English language courses - FAQ

Am I eligible to take English language courses at USI Università della Svizzera italiana?

The English language courses offered free of charge every semester are open to fully matriculated USI students or USI professionals only.

The personal data of every single online enrolment is verified in Università della Svizzera italiana’s database.

I am about to graduate, can I attend language courses for free?

No, if you are about to graduate and will not pay the tuition fee for the semester in which the language course is held, you are not entitled to enrol as an USI member. You may however, enroll on a fee-paying basis as USI Alumnus/Alumna. For information please visit the website or write to Laboratory of Modern Languages.

I dropped out of university, can I continue attending language courses?

No, once you have dropped out you cannot take any language courses. You must promptly notify the Laboratory of Modern Languages and leave the course with immediate effect, otherwise, the course will be invoiced to your address with an additional charge for administrative costs.

I am an USI Alumnus/Alumna. Can I attend the courses?

Yes, USI Alumni/Alumnae may attend on a fee-paying basis provided that places are available. For information please visit the website or write to Laboratory of Modern Languages.

Are family members admitted?

As class size is an important factor in language learning, it isn’t possible to admit family members, friends or students studying in other higher Institutions.

Are USI's language courses open to auditors?

No, language courses are not open to auditors.

I am a SUPSI student / SUPSI professional. May I attend USI's language courses?

SUPSI students/staff may attend on a fee-paying basis provided that places are available. For information please visit the website or write to Laboratory of Modern Languages.

I am a student/professional of another Swiss University. May I attend USI's language courses?

Students/professionals of other Swiss Universities may attend on a fee-paying basis provided that places are available. For information please visit the website or write to Laboratory of Modern Languages.

What level must I have to be admitted to the optional English for Economists academic course held during the second or third year (semester 4 or 6)?

In order to be admitted to the English for Economists course (6 ECTS), you need a B2 certificate in general English. No-one is exempted from this requirement.

*Economics students on Business English courses will be offered training and a mock exam.

I am registered with USI. How much does a language course cost?

The cost of the pre-semester intensive courses and the semester-time language courses is included in the Università della Svizzera italiana’s tuition fees. The semester fee has to be paid before the start of the intensive language course. The courses are free for all USI members.

What happens if I don’t pay the tuition fee before the start of the language course?

You will not be able to take the language course if you don’t pay the semester fee in advance since you need the university credentials to access the material.

When do I receive my University account?

You will receive your USI credentials a few days before the start of the free of charge language course if you have payed the semester university fee.

I'm not registered with USI nor any other Swiss University. May I take language courses free of charge?

No. External users may enroll in fee-based courses only, for information see Courses for external users.

What is iCorsi? 

iCorsi is USI’s eLearning platform. iCorsi allows lecturers and students to manage, share and access teaching materials, to carry out anti-plagiarism checks using the Turnitin software, to manage communication between lecturers and students, and to create and conduct online examinations.

What is a SWITCH edu-ID and why do I need it? 

The edu-ID digital identity is managed for the entire Swiss academic community by SWITCH, the foundation that provides IT services to all the Swiss universities. As the general objective of Università della Svizzera italiana is to achieve environmental responsibility, the course material is available in digital versions in iCorsi. The edu-ID digital identity allows access to the iCorsi e-learning platform. Create a personal SWITCH edu-ID account using your USI account and link it to the Università della Svizzera italiana before the start of the course.

How can I determine what my language level is?

You should register for a course only if your language skills match the level of the course concerned. Please read the entry requirements listed in the course descriptions carefully before enrolling.

Knowledge of the CEFR levels allows you to assess your initial language skills and to enrol in the language courses best suited to your needs.

Self-assessment Grid of the European Language Portfolio. 

CEFR online language assessment test

Is the English language Placement test mandatory ?

Yes, it is mandatory if you are interested in attending an English language course. During the first week of the semester, a placement test will take place in class to assess the actual level of English proficiency. If necessary, instructors will adjust the level accordingly.

