Founded in 1996, Università della Svizzera Italiana (University of Italian-speaking Switzerland) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Lugano (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Ticino. This institution also has a branch campus in Mendrisio and Bellinzona. Officially recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) is a small coeducational Swiss higher education institution. Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 26 years old Swiss higher-education institution has a selective admission policy This higher education institution has an open admission policy. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.