ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland
university
ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland

ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland

A leading international university of art and design.

Av. du Temple 5, 1020 Renens, Switzerland

About ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland

ECAL (Lausanne University of Art and Design) was founded in 1821 and is currently headed by Alexis Georgacopoulos. It offers courses of study at bachelor and master level in the field of visual communication, art and design. The quality of its teaching and its international reputation make the ECAL one of the most prestigious schools on the global art and design scene. Around 600 students from over 40 nationalities choose this institution. ECAL showcases its work globally at trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences, collaborating with prestigious museums and institutions like the Pompidou Centre and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The ECAL building, renovated in 2007 by Bernard Tschumi, is a 19,000m2 former factory, housing classrooms, lecture halls, studios, workshops, libraries, and a technology center.
Program NameDetails
Foundation Year
Foundation Course

A preparatory year designed to prepare students for the entrance exams for the Bachelor's programs at ECAL. It helps candidates develop their artistic and creative abilities.

1 year
Not specified
Not specified
Deadline: February 13, 2026 (latest)
Bachelor Fine Arts
Bachelor

Emphasizes contemporary art practices, including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art. Students develop their artistic and creative abilities through a competitive examination.

3 years
Not specified
$2000/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor Cinema
Bachelor

Covers directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and production. Students gain skills in film making through practical and theoretical coursework.

3 years
Not specified
$2000/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor Graphic Design
Bachelor

Focuses on graphic design, typography, illustration, and visual storytelling. Students learn to communicate effectively through visual media.

3 years
Not specified
$2000/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor Industrial Design
Bachelor

Covers product design, ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing processes. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and collaboration with industry.

3 years
Not specified
$2000/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor Media & Interaction Design
Bachelor

Focuses on digital media, user experience, interface design, and interactive installations. Students explore the intersection of technology and design.

3 years
Not specified
$2000/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor Photography
Bachelor

Involves technical and conceptual aspects of photography, digital imaging, and visual narrative. The program prepares students for careers in visual communication.

3 years
Not specified
$2000/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Master Fine Arts
Master

Equips students with practical and theoretical knowledge of the contemporary art scene. ECAL's primary mission is to train top-level artists, theoreticians, and curators.

1.5 to 2 years
Not specified
$2500/year (USD)
Deadline: April 8, 2022 (for the 2022-2024 course)
Master Film Studies ECAL/HEAD
Master

Not specified.

1.5 to 2 years
Not specified
$2500/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Master Product Design
Master

This master's program is for students wishing to focus on personal research as well as the professional handling of commissions for clients, companies or producers. Students benefit from ECAL's resources in terms of infrastructure and the school's network in the art and design fields.

1.5 to 2 years
Not specified
$2500/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Master Photography
Master

Not specified.

1.5 to 2 years
Not specified
$2500/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Master Type Design
Master

Gives graduate students with a Bachelor in Graphic Design an opportunity to develop projects in the long term. This training provides privileged access to one of the flagship disciplines in Swiss graphic design, relying on ECAL's expertise in this field.

1.5 to 2 years
Not specified
$2500/year (USD)
Deadline: Not specified
Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship
Master of Advanced Studies

Focuses on the intersection of design, luxury, and craftsmanship. This program offers a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, encouraging students to explore innovative design concepts within the luxury market.

1 year
Not specified
$2500/year (USD)
Deadline: April 3, 2023 (for the 2023-2024 course)
MAS in Design Research for Digital Innovation
Master of Advanced Studies

Combines a research assistant position with a dedicated Master of Advanced Studies curriculum. It is dedicated to innovative minds with a background in design, art, and emerging technologies.

2 years
English and French
Income from the research assistant position covers the MAS tuition fees
Deadline: Not specified

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
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Students
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Faculty
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Alumni
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Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
ECAL is affiliated with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), which implies accreditation within the Swiss higher education system.
Admissions
Deadlines
Specific application deadlines for general admissions are not readily available in public search results. However, ECAL Masters Portfolio Reviews for prospective Master's candidates are scheduled for 19–27.02.2026, online. Detailed requirements and deadlines for all programs are typically found in the admissions section of the official ECAL website.
Requirements
Admission requirements generally include a portfolio review, academic qualifications (e.g., a high school diploma for Bachelor's or a Bachelor's degree for Master's programs), and potentially an interview. Specific details are found on the official ECAL website.

ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland Academic FAQ

ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland is A leading international university of art and design.

Applicants are typically required to submit: Admission requirements generally include a portfolio review, academic qualifications (e.g., a high school diploma for Bachelor's or a Bachelor's degree for Master's programs), and potentially an inter....

ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Foundation Year, Bachelor Fine Arts, Bachelor Cinema, Bachelor Graphic Design, Bachelor Industrial Design.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Approximately 6.7:1 (based on 600 students and 90 faculty members)., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland is situated in Renens, Switzerland, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland holds accreditations from: ECAL is affiliated with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), which implies accreditation within the Swiss higher education system..