Should I study for the Placement test?

No, it is a test of your current level of ability and it will be used to assign you to the right study group.

When am I exempted from assessment testing?

If the level of English required for your university course is B2, you need a Cambridge First (pass at grade C or above) Certificate, or IELTS 5.5.
If the level of English required for your university course is B2+, you need a Cambridge First (pass at grade B or above) Certificate, or IELTS 6.5.

Can I change classes if the level I originally chose is not the right level for me?

Changing level is only possible if the lecturer decides that you have been placed in the wrong level.

What language level should I have to graduate in the Bachelor in Communication?

A B2+ level is required to graduate.

• If you already hold a B2+ level/certificate not older than 3 years, you can present the recognised international language certificate to the Admission office. You must upload your certificate at the following link: Upload English Certificate iCorsi. The Laboratory of Modern Languages coordinators will check its validity and confirm or deny your exemption. Deadline: we advise you to upload it within the first 3 days of the semester, otherwise as soon as you get the certificate.
• If you do not hold a recognised B2+ level certificate, you are welcome to enrol in the language courses offered by the University's language centre at the latest two weeks before the course starts, please see English courses offered by LLM.

Which international language certificate is compared to the required B2+ level?

Students who have an international certification corresponding to an advanced or higher B2+ level not older than 3 years or those who have a baccalaureate or university diploma from an English-speaking country can be exempted. Only the following international certificates are recognised:

• IELTS Band 6.5 or higher
• Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) rated A or B
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) rated A, B or C
• Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

To ensure that the certified skills and knowledge are still current, the certification must have been obtained no more than 3 years prior to submission.

Where should I upload my international certificate to be exempted from the English courses?

You must upload your certificate at the following link: Upload English Certificate iCorsi. The Laboratory of Modern Languages coordinators will check its validity and confirm or deny your exemption. Deadline: we advise you to upload it within the first 3 days of the semester, otherwise as soon as you get the certificate.

What should I do if I do not have the B2+ level?

If you don't hold the required B2+ level recognised certificate, you may enrol in the free language courses offered by the University's language centre, the Laboratory of Modern Languages. You should be able to reach the required level within the end of your studies if your prior knowledge is sufficient and if you take the classes regularly. The minimum required attendance percentage is 80%.

What English language levels are offered to USI members?

The Laboratory of Modern Languages offers English language courses from B1 to C1 level.

Is enrolment in English language courses compulsory?

Yes, enrolment in English language courses is compulsory via the online enrolment form, see English language courses. Please enrol at the level you consider most appropriate (self-assessment grid). 

During the first week of the semester, an in-class placement test will be held to assess your actual level of English. If necessary, lecturers will arrange for you to change to a different level.

Is the English language Placement test mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory. During the first week of the term, a placement test will be held in class to assess students’ actual level of English. If necessary, the teachers will arrange for students to be moved to a different level.

How can I determine what my English level is?

You should register for a course only if your language skills match the level of the course concerned. To determine your language proficiency, use the Self-assessment Grid of the European Language Portfolio or the CEFR online language assessment test.

If I start from level B1.1, am I required to take 6 semesters of courses before sitting the exam (see Study Path table), or can I register for the first available session and try?

We always advise against “trying” to take the exam without having reached the required level. However, it is of course not mandatory to wait 6 semesters before taking the exam (the table is only indicative of a possible study path, but it is not binding). If a student progresses quickly, they may sit the exam earlier.
It is important, though, to attend our courses: in order to be admitted to the exam, students must have attended at least 80% of the course in the semester preceding the exam session.
English teachers are always available to advise and support students — we encourage you to reach out to them for any questions or concerns.

How can I enrol in the C1.1 level course? Is it necessary to take the Placement Test or can I enrol automatically if I already have a certificate?

