Lucila Perez Mollo is Vice President Admissions and Enrolment at Franklin University Switzerland. Here she tells us about the University and why it is an excellent choice for international students.
About Franklin University Switzerland
‘We are the only Liberal Arts Institution with dual Swiss and US accreditation, located in the beautiful town of Lugano, just a few minutes away from the Italian border. Our small community and our focus on experiential learning (through the Academic Travel module every semester) make it a unique experience. Read what our students say about their experience at Franklin.
‘We offer over 20 undergraduate majors and several minors. Our top areas are Psychology, International Management, Finance, Communication and Media Studies, Environmental Studies, and Pre-health/Pre-med. We also offer an accelerated three-year BA track for 13 majors.’
International students
‘We have 400 students representing approximately 60 countries. Almost 87 per cent are international and 13 per cent are from Switzerland. Every year we welcome approximately 200 undergraduate students. Almost 50 per cent of our student body comes from the United States.
‘We have considerably increased diversity of the incoming class over the past five years, with an average of 38 new nationalities every Fall intake. We are seeing increases in the Middle East, as well as certain European countries and neighbouring regions (Italy, France, the UK etc.), thanks to our special EU/EEA tuition discount. We would like to reach more students from Latin America and Asia.’
Cambridge students
‘Approximately 85 per cent of our students are international, and a large percentage of our Fall intake candidates apply with Cambridge qualifications.
‘They are generally self-motivated, have remarkable self-discipline and show passion about specific interests and academic fields of study. Since we launched the three-year BA programmes at Franklin University Switzerland, a large percentage of applicants have been A Level students who benefit from our Advanced Standing policies. Since our programmes are taught in English, international students with Cambridge qualifications meet and typically exceed our English language requirements.
‘We are a Liberal Arts university. Generally students start their studies undecided and declare their major in their second year. Many Cambridge International A Level candidates, by contrast, have a clear idea of their intended major of study and are able to fast-track their undergraduate academic journey. They are passionate, rigorous and curious.’
Entry requirements for Cambridge International A Level students
‘We require three A Levels with Grade C and above. Students can prove their English language proficiency with a Cambridge IGCSE in English as a First or Second Language.
‘In our Advanced Standing policy evaluation, we grant:
- nine credits for A Levels with grades of A*, A, B or C
- three credits for AS Levels with grades of A, B or C
- three credits for an Extended Project Qualification or Cambridge International Project Qualification with grades of A*, A, B or C.
‘We also accept Global Perspectives & Research as a third Cambridge International A Level.’
Advice to Cambridge students
‘Make sure you take the opportunity to connect with our student ambassadors through our Unibuddy Chat on the website, as well as with our admissions counsellor through a 1–1 virtual or in-person meeting. We have a rolling admissions process, but we encourage all applicants to take advantage of the early application deadline for additional benefits (1 December for the Fall intake, 1 November for the Spring intake).’
Scholarships and other incentives
‘We offer a special EU/EEA rate which represents a significant discount from the regular tuition fee. We also offer scholarships and/or need-based aid and/or special merit awards (leadership, creative practices, sustainability, etc.) to all eligible students. We are a residential campus offering on-campus housing for our entire student population. Approximately 90 per cent of our students live in one of our eight residences.’
Why should Cambridge students choose Franklin University Switzerland
‘At Franklin University Switzerland, students benefit from experiential learning, with a two-week Academic Travel module per semester included in the curriculum and fees. The University is in a safe and beautiful location, and prides itself on the diversity of its staff and student body. There is a nine to one student/faculty ratio. Finally, we offer dual US and Swiss accreditation, allowing students to pursue graduate programmes practically anywhere in the world.’