are valid both in Switzerland and worldwide. In regulated professions, SUPSI qualifications also qualify for the profession in Switzerland, while in other countries it is necessary to check with the relevant body for recognition.
Is the Master in Specialised pedagogy and inclusive teaching valid throughout Switzerland?
The Master's Degree in Specialised Pedagogy and Inclusive Didactics is recognised by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). It is therefore a valid qualification at federal level.
Is the qualification recognised only in Ticino?
No, as a result of the WFOT accreditation (World Federation of Occupational Therapists), the BSc of Science SUPSI in Occupational Therapy is recognised in Switzerland and internationally. The fact that the Bachelor's degree is recognised by the WFOT does not exempt the outbound professional from inquiring about and following the procedures for validating the degree in the host country.
Is what I tell the counselor confidential?
Yes, what is said during a meeting is bound to secrecy and confidentiality as required by the Swiss code of ethics for the category: “I membri sono tenuti alla segretezza su tutto quanto è stato loro confidato o è stato da loro osservato o appreso nel quadro della loro attività̀ psicologica. (…) I membri hanno la facoltà̀ di comunicare a terzi informazioni assoggettate all’obbligo di riservatezza unicamente se sussiste a riguardo il consenso comprovabile della cliente o del cliente, risp. della paziente o del paziente, se ciò̀ è richiesto da una legge federale o cantonale, se l’autorità̀ competente ha svincolato il membro interessato dal suo obbligo di riservatezza o in presenza di una situazione d’emergenza acuta.” (art. 16 codice deontologico FSP).
On which days of the week are lessons held?
Educational commitments and teaching practice sessions are usually conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
What activities do members of the Student Association carry out?
In general, possible activities include the following:
Organising events
Promotion
Administration
Participation in sustainable development projects
Representation of the interests of the student community
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Interaction Design?
Admission to the Master of Arts in Interaction Design requires a Bachelor of Arts degree in a design field (graphic design, industrial design, interior design, media design, etc.) from SUPSI or another internationally recognised university institution.
Candidates with a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture, engineering, humanities, arts and economics are also admitted.
What are the SUPSInido opening hours?
SUPSInido centers are open from 7:45 am to 6:15 pm, from Monday to Friday, except during holidays. There are 3 weeks of summer closure and 2 weeks of Christmas closure per year.
What are the teaching contributions required in addition in the semester fee for?
They are a contribution to the costs of teaching (school materials, charges for visits, general administrative and secretarial costs, teaching and IT support, etc.).
What does the Associazione Studenti SUPSI do?
The Associazione Studenti carries out various activities, for example the accompaniment of students and the organization of meeting moments that stimulate communication and sharing of ideas between students.
What does the Field Project consist of?
The Field Project is first and foremost the first step in bringing you closer to the professional world. It is a consultancy training project, which you will carry out as a group in the 4th semester, accompanied by a lecturer from your degree course who will follow your group as a coach. A partner company in the area will assign you a challenge, providing you with all the necessary information and ensuring you receive the support you need to successfully complete the project. The work done by you and the other group members is evaluated by both the lecturer (coach) and the company through a written report and an oral presentation.
What does the internship consist of?
The internship is a period of professional practice of at least 18 weeks, which you will carry out in the final semester in a local, national or international company. From an educational point of view, thanks to the internship you will get to know the different working environments and people involved, integrate and apply the concepts, methodologies and tools learnt to a real challenge. During your internship, you will be a fully-fledged collaborator in the reality of your host organisation. The internship module corresponds to 24 ECTS for a total of 720 working hours. The internship is normally done 100% of the working time, in some cases where the needs of the company require it 80% over 22 weeks.
What is the average monthly budget for living in Switzerland?
On average, the monthly budget is around CHF 1’500.–. This includes food/rent in shared accommodation. This amount varies and is related to personal choices.
What is the minimal attendance required at SUPSInido?
To guarantee educational and relational continuity for the children we host, the minimal attendance required is 40% (4 half days, 2 full days, or mixed formulas).
What requirements must I meet to apply for financial support?
Each of the procedures for obtaining financial support or a scholarship sets out the requirements to be met. It is up to the applicant to assess and identify the option best suited to their personal situation.