If the student already holds a B2+ certificate or has passed the B2+ exam in session, they can enrol. However, final admission to the course is always at the discretion of the teacher.
If the student does not have a B2+ certificate or has not yet passed the B2+ exam in session, it is not possible to enrol solely based on the Placement Test (the test alone is not sufficiently reliable to ensure that it is the best choice for the student).

Am I awarded credit points for English language courses B1.1-B2+?

No, reaching the required B2+ level is considered an academic "language requirement" so you will not obtain ECTS points. You can obtain ECTS points only for the C1 level course.

Am I awarded credit points for other language courses?

• Bachelor in Communication: yes, you can obtain 3 ECTS in skills from any language classes, such as French & German (any level=, Writschaftsdeutsch B2+ and English Language C1). See ECTS table.
• Bachelor in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana: It is possible to obtain 3 ECTS by passing the B2.2 exam in one of the following three languages: English, French, or German, see ECTS table.

I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree programme in Economics, core course in Italian. What language level should I reach by the end of my studies?

You must reach the B2+ level before the end of your Bachelor degree.
If you already hold a B2 level/certificate, you can reach the B2+ level (either) by:

• passing the optional academic English for Economists course exam (6 ECTS), offered by USI;
• presenting a recognised international language certificate no older than 3 years. You must upload your certificate at the following link: Upload English Certificate iCorsi.

If you do not have the required B2 level, you are most welcome to enrol in the language courses offered by the University's language centre at the latest two weeks before the course starts, please see English courses offered by LLM.

I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree programme in Economics - Italian stream, but I wish to pass to the English stream. What should I do?
You can switch from the Italian stream to the English stream within maximum 4 weeks from the beginning of the Semester.

• If you already hold a B2 international certificate no older than 3 years: please upload your certificate at the following link Upload English Certificate iCorsi
• If you do not hold a B2 recognised international certificate but your level corresponds to a B2: you can enrol in the internal exam we offer at USI. Every year, at the beginning of the semester (1st year students only), you have the chance to register to the exam and if you pass it, switch from the Italian stream core to the English stream core.

Please remember that, in any case, if you intend to do this switch, it is mandatory to contact the Studies Administration Office.

I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree in Economics, Italian stream. Am I awarded credit points for English language courses?

No, you are not awarded ECTS for optional general English language courses or for Business English courses due to the pre-requisite condition of level B2+ (debito formativo). Only the optional Academic course English for Economists provides 6 ECTS, see table.

What does the Business English programme cover and are the courses compulsory?

The Business English programme is an optional Business English course divided into 3 modules, from level B1 to level B2+-C1. The course gives you the bankable language skills required by any employer operating in the English-speaking world.

Do I get a certificate of attendance at the end of Business English course?
Yes. You are entitled to take the end-of-course test if you have attended at least 80% of the course. If you pass the final test you obtain a course completion certificate. The attendance certificate will state your name, the language level of the course and the total number of hours of the chosen level but not the assessment scores, the grades or the percentage average achieved in the final exam since language courses do not count towards a degree at USI.

I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree programme in Economics, English stream, and possess a B2 recognised certificate. Which English language courses can I attend to further improve my knowledge and reach level C1 by the end of my studies?

There are several options:

• Business English 3 course
• General English language course B2+
• General English course C1

How can I determine what my language level is?

You should register for a course only if your language skills match the level of the course concerned.

To determine your language proficiency, use the Self-assessment Grid of the European Language Portfolio.

The Laboratory of Modern Languages reserves the right to cancel your enrolment if your language skills differ from those listed in the course description, if the corresponding level is fully booked or not offered.

Is the Placement test mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory. As all higher level classes require knowledge of material covered in lower levels, a definitive decision about admission can be taken only after the Placement test organised at the beginning of each course. The lecturer will direct you to the appropriate course after completion (by the beginning of the second week of the semester) if the chosen level does not correspond to your knowledge. Please note that attendance in a different level is possible only in case of free available places.

