Institutions of higher education

Apart from its University and its Institute of Technology, Lausanne has nine higher-education institutions of international standing. Every year, they help thousands of professionals to gain qualifications recognised in Switzerland and abroad in management, art, health care and social professions.

Founded in 1893, Lausanne Hotel School (EHL) is the oldest and most prestigious hotel management institution in the world. Situated high above the city, it has trained over 25'000 senior managers in the hospitality industry. More than 1'800 students of 90 different nationalities attend courses in English and French.

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD business school) offers 20 programmes of study in English, including the Master in Business Administration (MBA, 11 months duration) and the Executive MBA (EMBA) for experienced managers. Situated in Ouchy, close to the lake, the IMD trains around 8'000 students every year.
 

Lausanne boasts three universities of art providing training at bachelor's and master's degree level.
Founded in 1821, Lausanne University of Art and Design (ECAL) teaches visual communication, art and design. Ranked among the top 10 universities in this field, it takes around 600 students of more than 40 different nationalities.

The University of Music (HEMU) offers two strands of study, in classical music and in jazz. As a member of the European Association of Conservatoires, it ensures direct access to the professional world.

Founded in 2003, the Manufacture, or the University of Performing Arts of Western Switzerland (HETSR), trains actors, producers and performing arts technicians. It also offers a bachelor's degree in contemporary dance.

Lausanne has three higher-education institutions providing university-level qualifications in the health and social work professions.

The University of Health Sciences (Haute Ecole de Santé Vaud - HESAV) offers courses of training based on professional practice which lead to a bachelor's degree in nursing, physiotherapy, midwifery or medical radiography. It has over 800 students.

Created in 1859 and the world's first college for lay nurses, the La Source School of Nursing Sciences (Institut et Haute Ecole de la Santé La Source) welcomes more than 800 students on a wide range of study programmes (bachelor, CAS, DAS).

The School of Social Work and Health (Haute Ecole de Travail Social et de la Santé - EESP) offers two strands of study: Bachelor of Arts in social work with an emphasis on sociocultural activities, in social education and in social service; Bachelor of Science in ergotherapy.

The University of Teacher Education (La Haute Ecole Pédagogique - HEP Vaud) offers a comprehensive range of university-level courses in the teaching professions, as well as postgraduate programmes and in-service training. It has over 2'000 students and offers in-service training for 9'000 professionals and other service users.