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University of Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

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university Grade B++ Study in Switzerland →
Official site ↗
World rank #100
Tuition from ₹1.18 L per year, 14 courses
Courses 9
Founded 1559

About University of Geneva

University of Geneva (UniGE) is a public institution funded by the Republic and Canton of Geneva. As a result, it is one of the most affordable universities for Indian students in Switzerland, with average per-semester academic costs of CHF 500 (INR 61 K). Accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council, it is one of the best universities in Switzerland, and ranks among the top 1% universities globally. Uni Geneva is home to 18,000+ students from over 150 countries, including India.

UniGE has a reputation for being one of the best research universities in the world. Its students get direct access to world-class research facilities and global organizations such as CERN, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), and World Trade Organization (WTO).

It is also affiliated with 10 Nobel Prize Winners, in fields like Economics Sciences, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. Students seeking to study here will need to maintain very strong academics, as the University of Geneva Acceptance Rate for Indian Students is between 20% and 25%, as per unofficial sources.

University of Geneva Key Facts

Mentioned below are some important facts and figures related to studies at Uni Geneva:

Fact Validation
Main Campus Address 24 rue du General-Dufor, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Financial Resources CHF 915 million
Total Students 18,241
Continuing Education Students 8,668
Faculties 9
Partner Institutions 425 institutions in 72 countries
Joint International Projects Underway 39
Partnerships with leading International and Non-Government Organizations 22
Programs Offered
  • 106 Bachelor's and Master's
  • 91 PhDs
  • 63 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
  • 9 Small Private Online Courses (SPOC)
  • 400 Continuing Education Programs
University of Geneva Latest Factbook

University of Geneva History

UniGE was initially founded as the Geneva Academy in 1559 thanks to the efforts of Jean Calvin. It was originally started as a theological and humanist seminary, the guardian of the Reform Doctrine. It received university status soon after the start of the Faculty of Medicine in 1873.

Check out the videos below to know more about studies in Switzerland for Indian students 2026:

  • Upcoming deadline to apply for most courses at the University of Geneva is Sep 30, 2026

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Master's (14)

CourseDurationTuition
Master in Astrophysics 2 years ₹1.18 L
Master in Political Science 18 months ₹1.18 L
Master of Science in Business Analytics 18 months ₹1.18 L
Master of Science in Economics 18 months ₹1.18 L
Master of Science in Neuroscience 18 months ₹1.18 L
Masters in Biochemistry 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Biology 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Biomedical Science 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Business Analytics 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Chemistry 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Computer Science 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Environmental Sciences 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in Global Health 2 years ₹1.18 L
Masters in physics 2 years ₹1.18 L

At a glance

Type
Public
Living expenses
UG 5,280 / PG 5,280
Course duration
18 months - 2 years

Rankings

World rank#100
In Switzerland#4
Overall gradeB++
SubjectGradeRankOther tables
Physics A++ #3 QS #84 · ARWU #26
Politics B++ #3 QS #68
Mechanical Engineering C++ #3 QS #501
Mathematics B++ #4 QS #251 · ARWU #31
Computer Science Engineering B++ #4 THE #201

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNot required
  • LORNot required
  • EssaysNot required
  • CVNeeded for few courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • No Fees

Type of deadline

  • Regular

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Fall28ᵗʰ Feb 2024

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Available for some courses.

Careers service ↗

Scholarships at University of Geneva

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships merit

Deadline: 2026-03-18

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

About University of Geneva

University of Geneva (UniGE) is a public institution funded by the Republic and Canton of Geneva. As a result, it is one of the most affordable universities for Indian students in Switzerland, with average per-semester academic costs of CHF 500 (INR 61 K). Accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council, it is one of the best universities in Switzerland, and ranks among the top 1% universities globally. Uni Geneva is home to 18,000+ students from over 150 countries, including India.

UniGE has a reputation for being one of the best research universities in the world. Its students get direct access to world-class research facilities and global organizations such as CERN, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), and World Trade Organization (WTO).

It is also affiliated with 10 Nobel Prize Winners, in fields like Economics Sciences, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. Students seeking to study here will need to maintain very strong academics, as the University of Geneva Acceptance Rate for Indian Students is between 20% and 25%, as per unofficial sources.

