Geneva's academic institutions benefit from the city's numerous international organizations and world-class research agencies, similar to those in Zurich. They have an outstanding academic reputation. What higher education institutions are there in Geneva, and what should you be aware of before applying to them?
University of Geneva
Geneva is home to the public university UNIGE, founded in 1559, making it one of Switzerland's oldest universities. It is also the country's second-largest university, with around 18,261 students from approximately 150 nationalities enrolled annually.
UNIGE consistently ranks among the top 100 universities globally. It has strong ties with partner institutions in nearly 73 countries and participates in around one hundred collaborative projects with internationally renowned universities. Additionally, UNIGE has established numerous partnership agreements with international and non-governmental organizations.
The university is also renowned as one of the world's leading scientific research universities, particularly in the life sciences, elementary particle physics, and astrophysics. It is also a leading member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which promotes fundamental research.
Academic training at UNIGE
The university consists of 9 faculties and 13 centers and institutes, offering a wide range of fields of study, including science, medicine, literature, social sciences, economics and management, law, theology, psychology, educational sciences, and translation and interpreting.
In total, there are 639 courses available across Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate levels, as well as continuous education programs.
Registration at UNIGE
To register, applicants need to complete an online registration and pay a fee of CHF 65. They must also submit a registration form along with various required documents
Registration is a crucial step as it signifies the university's authorization to enroll you in a Swiss faculty, in addition to meeting the admission requirements for the chosen program.
To register with the UNIGE, you need to provide:
- A copy of your identity card (both sides);
- A copy of your Swiss residence permit (front and back), if you have one;
- A copy of your high school diploma in the original language, accompanied by a copy of your final transcript in the original language;
- Copies of all university transcripts obtained to date in the original language + copies of all university diplomas;
- A certificate of official registration for the current semester/year in the original language if transcripts for the current academic year are not available;
- A copy of a French diploma attesting to a minimum B2 level, if you have one.
- An official translation of each document not written in French, German, Italian, English or Spanish is required in addition to the documents in the original language.
The deadlines for applying are as follows (may vary depending on your academic profile and situation):
- Apply for the fall semester: January 15 to February 28 (or until April 30, depending on your situation);
- To apply for the spring semester: from September 15 to September 30 (or until November 30, depending on your situation).
Tuition fees at the University of Geneva
Tuition fees are CHF 500 per semester, payable in one lump sum. In some instances, tuition fees may be waived.
Student accommodation in Geneva
The university offers around 800 beds in certain residences, including rooms and studios. Its housing service also facilitates the "1 h per m²" program, connecting students with local residents who provide a room in exchange for a few services. For more details, visit the UNIGE Housing Office page.
Alternatively, international students in Geneva can consider the Cité Universitaire, which provides accommodation for approximately 850 individuals aged 18 to 35. The options include single rooms, studios for two people, and apartments for two, three, and four people. Rent ranges from CHF 531 per month for a single room to CHF 1,255 for a two-person studio.
Universities of applied sciences in Geneva
In addition to traditional universities, Geneva is also home to several universities of applied sciences (HES). These institutions provide university-level education with a focus on practical training, enabling students to seamlessly transition into various industries, the service sector, as well as social, health, and cultural institutions.
Across the seven French-speaking cantons of Switzerland (Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Valais, Neuchâtel, Vaud, and Jura), the universities of applied sciences (UAS) accommodate around 15,000 students at 27 different locations. In Geneva, there are 6 HES available.
Universities of applied sciences primarily welcome students who have obtained the "maturité professionnelle" qualification, typically earned after completing the Certificat fédéral de capacité (CFC). However, these schools also admit students with a general high school diploma ("maturité gymnasiale" in Switzerland).
Depending on the program, UAS courses can be full-time, involve alternating between academic study and practical training, or be integrated with employment.
In Geneva, the 6 HES provide Bachelors and Masters degrees in various fields including technology, economics, design, health, social work, and the arts.
Admission conditions to UAS for international students in Geneva
Similar to Swiss students, international students are accepted following a review of their application. This process includes verifying whether their previous qualifications have equipped them with the necessary skills to pursue a specific course at a UAS.
The Swiss Universities website offers details on the enrollment criteria for international students. Furthermore, agreements with Switzerland have been established to facilitate the recognition of diplomas based on the respective country. By clicking on your country of origin, you can view the relevant conditions that apply to your situation.
