Master's
CHF 10,000-15,000 / year
University of Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland
"A public research university in Geneva, founded in 1559"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#155 (QS)
PSW VISA
6 months
About University of Geneva
The University of Geneva (UNIGE) is a public research university in Geneva, founded in 1559 by John Calvin. It is the second largest university in Switzerland, with about 17,000 students and nine faculties and institutes offering more than 340 types of degree. Around four in ten of its students come from abroad, helped by Geneva's role as a centre of international organisations. Most bachelor's teaching is in French, while several master's programmes, such as Global Studies, are taught in English.
Rankings & Recognition
#155
Ranked #155 (joint) in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#168 in QS 2027).
Accreditations & Memberships
League of European Research Universities (LERU)
Coimbra Group
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with University of Geneva's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
55.3#
Employer Reputation
34.8#
Faculty / Student
47.4#
Citations / Faculty
70.3#
Intl. Faculty
100.0#
Intl. Students
98.6#
Intl. Research Network
92.1#
Employment Outcomes
63.1#
Sustainability
66.5#
#
Key Facts
1559
Founded
17,079
Total Students
6,984
International Students
1,934
Faculty
More than 340
Degree Types
Popular Programs
Global Studies
Global Health
Sciences
Economics and Management
Law
International Relations
Application Details
Application Route
UNIGE online application
Master Deadline
28 February
Application Fee
CHF 65 (one-time)
Classes Start
Mid-September
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT (Global Studies)
|
100 |
|
IELTS Academic (Global Studies)
|
7.0 |
|
TOEFL iBT (GSEM English MSc)
|
92 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced (GSEM)
|
185 |
|
French (French-taught degrees)
|
Good proficiency |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
85%
I-20 Processing
D visa + B permit (study)
Post-Study Work
6 months (job-seeking)
Green Card Pathway
Work permit (quota)
Financials
Application Fee
CHF 65
Avg Scholarship
CHF 10,000-15,000 / year
Career Outcomes
63%
Placement Ratio
6 months
Post-Study Work
15
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff — 1,934
International Staff — 56%
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
UNIGE is a city university spread across Geneva, with main buildings such as Uni Bastions, Uni Mail, Uni Dufour, Sciences II and the medical centre, all close to the city's international organisations.
Campus Details
City-wide
sites in Geneva
17079
students
Campus Forecast
Warmest (Jul): 15 to 27 C
Coldest (Jan): -1 to 5 C
Climate: Temperate oceanic
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Housing: University residences and private rental
Dining
Dining: University cafeterias
Health & Wellness
Health: Swiss basic health insurance (compulsory unless exempt)
Activities & Clubs
Student associations
University sport
International Geneva events
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students
17,079
International Students
6,984
Undergraduate
47.5%
Postgraduate
52.5%
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition (all students)
CHF 435 / semester
Compulsory fees
CHF 65 / semester
Total semester fee
CHF 500 / semester
Living costs (UNIGE estimate)
CHF 1,400-1,900 / month
Intakes & Deadlines
The academic year starts in mid-September (14 September in 2026). For master's programmes such as Global Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences master's, the online application opens in mid-January and closes on 28 February. The Faculty of Science Excellence Master Fellowships have the same 28 February deadline. Non-EU students should apply early to leave time for the D visa.
Scholarships at University of Geneva
1 scholarship available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Matura-equivalent certificate; good French
Postgraduate
Relevant bachelor's degree; English C1 (e.g. TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7.0)
English Proficiency
TOEFL iBT (Global Studies)
IELTS Academic (Global Studies)
TOEFL iBT (GSEM English MSc)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (GSEM)
French (French-taught degrees)
Good proficiencyRequired Documents
Passport copy
Upper secondary school certificate (bachelor)
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript (master)
Academic transcripts
Language certificate (English, French or German as required)
CV and motivation letter (many programmes)
Admission letter (visa)
Proof of sufficient funds (visa)
Health insurance
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme page for admission rules, language of instruction and the deadline for visa-required applicants.
2
Apply online
Submit the online application with transcripts, degree certificates, CV and language certificate, and pay the application fee.
3
Receive admission
Wait for the formal and academic review and the admission letter from the institution.
4
National D visa
Non-EU/EFTA students apply for a national D visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate with the admission letter and proof of funds.
5
Arrive and register
Register with the local residents office (commune) within 14 days of arrival to obtain a B residence permit for study.
6
Enrol and insure
Complete enrolment, pay the semester fee and take out Swiss basic health insurance unless exempted.
Campus & Location
UNIGE is a city university spread across Geneva, with main buildings such as Uni Bastions, Uni Mail, Uni Dufour, Sciences II and the medical centre, all close to the city's international organisations.
Master's
4
University of Geneva
📍 Geneva
Master's
Global Studies (MAGS)
University of Geneva
📍 Geneva
University of Geneva
📍 Geneva
University of Geneva
📍 Geneva
Master's
Global Health
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