Quick Summary
Situated in Geneva, Switzerland, University of Geneva is a public established in 1559. Ranked #155 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19000 students including 39% from outside Switzerland. Known for strengths in Astronomy, Physics, Life Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Global hub for diplomacy and science, low tuition fees, world-class research in a scenic location
Subject Strengths
AstronomyPhysicsLife SciencesMolecular BiologyInternational RelationsLawMedicine
Founded1559
TypePublic
Total Students19000
Intl Students39%
Faculty Ratio15.2
CampusUrban
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsGeneva University Hospitals (HUG)
AccreditationSwiss Accreditation Council
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#155
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#161
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Continuing Education
Programs
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, Theology
PhD Programs
MOOCs via Coursera, Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) online
Online Programs
CERN (affiliated), Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Chemical Biology
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Swiss Accreditation Council
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3
GREOptional
GMATRequired for certain Business programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · February 28
SPRINGApplication Deadline · September 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Proficiency in French is required for most undergraduate programs (Level B2/C1). For international relations and master's programs, focus on relevant research or work experience.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Swiss Franc
UG Tuition
CHF1,000/yr
per year · CHF
Living Cost
CHF21,000/yr
per year · CHF
PG Tuition
CHF1,000/yr
per year · CHF
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
CHF22,065/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CHF
Scholarships AvailableExcellence Master Fellowships, Cantonal scholarships, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$11,000
Financial AidAvailable based on social criteria and financial need
Work-StudyAvailable (max 15 hours per week during term)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Physics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Neuroscience | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$85,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with International Organizations (UN, WHO, WTO, ICRC)
Industry Connections
Strong links with CERNpharmaceutical companiesand private banking sector
Notable Alumni
Kofi Annan, Hans Wilsdorf, Werner Arber, Michel Mayor
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (University residences and private partners)
Sports Facilities
Bureau des Sports offers 80+ activities, access to lake sports and Alpine skiing
Student Clubs
Over 100 student associations covering culture, politics, and advocacy
Library Resources
University of Geneva Library (multiple sites), over 2 million volumes, access to UN archives
Exchange Programs
ERASMUS+, SEMP (Swiss European Mobility Programme), Global Exchange Programme
Summer Programs
Geneva Summer Schools (International Law, Global Health, Human Rights)