University of Geneva Key Facts

Mentioned below are some important facts and figures related to studies at Uni Geneva:

Fact Validation
Main Campus Address 24 rue du General-Dufor, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Financial Resources CHF 915 million
Total Students 18,241
Continuing Education Students 8,668
Faculties 9
Partner Institutions 425 institutions in 72 countries
Joint International Projects Underway 39
Partnerships with leading International and Non-Government Organizations 22
Programs Offered
  • 106 Bachelor's and Master's
  • 91 PhDs
  • 63 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
  • 9 Small Private Online Courses (SPOC)
  • 400 Continuing Education Programs
University of Geneva Latest Factbook

University of Geneva History

UniGE was initially founded as the Geneva Academy in 1559 thanks to the efforts of Jean Calvin. It was originally started as a theological and humanist seminary, the guardian of the Reform Doctrine. It received university status soon after the start of the Faculty of Medicine in 1873.

Check out the videos below to know more about studies in Switzerland for Indian students 2026:

University of Geneva Scholarships for Indian Students 2026

Indian students have several scholarship options at the University of Geneva. This includes the Excellence Master Fellowships and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. The financial aids are usually delivered on academic merit. Financial awards in some cases go as high as CHF 15,000 (INR 18.35 Lakhs) per year. Check the table below to know more about Geneva University Scholarships for Indian students:

Scholarship Name Financial Benefits Eligibility Criteria
Excellence Master Fellowships
  • CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 (INR 12.22 Lakhs to INR 18.35 Lakhs) for one year
  • Outstanding academic background
  • Planning to enrol or already enrolled in a Master of Science degree in one of the disciplines covered by the faculty
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
  • Monthly Living Allowance
  • Mandatory Swiss Health Insurance Cover
  • Housing and Travel allowance
  • Research and Tuition cost cover
  • Hold a relevant academic degree
  • Provide a clear and detailed research or art proposal
  • Mandatory Letter of Acceptance
  • Meet specific language requirements

Indian students can also use External Scholarships in Europe to fund their studies at Geneva University.

University of Geneva Programs

Uni of Geneva delivers 500+ degree, certification, and continuing education programs in fields such as International Relations, Law, Life Sciences, Political Science, Medicine, Economics, and Business Management, among others. The average duration of University of Geneva courses is 3 years for UG degrees, 1.5 to 2 years for PG degrees, and 3 to 5 years for PhD programs.

University of Geneva Popular Courses

Listed below are some popular Geneva University courses available to Indian students:

University of Geneva Online Courses

Students also have the option to pursue their programs in the distance learning format. The university offers several short and MOOC courses which can be pursued online. Public Health, Physics, Media, Law, and Education are some popular online stream options available to Indian students.

University of Geneva Notable Alumni

University of Geneva has over 10,000 alumni graduates coming from 110 countries in the world. Some of the popular alumni members at the Geneva University are mentioned below:

Name Profession Photograph
Ian Lancaster Fleming British writer Ian Fleming
Kofi Atta Annan Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan
Diane von Fürstenberg Belgian fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg
Teresa Heinz American businesswoman and philanthropist Teresa Heinz Kerry
Tariq Ramadan Swiss Muslim academic, philosopher, and writer Tariq Ramadan
Maria Teresa Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
Ferdinand de Saussure Swiss linguist, semiotician and philosopher Ferdinand de Saussure

University of Geneva Placements

UNIGE graduates tend to land full-time roles at top Swiss and European organizations such as UBS, the United Nations, McKinsey & Company, and CERN. Indian students tend to receive dedicated career support in the form of workshops, personalized advice, access to networking events, interview prep, and job search.

University of Geneva Placement Rate

The university has not officially released the latest data regarding what percentage of its graduates are employed in full-time roles. However, given below are the top sectors where Geneva University graduates are currently employed:

Sector Percentage of UniGE Graduates Employed
Business Development 12.2%
Education 11.2%
Healthcare 7.7%
Legal 6.8%
Operations 6.8%

Source: Unofficial

University of Geneva Average Graduate Salary

UniGE is yet to publish the latest graduate salary figures. However, there is no shortage of high-paying jobs in Geneva for Indian students. The average graduate salary in Geneva stands at CHF 101,000 (INR 1.23 Cr) per year, according to Payscale.

To know more, check the most in-demand jobs in Switzerland for Indian Students 2026

University of Geneva Cost for Indian Students 2026

University of Geneva charges a flat per-semester fee of CHF 500 (INR 61.1 K) from Indian students for most courses. The fee is divided into a fixed fee of CHF 65 (INR 7.9 K) and an administrative fee worth CHF 435 (INR 53.2 K). Any reduction in the University of Geneva Tuition Fees for Indian students regarding leave of absence, internship, or doctoral studies is applied automatically to the due amount.

