Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne)
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) overview
The University of Lausanne (UNIL), located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the country's leading research universities. Founded in 1537 as a school of theology, it became a full-fledged university in 1890 and has since established itself as a leading institution recognized for its commitment to interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
The University of Lausanne offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across 7 faculties — Theology and Religious Studies; Law, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration; Arts; Social and Political Sciences; Business and Economics; Biology and Medicine; and Earth Sciences and Environment. The university has a strong reputation in areas such as life sciences, environmental studies, business, and health, and maintains close ties with renowned research centers including the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.
UNIL is located on a natural lakeside campus in Dorigny, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The campus is shared with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), fostering an atmosphere of innovation and intellectual exchange. The university serves more than 14,000 students representing more than 120 nationalities, contributing to its dynamic and multicultural atmosphere.
About Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne)
The University of Lausanne (UNIL), located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is one of the country's leading research universities. Founded in 1537 as a school of theology, it became a full-fledged university in 1890 and has since established itself as a leading institution recognized for its commitment to interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
The University of Lausanne offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across 7 faculties — Theology and Religious Studies; Law, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration; Arts; Social and Political Sciences; Business and Economics; Biology and Medicine; and Earth Sciences and Environment. The university has a strong reputation in areas such as life sciences, environmental studies, business, and health, and maintains close ties with renowned research centers including the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.
UNIL is located on a natural lakeside campus in Dorigny, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The campus is shared with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), fostering an atmosphere of innovation and intellectual exchange. The university serves more than 14,000 students representing more than 120 nationalities, contributing to its dynamic and multicultural atmosphere.
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) faculties and programs
Take a closer look at Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne)
The main campus of the University of Lausanne is located in Dorigny, a district on the western outskirts of Lausanne, Switzerland. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains, the Dorigny campus is home to all seven of the university's faculties and has been designed as a pedestrian-friendly, park-like environment equipped with modern infrastructure, libraries, research centers, student dormitories, and sports facilities.
One of the distinctive features of the Dorigny campus is its proximity to and integration with the neighboring École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), which allows students and researchers from both institutions to share resources and collaborate on joint initiatives in science, technology, and innovation.
In addition to the main Dorigny facilities, the University of Lausanne also has various specialized facilities and affiliated institutions across the Lausanne area and the canton of Vaud. A prime example is its close partnership with the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), one of Switzerland's foremost teaching hospitals, which serves as the clinical training and medical research hub for the Faculty of Biology and Medicine.
Other notable facilities include the Biopôle life sciences campus in Épalinges, home to state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratories, and the School of Criminal Justice in Renens, known for its programs in forensic science.
With students from more than 120 countries, the campus is a hub of international exchange and cultural diversity. UNIL supports a wide range of student organizations, including academic associations affiliated with specific faculties, cultural clubs, environmental groups, and student unions such as the Fédération des Associations d'Étudiant-e-s (FAE).
These organizations provide opportunities for leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Sports and outdoor activities are an important part of student life at UNIL, thanks to its lakeside location and extensive athletic facilities.
The Centre Sport et Santé (CSS) offers more than 100 different sports and fitness activities, including team sports, yoga, martial arts, and outdoor adventure programs. Students frequently take advantage of the proximity to Lake Geneva and the nearby mountains for sailing, swimming, skiing, and hiking.
Traditions and events such as the annual Dies Academicus (academic celebration), student festivals, welcome events for new students, and themed parties organized by faculty associations further enrich campus culture. The close collaboration with EPFL adds even more variety to the social scene, with shared access to events, clubs, and innovation centers.
The University of Lausanne has an extensive alumni network, with many distinguished graduates who have achieved excellence in a variety of fields. Notable alumni of the university include:
- King Ananda Mahidol
- King Bhumibol Adulyadej
- Princess Galyani Vadhana
- Prince Bernhard
- Princess Vera Ignatievna Giedroyc
- Ignazio Cassis
- İsmail Cem
- Paul Ceresole
- Georges-André Chevallaz
- Pascal Couchepin
- Ernest Chuard
- Jean-Pascal Delamuraz
- Vedat Dicleli
- Daniel-Henri Druey
- Florika Fink-Hooijer
- Constant Fornerod
- Şemsettin Günaltay
- Max Huber
- Antoine Louis John Ruchonnet
- Fazıl Küçük
- Pascoal Mocumbi
- Benito Mussolini
- Marcel Pilet-Golaz
- Eugène Ruffy
- Marc-Emile Ruchet
- Mohammad Sa'ed
- Jonas Savimbi
- Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) cost of living
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) awards and achievements
- 1 Nobel Kimya Ödülü Sahibi Mezun/Fakülte Üyesi
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) Location
Lausanne, Switzerland
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne) Contact
Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne)
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