Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find your answer here, you can always contact us through the dedicated form.
Are fellowships and scholarships available?
Yes, the Swiss Plexus Programme offers some online, hub, partial on-site and full on-site scholarship to participate in the LSS courses. These are awarded after a review of all applications by the Steering Committee and decisions are both need- and merit-based.
The scholarship call for the 2026 edition will be launched in January 2026, new budget permitting.
Who is eligible for discounted fees?
Discounted fees are available to PhD and Master’s students (including medical residents), participants from Upper-Middle-Income Countries (UMICs), participants from Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and students or staff of LSS partner institutions (USI, SUPSI, Swiss TPH, and SSPH+, including PhD students of the SSPH+ IGC).
For more information about fees, please see here.
Where does the LSS takes place?
The SSPH+ LSS takes place at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), at the Campus Est - via la Santa 1.
USI is easy to reach by bus, taxi, bike or foot from the Lugano train station. The train station has frequent connections from most of Europe, via Zurich, Luzern, and Milan. Most of the hotels provide a public transportation pass for the duration of your stay. Discover more here: https://www.ticino.ch/en/ticket.html.
Do I need a VISA and Health Insurance?
Non-Swiss residents are responsible for knowing the travel regulations for Switzerland. Even if no visa is required, additional requirements (such as a biometric passport) may apply. You can find more information here.
If you require a visa, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa for short-term stays (up to 90 days). The application process varies depending on your country of residence or citizenship.
Visa applicants will generally need Schengen health insurance valid for Switzerland. Several providers offer this coverage (e.g. Swisscare). For the LSS week, costs typically range from CHF 60–70, depending on the length of stay. Please note that LSS does not benefit from this recommendation; it is provided solely for planning purposes.
A valid passport is required to apply for a visa or book a flight. If you need to apply for a new passport, please do so immediately. LSS reserves the right to cancel participation for fellowship recipients who fail to apply for their passport in due time.
For visa appointments, participants should contact the Lugano Office if they require supporting documents (e.g. an invitation letter).
Which are the closest airports?
The closest airports are:
- Milano Malpensa (MXP) / Northern Italy. The transfer to Lugano by train takes around 1,5 hours. You can find the train schedule and tickets here: https://www.trenord.it/en/ (look for “Malpensa Aeroporto" to "Lugano”).
- Zurich /Switzerland (ZRH). The transfer to Lugano by train takes around 2 hours, with one change at Zurich Main Station. You can find the train schedule and tickets here: https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html (look for "Zürich Flughafen" to "Lugano").
There are special prices for accommodation for paying participants?
During the LSS 2026, two accommodation providers will offer special rates for LSS participants:
- Guest House Lugano offers special discounts for LSS participants at both locations: Guest House University (2 min. walking from the LSS venue) and Guest House Lugano Center (20 min. by bus from the LSS venue). To benefit from the discount, go to the booking section, enter dates between 16 and 23 August, and scroll down to the “Packages – Special offers dedicated to the SSPH+ Lugano Summer School.”
- Hotel Atlantico offers a 10% discount to LSS participants. To receive the discount, please email info@atlantico-lugano.ch and indicate that you are an LSS participant.
Where and how do it get access to readings, and do online networking with colleagues in the courses?
We use e-Campus as the online platform for the Summer School. Once you are formally registered for a course, you will receive an email with your personal login credentials. Participants are encouraged to access the platform before the course begins, as recommended readings, course timetables, participant lists, and all supporting documents will be available there.e-Campus also offers e-networking opportunities before, during, and after the Summer School. During the course week, a help desk will be available on e-Campus to assist with any technical issues.
What if I need to cancel my participation?
The registration of participation is binding. If you have to cancel your registration before August 1, then 30% of the total fee will be retained. If you have to cancel your registration after August 1, no refund will be made. Payments will be refunded if the course is cancelled by the organizer. In that case, the organizer will have no further liability to the client. Registrations remain valid if the course format changes.