It offers over 30 bachelor's and master's programs, blending theoretical scientific knowledge with practical technological applications in real-world projects.

The new institution integrates preexisting specialized schools and public and private research institutes which date back to 1852 with the Cantonal High School initiated by Carlo Cattaneo and providing higher education courses in mechanics and architecture.

In the following years other specialized schools and public and private research institutes were integrated: As a Swiss University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule, Haute école specialisée, scuola universitaria professionale), SUPSI is an autonomous organization, and it has a university status with a focus on professional training and applied research.

The support of Canton Ticino is regulated by a performance contract based on the number of students enrolled and on the volume of projects acquired.

The associated schools are managed by private institutions, and they are integrated within SUPSI general administration.