I am enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme in Economics, core course in Italian, and already possess a recognised international B2 certificate. Do I still have to obtain a B2+ certificate by the end of my studies?

Yes, even if you already hold a valid B2 certificate in English, you are still required to obtain the B2+ level by the end of your studies, either by passing the optional academic English for Economists course examination (6 ECTS) or by presenting a recognised certificate obtained externally (0 ECTS).

To be admitted to the optional academic course English for Economists (6 ECTS), do I need to present a recognised B2 English language certificate?

In order to be admitted to the English for Economists course (6 ECTS), you need a B2 certificate in general English. No-one is exempted from this requirement.

*Economics students on Business English courses will be offered training and a mock exam.

In internationally acknowledged exams, CEFR B2 level corresponds to which scores?

In internationally or internal acknowledged exams, CEFR B2+ level corresponds to which scores?

Which English language certificates are recognised by Università della Svizzera italiana in the Bachelor programmes?

1. Bachelor in Communication (Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society): requested level B2+
International certificates (not older than 3 years) accepted in the Bachelor's programme are:

• IELTS Band 6.5 or higher;
• Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) with grade A or B;
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) with grade A, B or C;
• Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE);

2. Bachelor's degree in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana (Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society): requested level B2
International certificates (not older than 3 years) accepted in the Bachelor's programme are:

• IELTS Band 5.5 or higher;
• Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) with grade A, B or C;
• Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency;

3. Bachelor in Economics (Faculty of Economics): requested level B2

International certificates (not older than 3 years) accepted in the Bachelor's programme are:

• IELTS Band 5.5 or higher;
• TOEFL Internet-based 70;
• TOEIC Listening & Reading 860, Speaking 170, Writing 170;
• Cambridge FCE Grade C.

Validity of language certifications

Attention should be paid to the date of issue of the certification. To ensure that the certified skills and knowledge are still current, the certification must have been obtained no more than 3 years prior to its submission.

Where do I upload the international language certificate to apply for the B2.2 English exam exemption?

It is possible to upload a B2 or C1 international certificate in iCorsi to request exemption from the USI English examination B2.2 or C1.2. The certificate must not be older than 3 years.

Upload your certificate so that the teacher in charge can check its validity and confirm your exemption from the examination at the following link: Upload English Certificate iCorsi.

Deadline for submitting the certificate: the certificate should preferably be submitted within the first three days of the semester. The certificate may also be uploaded throughout the entire academic year. The certificate cannot be submbitted during the exam sessions (January, June and September).

Does USI's Laboratory of Modern Languages organise preparation courses for the English B2 language certification exam?

Yes, USI's Laboratory of Modern Languages offers an intensive exam preparation course for IELTS B2 / C1 on Lugano Campus prior to the Spring Semester start. Select the following link for registration.

I am enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana (BLLCI). What language exam do I have to take?

The Bachelor's programme in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana is taught entirely in Italian, but includes the study of a second language to be chosen from French, German and English. By the end of the first year of the Bachelor's degree, the B2 exam in the chosen language must be taken. The University's language centre, the Laboratory of Modern Languages, offers free language courses, including modules B2.1 (B2 part 1) and B2.2 (B2 part 2). Level B2 language examinations are offered three times a year in the examination sessions of January, June and September.

I am enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana (BLLCI). What happens if I possess an English, French or German language recognised certificate equivalent to B2 or above?

If you hold a recognised certificate equivalent to B2 or above in one of the 3 languages you are exempted from the course and will be awarded 3 ECTS, see USI website.

Language requirements for Master's programmes - English language

Admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English. Non-native English speakers applying to the Master’s or whose previous degree was obtained in another language are required to provide an internationally acknowledged language certificate equal to the B2+ level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning (CEFR) or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

The B2+ level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:

Important:

• The language certificate must be included in the application package: candidates whose Bachelor's was entirely taught in English must upload an official document mentioning the tuition language (e.g., official transcript, diploma supplement, or any other official certificate issued by the university) in the application form.
• We only accept the above English qualifications (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, TOEIC).
• The certificate must still be valid at the point of the application. We generally cannot accept language test results older than three years as of September 1st.
• Certificates obtained by passing the IELTS Academic Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition tests may also be submitted for admission to the programme.