What should I do if I miss an activity?
Absences are to be announced as soon as possible at esperienza.studenti@supsi.ch or, if agreed at the beginning of the course, directly to the lecturer with a copy to esperienza.studenti@supsi.ch.
What should I do to take advantage of the benefits at mySUPSI affiliated Partners?
Inform the Partner about your status as a SUPSI student and present your valid mySUPSI card.
When will I get a copy of the academic calendar?
Various meetings are scheduled for the first day of the Academic Year, including an orientation meeting with the class teacher, who will explain the Annual Programme and provide details regarding how lessons are conducted, holiday periods and other information of a more general nature.
Should you require any of this information in advance, phone the Academy offices on +41 (0)58 666 67 51 or write to tamara.kaelin@supsi.ch.
Where are the coaching meetings held?
The meetings take place at the SUPSI headquarters in Manno or online via the Microsoft Teams platform.
Where do students work after the Master in Interaction Design?
Our graduates find employment in leading design companies, hi-tech companies, start-ups and international organisations such as Frog Design - Capgemini Invent, Accenture Song, Google, Microsoft, Nokia, Philips etc. Some of them have founded their own successful start-ups. The employment rate of our graduates is almost 100%. Some start working as soon as they complete their studies, while others find a qualified job within 6 months.
Who are the consultants at the help desk?
They are psychologists who have completed a 5-year academic training and graduated with a Master’s degree. They are qualified to exercise the profession and are listed within the registry of health professionals in Ticino.
Who can apply as an ambassador?
All students enrolled in a SUPSI Bachelor or Master.
Who can benefit from the mySUPSI discounts?
All Bachelor and Master students can benefit from the mySUPSI discounts.
Who can I contact for advice on how to improve Study-Life Balance?
Contact us for a coaching consultation: together we will discuss how to help you reconcile your commitments and how to best face your training path.
Who can participate in the activities?
SUPSI Bachelor and Master students.
Who can participate in the published competition notices and projects?
All the enrolled students. For further details, every announcement will have its regulations.
Why should I become a SUPSI ambassador?
Because it allows you to develop important practical skills outside the subjects studied at university, to enlarge your network, to share experiences with other students, and to improve your interpersonal skills.
Within soon does payment of school fees have to be made?
Within 30 days from the date of the invoice.
A chi mi rivolgo in caso di problemi?
Dipende dal tipo di problema. Se è relativo ad uno specifico corso, è buona norma rivolgersi in prima istanza al docente, poi al responsabile del modulo (che può non essere il docente stesso) e infine al responsabile del corso di laurea. Se il problema è amministrativo, è possibile rivolgersi alla segreteria. Se invece si tratta di un tema più generale, è possibile contattare il responsabile del corso di laurea.
Are Master's and Diploma qualifications awarded by the Department of Education and Learning recognised in Switzerland?
The SUPSI Master's Degree in Teaching for Secondary Level I, the Master's Degree in Mathematics Teaching for Secondary Level I (Eng. SUP) and the Upper secondary teaching diploma are recognised by all cantons.
Dopo quante F ottenute nello stesso modulo si viene esclusi dal corso di laurea?
L’esclusione dal corso di laurea avviene dopo aver ottenuto 3 F nello stesso modulo.
È possibile passare dal PAP al TP e viceversa?
Sì, esiste questa possibilità. Contatta il Responsabile del corso di laurea per avere maggiori informazioni in merito.
How many hours of work are equivalent to 1 ECTS?
One ECTS corresponds to 25-30 hours of work by students. These hours include lessons, practice exercises, group work and individual study. For example, a module with 6 ECTS requires a total of approximately 150-180 hours of work. Theoretical courses consist of roughly 1/3 of the hours in class and the remaining hours are dedicated to other activities. Practical courses, on the other hand, require more hours spent in class than on individual study.
Quali sono i requisiti per poter iniziare la tesi?
Frequenza a tempo pieno: avere certificato tutti i moduli dei primi quattro semestri del CdL, lingue escluse.
Avere ottenuto una valutazione superiore o uguale a FX nei moduli del quinto e sesto semestre.