The different HES in Geneva
Geneva Business School (HEG-Genève)
The Haute École de Gestion (HEG-Genève) provides bachelor's, master's, executive MBA, and continuing education programs.
It offers programs in information science, business economics, business informatics, and international business management.
Admission criteria and application deadlines vary for each program. To find comprehensive details on conditions and application deadlines, visit the program's website and select a specific program.
The registration fee is CHF 150, and the tuition fee is CHF 500 per semester.
School of Landscape Engineering and Architecture (HEPIA)
The University of Applied Sciences for Landscape Engineering and Architecture (HEPIA) offers 9 courses in the field of "Engineering and Architecture," providing both bachelor's and master's degrees.
The programs are designed to be completed in six semesters, full-time or part-time, over eight semesters for two of the courses.
At this UAS, you have the option to specialize in areas such as agronomy, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, nature management, IT and communications systems, microtechnology, and building technology.
Similar to the HEG, tuition fees are CHF 150 and CHF 500 per semester, and additional tuition fees for specific services (such as teaching materials and workshop equipment) may apply.
Haute école d'arts et de design (HEAD)
The Haute école d'arts et de design (HEAD) was formed in 2006 through the merger of the École supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the Haute École d'Arts appliqués. It has strengthened its position as one of Europe's premier art and design schools, providing programs in visual arts, cinema, interior architecture, visual communication, illustration, fashion design, product design, jewelry and accessories, and watch design.
Admission requirements and tuition fees are generally similar to those of other universities of applied sciences, at CHF 500 per semester.
Haute école de santé (hedS)
The Haute école de santé (HedS) in Geneva is the largest health school in French-speaking Switzerland, providing programs in nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, midwifery, nursing, and medical radiology. Additionally, they offer a Master's degree in health sciences and nursing, along with various continuing education courses.
Similar to other schools, applications are accepted from January onwards, based on a portfolio submission.
School of Social Work (HETS)
The Haute école de travail social (HETS) prepares future professionals in the social and sociosanitary sectors. It focuses on training individuals in the main disciplines of social work and psychomotricity, offering both bachelor's and master's programs. This includes bachelor's and master's degrees in social work, as well as a master's program in psychomotority.
School of Music (HEM)
The Haute école de musique (HEM) provides bachelor's and master's degree programs with specializations in music and movement, composition, and theory. While there is no age limit for admission, the assessment of development potential plays a crucial role in the candidate selection process. In cases where candidates demonstrate equal quality, preference is given to younger applicants. Admissions are based on a competitive examination and require the completion of an online application form, with a closing date in March.
Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEID)
Also referred to as the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, this institute provides programs with a focus on international law and relations as well as development economics.
Established in 1927 during the time of the League of Nations, the institute offers Master's and PhD programs, along with opportunities for continuing education. The teaching curriculum is grounded in key social science disciplines such as anthropology, development economics, international economics, international history, international relations, political science, sociology, and international law.
Webster University, Geneva campus
Webster University, a private American university, established its first international campus in Geneva in 1978. Currently, the university provides bachelor's and master's programs in English to approximately 500 students from 90 different nationalities. The campus is located just outside the city, in Bellevue.
The university offers various programs, including business, IT/cybersecurity, economics, finance, international relations, management, media and psychology, and management and leadership.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, a 500-word motivation essay, and letters of recommendation by the deadline for your chosen semester: spring, summer, or autumn.
Conditions for obtaining a scholarship or student loan in Geneva
This information applies to students at all Geneva universities and colleges.
You can apply for a grant or loan from the canton if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Your parents are Swiss nationals living in the canton of Geneva;
- Your parents are cross-border commuters and work in the canton of Geneva;
- You are of Geneva origin and your parents live abroad;
- You hold a C permit and your legal domicile is in Geneva;
- You hold a B permit and have lived in Switzerland for at least 5 years. Your legal place of residence is Geneva;
- You are a refugee or stateless person, you have been recognized by Switzerland and you are assigned to the canton of Geneva;
- You are no longer a minor and have lived and worked in the canton of Geneva for a period of two years after completing your initial training. During this period, you were financially independent.
Alternatively, if you are not eligible for a cantonal grant, you can apply for assistance from the higher education institution to which you are attached. There are also scholarships from private funds. Find out more here.
Good to know:
The application deadlines are as follows:
- Fall semester: August 1 to September 30
- Spring semester: January 15 to February 28.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