The "Elite Sports programme" offers to élite athletes the chance to get involved in one of USI’s academic programmes and organise their schedule in a flexible manner. The Programme Coordinator is Giorgio Piffaretti, USI's Sport Service manager.

I'm an Elite Sports programme student and I can not attend the 80% of the classes, what should I do?

• Please inform the Laboratory of Modern Languages about your situation via e-mail;

• Please also inform the English language lecturer at the beginning or at the end of the first lesson of the semester, which is in any case compulsory;

• If your enrolment in the Elite Sports programme is confirmed, you will be exempted from the requirement to attend 80% of the optional English course. However, you will be expected to make up for the missed classes through independent work — for example, by completing the compulsory modules on the e-learning platform and regularly submitting written assignments to your lecturer;

• The additional work will be assigned in such a way as to ensure that your overall workload is equivalent to that of all other regular students;

• The end-of-course test is compulsory in any case and must be passed in order to progress to the next level.

Further information at the following link: Elite Sports programme

How can I register for the language courses?

To register for the language courses, it is necessary to complete the online registration by filling out the electronic forms available on the website of the Laboratory of Modern Languages. Registrations cannot be submitted via e-mail or by sending messages to the language centre administration: only the correct submission of the online form makes the registration valid.

Where can I find the description of each course?

You can access the course description by selecting the course title in the semester timetable.

Once enrolled, is attendance mandatory?

Regular attendance is essential once you have enrolled in a language course, as it represents genuine added value: not only does it offer the opportunity to develop language skills that are increasingly in demand in today’s job market, but it also allows you to prepare adequately for potential exchange semesters at universities in other Swiss cantons or abroad. In addition, consistent attendance contributes to the smooth organization of the course, ensuring a regular flow of teaching activities and better interaction in the classroom.

It is particularly important to remember that the fact that the courses are free of charge should not encourage enrolling lightly: learning a language requires commitment, continuity, and active participation. For this reason, it is essential to register only if you truly intend to attend the course for the entire semester and to take the final assessment. Investing in your multilingualism means enriching your CV with a skill that continues to distinguish and enhance professional profiles.

I am enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Communication. How do I register for the pre-semester intensive courses before the semester starts?

Enrolment in the pre-semester intensive courses is compulsory for all USI members. You register by filling in the following forms:

• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the autumn semester (first two weeks in September) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the the spring semester (first two weeks in February) please fill in and submit the following form.

I am enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Communication. How do I register for the semester-time course?

You always have to register via online enrolment form. All the information and the links for online enrolment at the following link: English language courses.

You will still be required to take a placement test, and the instructors reserve the right to assign you to a more suitable group if your level differs from the one you selected during registration. We also invite you to refer to the self-assessment grid of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

I am enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Economics. How do I register for the semester-time course?

If you are enrolled in the first year of a Bachelor's degree in Economics you must register online. 

When you register, please choose the level that best reflects your actual English skills. You will still be required to take a placement test, and the instructors reserve the right to assign you to a more suitable group if your level differs from the one you selected during registration. We also invite you to refer to the self-assessment grid of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Online enrolment at the following links:

• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the autumn semester (first two weeks in September) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the semester-time courses offered during the autumn semester please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the the spring semester (first two weeks in February) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the semester-time courses offered during the spring semester, please fill in and submit the following form.

I am enrolled in the second- or third- year of the Bachelor's degree in Economics. How do I register for the semester-time course?

Online registration for second- or third-year students of the Bachelor's degree in Economics interested in the courses is still compulsary.

• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the autumn semester (first two weeks in September) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the semester-time courses offered during the autumn semester please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the the spring semester (first two weeks in February) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the semester-time courses offered during the spring semester, please fill in and submit the following form.

I am a USI member NOT enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's degree in Communication. How do I register for the pre-semester and semester-time courses?

For USI members not enrolled in the first year BCOM degree, registration is via the online forms of the Laboratory of Modern Languages, USI's language centre. You register by filling in the following forms:

• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the autumn semester (first two weeks in September) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the semester-time courses offered during the autumn semester please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the pre-semester intensive course offered before the start of the the spring semester (first two weeks in February) please fill in and submit the following form;
• for the semester-time courses offered during the spring semester, please fill in and submit the following form.

I am NOT a first-year Bachelor student in the Faculty of Communication. Which English courses can I take?

• If you are not a Bachelor student of the Faculty of Communication, you can register in the courses listed in the online application form, see English language courses for other USI members
• If you are a Bachelor student in the Faculty of Economics, you can find further information at the following link: English language courses - Bachelor in Economics
• In case of available places, it is possible to attend the English language courses reserved for BCOM students even if you are enrolled in other USI Faculties or if you are enrolled in the second or third year of BCOM. Write to Dr. Christopher Dawson for information.

With which account can I register online?

Always sign-up with your USI account. Register with your private email address only if you don't have an USI University account yet (since you are a new student).

The course schedule is not convenient for me, can I register for a higher level even though my language skills don’t match?

No, you will be assigned to a course appropriate for your level, and given an attendance requirement for that specific course. In order to be able to take the exam and satisfy the language requirement, you need to attend that specific course.

I don’t know my schedule yet, can I register for more than one time slot?

You need to attend the course to which you are assigned. If there is a clash with another compulsory course, please inform [email protected] and specify exactly which compulsory course has the same timetable slot.

Why is regular attendance necessary in language courses?

Language courses require consistent engagement to develop the four linguistic skills — listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing — in a balanced way. Regular attendance allows students to practise actively, receive immediate feedback, and participate in real communicative interactions, all of which are essential for effective and measurable language progress.

Is there an attendance policy?

Yes, class registers are checked on a daily basis, and any absences are noted by the lecturer in iCorsi. You are expected to be regular and punctual in class attendance and to fully participate in the course once admitted. In order to benefit fully from the course, 100% attendance is recommended. You are responsible for completing homework and autonomous activities outside class hours every day/week. You are responsible for communicating attendance issues with your lecturers via email with as much notice as possible and to catch up independently.

The minimum attendance requirement is at least 80% of the number of classes held in the academic session. The lecturer will automatically suspend the course enrollment in iCorsi, without prior notice, as soon as absences exceed 20%.

What is the minimum attendance? What happens if I miss a class/how many lessons can I miss?

Attendance is mandatory and the minimum attendance required to sit the exam is 80% of the course. To attend at least 80% of the course students can miss a maximum of 5 lessons of 2 academic hours every semester.

What to do in case of unexpected absences?

The language course allows for a maximum of 20% total absences, which includes all types of absence—such as illness, academic commitments (conferences, seminars), weddings, bereavement, or other personal reasons. In all cases, you are required to inform your instructor of your absence. Beyond the 20% limit, no additional absences can be justified, except in the case of prolonged illness (see point below).

What to do in case of prolonged illness? Managing absences for health reasons

As a rule, you are not required to submit a medical certificate, since up to 20% of the course hours (equivalent to 11 academic hours per semester) may be missed without justification. In the case of prolonged illness, however, this limit may be extended up to a maximum of 29% of the total course hours (an additional 5 academic hours, for a total of 16 academic hours per semester), provided that you submit a medical certificate covering the entire period (one month of classes). Beyond this threshold, no further absences can be recognised: with an attendance rate below 71%, it is not possible to take the end-of-semester test, even with a medical certificate, as such limited participation does not allow for the proper consolidation and development of the language skills needed to meet the course objectives.

