Euraxess Centre SUPSI

Support for new members and guests of the university.
The Welcome & EURAXESS Centre SUPSI is the point of reference for researchers, professors, PhD candidates, postdocs, staff members, as well as international students who choose to study or work at SUPSI.
We offer personalized and practical support to facilitate your arrival, integration, and daily life in Ticino, allowing you to focus on your academic and professional experience.
The Centre is coordinated by the International Office, in collaboration with Human Resources, Research Services, and Gender & Diversity, and accompanies those joining the SUPSI community throughout the different stages of mobility.

On behalf of SEFRI – State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, SUPSI has been part of the EURAXESS – Researchers in Motion initiative since 2017. This program aims to make European scientific careers more attractive and to promote international mobility.
Through EURAXESS you can find information on:
  • Academic and scientific career opportunities.
  • Calls and funding programs.
  • International mobility and professional development.
We invite you to visit the EURAXESS Switzerland portal, a rich resource with practical information on professional life, job opportunities, and mobility support.

If you are relocating from abroad, you must bring your personal belongings across the border and complete the necessary formalities before entering the country.
For long-term stays, you can import furniture, utensils, books, clothes, and other personal items without paying import duties, provided that:
  • You transfer your place of residence to Switzerland.
  • Items have been used for at least six months and will continue to be used after import.
Procedure
To import, you must complete the form “Application/Declaration for duty-free removal goods” (in two copies).
​​​​​​​Customs may also request: 
  • A list of goods to be imported (subsequent shipments must be listed separately; non-compliant goods must be declared).
  • Swiss residence permit (except EU/EFTA citizens).
  • Vehicle registration for any means of transport.
  • Proof of purchase or rental of accommodation.
Customs may request additional documentation.

More information:

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Finding housing in Ticino can take time. Most landlords require:
  • Proof of liability insurance.
  • A security deposit (up to three months’ rent).
In addition to rent, consider extra costs (electricity, water, heating, phone/internet, TV license, cable TV).

Indicative costs:
  • Room in shared apartment: from CHF 650
  • Studio: from CHF 800
  • Apartment (50 m²): from CHF 1,200
Prices vary by location; peripheral areas are generally cheaper than urban centers.

Useful portals:

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Health and accident insurance
Every person residing in Switzerland must take out health insurance within three months of arrival. Mandatory insurance benefits are defined by law and identical for all insurers.
Monthly premiums range from CHF 200 to CHF 450 depending on age and deductible. Compare offers on www.priminfo.ch or www.comparis.ch.
Employees residing abroad, including family members, are subject to bilateral agreements with EU countries and may request exemption from Swiss insurance when applying for their first work permit. Otherwise, they will be affiliated with a Swiss health insurer.

Private liability insurance
Optional but strongly recommended, covers damage caused to third parties (e.g., during sports activities, as a tenant, or pet owner). More information: Personal liability insurance in Switzerland.

Social security
The Swiss system is based on three pillars:
  1. Mandatory state pension (AVS, AD, IPG, AI)
  2. Mandatory occupational pension (LPP, LAINF) – for those working in Switzerland. SUPSI staff is covered for income loss in case of illness or accident.
  3. Optional private pension – individual savings for retirement
Taxes
SUPSI employees not domiciled in Switzerland are subject to withholding tax, deducted directly from salary.
Students from countries with double taxation agreements and residing in Switzerland exclusively for study purposes are not taxed on income earned abroad.

​​​​​​​Family allowances
  • Basic allowance: CHF 200/month (0–16 years)
  • Education allowance: CHF 250/month (16–25 years)
Forms are available on the IAS (DSS) website – Republic and Canton of Ticino.

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Information on:
  • Residence permits
  • Municipal registration
  • Administrative obligations
For contractual or work permit issues: contact your SUPSI HR representative.

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SUPSI offers various support services:​​​​​​​

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SUPSI promotes flexible solutions for:
  • Parents
  • People with family or professional commitments
  • Special needs
Includes:
  • Gender & Diversity counseling
  • SUPSInido childcare
  • Extracurricular activities for children
Swiss School System
Each canton has its own school system. Compulsory education includes kindergarten, primary school, and lower secondary school.
After lower secondary school, students can choose between upper secondary school or vocational training, both granting access to tertiary education.
Specific solutions are available for pupils with special educational needs.
You can find all information about educational pathways in Ticino by visiting the website of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, and by searching by municipality, district, and type of school.

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We recommend contacting us 1–3 months before your arrival (at least 3 months if you are traveling with your family). Email: international@supsi.ch

​​​​​​​Please include:
  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Nationality
  • Last country of residence
  • Start date and duration of your activity
  • Hosting SUPSI department or institute
  • Any partner or family details
  • Questions or comments

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