General
What are the qualifications required to register for the admission exam in Master? What is the Master’s project?

The Master's project can be developed over the course of the applicants' studies, perhaps in the context of their diploma. ECAL does not, however, expect applicants to submit finalized project plans upon registration. Applicants usually submit ideas or outlines that may evolve over the course of their studies.

Is there a limit to the size of the portfolio?

Yes. Applicants are asked to submit a portfolio that represents their most recent work. 

Is it possible to work at the same time as I complete the Master programme?

ECAL Master's program are full time. Time spent in classes and workshops, along with the hours spent on course-related personal work, leave little time for any part-time work.

Does ECAL offer French classes for non-French-speaking students?

Unfortunately no, not at the moment.

Can I register for one of ECAL Master's entrance exams if my Bachelor is not in arts and design?

Yes, but only for the Master in Film Studies, which comprises various options (direction, editing, screenplays, sound and production). For the other Masters (Fine Arts, Product Design, Photography and Type Design) applicants must have a Bachelor in the related field. Don’t hesitate to contact ECAL's Secretariat if you have any questions.

Can I register for two Master's entrance exams at ECAL at the same time?

Yes, if you have the requisite diplomas. Don’t hesitate to contact ECAL's Secretariat if you have any questions.

Languages
In what languages are ECAL Master's programs taught?

Courses and workshops are in French for the Foundation Year and the Bachelor level (some Bachelor workshops may be in English). Master / MAS programs are for the most part bilingual (English/French). Fluency in French is therefore essential for the Foundation Year and Bachelor programs. The same applies to English for Master's programs.

Do I need a language certificate to enroll at ECAL?

Yes. For the Foundation Year and Bachelor programs, non-French-speaking applicants who have not attended school in Switzerland must be able to attest that they are proficient in French at the B2 level of the European Language Portfolio. The B2 level is required upon registration.

Generally speaking, language proficiency is also tested by the juries during the entrance exam.

Accomodation
Does ECAL provide student housing?

Unfortunately ECAL does not offer student housing but it can, to a limited extent, help students look for accommodations. As the housing market in the Lausanne area is relatively tight, students are advised to make arrangements well in advance.

Can ECAL act as a guarantor on a lease signed by a foreign student?

No, not at the moment.

Practical informations
Scholarships & school fees
I am a foreign student. Can I obtain a scholarship in Switzerland?

Educational assistance (grants or student loans) is awarded by the cantons and is intended for Swiss students (nationals, foreign permanent residents and persons with refugee status). It is not available to foreign citizens residing in Switzerland for the purposes of study only. However, the Swiss Confederation offers excellence scholarships to foreign students, researchers and artists for a period of study or research in Switzerland.

I am resident abroad. Will my tuition at ECAL be higher than for a student resident in Switzerland?

Except for MAS and CAS, school tuition for students who are residents in another country (a student of foreign nationality who is not a fiscal resident in Switzerland) is more important that the one for a student who is a Swiss resident (a student of Swiss nationality or a student who is a fiscal resident in Switzerland). For more information, please refer to the page Fees & Tuition for each program.

Miscellaneous
Does ECAL offer evening or summer courses? Can I sign up just for certain specific courses or workshops?

No, not at the moment.

Can I have a tour of ECAL?

No individual visits are permitted outside of events organised by ECAL (various exhibitions, Open Day, etc.). Group visits can be arranged, but should be planned well in advance. In this case, please contact ECAL's Secretariat directly at ecal@ecal.ch.

My company wishes to hire an ECAL student as an intern or employee. What do I have to do?

Please email ECAL's Secretariat : ecal@ecal.ch an advert in A4 PDF format containing all the information of the internship or job description. The ad will be published on ECAL's intranet. Interested students will contact the advertiser directly.

Contact

Any other questions?
Do not hesitate to contact ECAL's secretariat for any further information.

Tél. +41 21 316 99 33
inscription@ecal.ch


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