Health permitting, all assignments set by the lecturer and all asynchronous self-study activities must still be completed and submitted punctually during the semester.
It is also important to maintain regular contact with the lecturer through the course’s iCorsi forum. Please keep the Laboratory of Modern Languages Administration informed of your intentions. If prolonged illness prevents you from following the course adequately, it is advisable to postpone your English studies to the following semester. The certificates must be sent both to the course lecturer and to the LLM administration ([email protected]).

When do classes start?

At the beginning of the Academic Year, new students must take an online Placement test to establish their level and be assigned to the appropriate course. Classes will therefore begin on the second week of the semester, for the Academic Year 2025-2026, during the week of 22-26 September 2025.

How are the classes conducted?

Classes are mandatory in-person lectures, in addition to self-study.

What should I bring to class?

Always bring your University ID badge and your laptop.

How are the classes conducted?

1. Intensive pre-semester courses: 60 hrs of mandatory in-person lectures and 30 hrs self-study in iCorsi.
2. Semester-time courses: 56 hrs of mandatory in-person lectures + 28 hrs mandatory self-study in iCorsi.

Is it possible to attend two different grammar levels in the same semester?

Yes. You have an attendance requirement for one specific course. If, in addition to that course, you wish to follow other lessons as well, you may do so providing the teacher agrees to it.

What is the frequency required to pass the B2 Exam focus course?
The B2 Exam focus course - for 2nd and 3rd year BECO and BCOM students - requires mandatory attendance of 80% of the lessons.

Attending B2+.2 course (Autumn Semester)?
If you attend the B2+.2 course in the Autumn Semester, you can obtain 'bonus' points for the final examination by doing written and oral assignments.

What is the format of the courses?

Our blended courses combine in-person instruction with self-paced online learning in the iCorsi platform. This approach, also known as mixed learning, offers a flexible and effective way to learn, incorporating both in-person interaction and digital resources.

Are self-study assignments and independent learning hours mandatory in blended courses?

Yes, they are mandatory and integral to the course. The asynchronous hours are just as rigorous and important as on-campus sessions. You must complete all assigned quizzes, exercises, presentations, and tasks according to the course schedule — either daily or weekly, depending on the format — and before the end-of-semester tests.

Workload overview

Pre-semester intensive courses

• 60 hours of in-person classroom activities
• At least 30 hours of asynchronous self-study
• All tasks must be completed day by day and are compulsary
• Exit test

​Semester-time courses

• 28 hours of in-person classroom activities
• At least 28 hours of asynchronous self-study
• Plus 28 hours of independent learning
• All tasks must be completed week by week and are compulsary
• Exit test

Is homework mandatory?

Classroom activities are complemented by asynchronous homework exercises. Consider approximately 2-3 hours of out-of-class work per week.

Will I need to take my Personal Electronic Device (PED) to class every day/week?

Yes, all USI candidates must bring their own laptop or tablet to class in order to access the learning materials in iCorsi. As there are only a few power outlets in the classroom, remember to charge your computer before coming to class.

Is registration necessary for the B2, B2+ and C1 level USI exams?

Yes, for the B2, B2+ and C1 level final exam, online registration is needed at the following link: esami.lu.usi.ch. Access to the platform is through your edu-ID.

Should I enrol for every session of the B2, B2+ and C1 level exams?

It is advisable not to enrol for the exam until your teacher recommends that you may be able to pass it. However, except for the BLLCI students, there is no limit on the number of attempts.

The exam is available in all three sessions every year (January, June and August/September).

Is registration for the final test at level B1 necessary?

No, if you are assigned to a B1 level class, there will be an end-of-semester test during class time at the B1 level.

Is registration necessary for the final test of the other English language courses open to all USI members?

No, when you register for a language class open to all USI members, you are automatically signed up for the end-of-semester exam for that semester.

What is the passing grade in the exam?

Note that the same exam is used to test at the B2 level (60%) and the B2+ level (75%).

Students in the Economics Faculty need to reach B2 as a "debito formativo".

Students following the courses of Communication, Culture and Society need to reach B2+ as a "debito formativo".

Students of the BLLCI (Bachelor in Italian Language, Literature and Culture) need to reach B2, in order to earn 3 ECTS. These students have a maximum of three attempts at the exam.

How is the B2 and B2+ final examination organised?

The examination tests four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. In order to access the speaking exam it is necessary to pass the written exam at the appropriate level (60% for B2, 75% for B2+). The same level must also be reached separately in the oral exam.

If I don't pass the B2, B2+ or C1 oral exam, can I keep my score in the written exam?

No. If you don't pass the B2, B2+ or C1 oral exam, you must take the whole exam again in the next session.

• I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana. Am I awarded credit points for the B2.2 General English language course?

Yes, a pass at B2.2 is worth 3 ECTS, and you only have a maximum of 3 attempts at the exam. In other faculties the English level is a pre-requisite, and you need to satisfy the requirement.

For language requirements the evaluation is expressed by a binary system (Pass or Fail). You will also be given a level on the CEFR (such as B1+ or B2).

A grade from 1-10 is also assigned to the Italian literature students, where 6 is a pass (60%). ECTS credits for language courses will be recorded by the end of the regular exam session (late January, late June, and late September).

For further information: ECTS USI language courses, BLLCI credit table and BCom credit table

• I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree in Communication. Am I awarded credit points for English language courses (as skills)?

You are not awarded ECTS for courses below B2.2 due to the prerequisite condition of level B2 (debito formativo), see USI website. On the other hand, you are awarded 3 ECTS for level C1 on condition that you attend at least the 80% of the course and pass the final examinations. Maximum number of ECTS credits to be awarded for languages, see BCom credit table.

• I am enrolled in the Bachelor's degree in Economics. Am I awarded credit points for English language courses?

No, you are not awarded ECTS for general English language courses due to the prerequisite condition of level B2+ (debito formativo), see table.

But you'll get 6 ECTS when you'll pass the English for economists course.

• I am a SEMP or International exchange student.  Am I awarded credit points for the English language courses?

Swiss-European Mobility Programme students (SEMP) and International Exchange students will be awarded 3 ECTS credit points after successful completion of an English language course.

At USI all examinations of official courses are graded on a scale from 1 to 10. For language courses the evaluation is however expressed by a binary system (pass or fail). For further information, please refer to Art. 32 “Evaluation system” of the USI Study Regulation.

For further information on ECTS credit points: ECTS USI Language courses. ECTS credits for language courses will be recorded by the end of the regular exam session (late January, late June, and late September).

Do I get a certificate of attendance at the end of the course?

No, but if you need a certificate of attendance you can request it by writing to [email protected].

What is the last day to withdraw?

If, for example, you are waiting to hear about your result in an international exam, it is possible to enrol for the USI exam and withdraw up until one week before the exam. 

Be careful if you are studying the BLLCI programme, as you have only 3 attempts at the exam and one is counted if you enrol and do not withdraw or attend the exam.

In the Economics Faculty, there’s a course in the fourth semester (the Spring of the second year) especially designed to help students who still need to reach the B2 level.

In the Communication Faculty, there’s a specific course in the Autumn Semester for second year students, called “B2+.2”. This course is set up differently from the others, and develops practical competences using authentic materials. It also includes coursework assignments involving writing, analysis and spoken interaction, which are assessed together as an element of the exam at the B2+ level, and also contribute up to 10 bonus percentage points in the exam itself. These points are only available to attendees of that specific course.

What does “Tandem language learning” or “Language exchange” mean?

“Tandem language learning” is a method of language learning based on mutual language exchange between tandem partners, where each learner is a native speaker in the language the other person wants to improve.

Add a post to find a language exchange partner

Add a post here www.desk.usi.ch/en/language-tandems