University of Geneva Cost of Living for Indian Students

Indian students need to budget at least CHF 1,400 to CHF 1,900 (INR 1.7 Lakhs to 2.33 Lakhs) for the monthly cost of living at Geneva University. Check the table below for a breakdown of the monthly living expenses:

Cost Monthly Cost in CHF Monthly Cost in INR
Rent CHF 550 to CHF 700 INR 67.2 K to INR 85.5 K
Food CHF 600 to CHF 800 INR 73.3 K to INR 97.7 K
Healthcare CHF 100 INR 12.2 K
Mobile Phone and Internet Bills CHF 25 to CHF 35 INR 3.05 K to INR 4.3 K
Study-Related Expenses CHF 100 INR 12.2 K
Public Transport CHF 45 to CHF 70 INR 5.5 K to INR 8.5 K
Fees CHF 84 INR 10.2 K
Total Monthly Cost CHF 1,400 to CHF 1,900 INR 1.7 Lakhs to INR 2.32 Lakhs

1 CHF = INR 122.23

Introduction

  • Upcoming deadline to apply for most courses at the University of Geneva is Sep 30, 2026

How to get into the University of Geneva from India?

Indian students planning to enroll in PG degree courses need to have completed a first university degree (UG degree or equivalent) in a program recognized by UNIGE. For entry to UG courses, students need to provide a HSC or Class 12th completion certificate, with a minimum score as per the course-specific requirements.

University of Geneva Application Deadline 2026

Indian students are advised to complete the University of Geneva Admission Process by the deadlines mentioned below for entry to their preferred intake:

Intake Preferred Application Deadline
Spring Semester Sep 30, 2026
Fall Semester Feb 28, 2027

Note: Some courses may have different deadlines. Students are advised to check the course-specific deadlines on unige.ch

University of Geneva Application Checklist for Indian Students

Given below is the list of documents and test scores students need to provide along with their online UNIGE application:

Checklist Item Required
Documents
  • Copy of Passport
  • Copy of Swiss Residence Permit (front and back, where applicable)
  • Copy of university grade transcripts
  • Copy of all qualifications obtained to date (in original language)
  • Copy of French Diploma with minimum grade B2 (if available)
  • Official translation of each document
English Test Score (as per the course)
  • TOEFL-iBT - 90 to 120
  • IELTS - 5.5 to 7.5
  • Cambridge English (FCE) - 160 to 190
French Test Scores Accepted
  • DELF
  • DALF
  • TCF
  • TEF
  • A grade 'B2' is usually enough in each of these

Note: French proficiency is generally required to enroll in UG courses. Students who fail to attain the minimum French test grade need to sit in the UniGE French exam.

University of Geneva Ranking 2026

UNIGE ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, as part of the latest rankings given by Shiksha. The University of Geneva World Ranking 2026 is #96. On a country level, it finds a place among the top 5 Swiss universities. The university ranks #4 in the country. Subject rankings of the University of Geneva are also provided below:

University of Geneva Course Name Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World) Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (Switzerland)
LLM #107 #1
MSN #281 #4
MA #221 #3
Others PG #132 #5
MS #152 #3
MIM #331 #8

By Other Ranking Bodies

Apart from Shiksha, Uni Geneva also ranks highly in the university rankings given by other prominent university ranking platforms. Check the table below to know more:

Platform Ranking
Times Higher Education
  • Global Ranking 2026: #166
US News
  • Global Ranking 2025: #120
ARWU
  • Global Ranking 2025: #58

Common questions

Which university is better; University of Geneva or ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich and Uni Geneva are top choices for Indian students planning to study in Switzerland. The choice of which is better, however, depends on the interests and future career goals of a student.

For STEM courses, ETH Zurich is considered the better option. The university holds an outstanding international reputation and is considered on par with MIT and Stanford for research.

Uni Geneva is better for International Relations and Law. The university maintains close links with the top organizations such as WTO, the UN, and hundreds of NGOs.

Is the University of Geneva a good option for Indian students?

Uni of Geneva is a very good option for Indian students, particularly for international relations, law, science, and diplomacy programs. Mentioned below are some key reasons that make UNIGE a fine option for Indian students:

  • Low tuition costs (CHF 500 or INR 60 K per semester)
  • Networking opportunities at the UN, WHO, and CERN
  • Top 150 universities global ranking
  • Allowed to work part-time up to 15 hours per week (during semester) and 45 hours per week (after semester)
Are Indian bachelor's degrees recognised by UNIGE?

Yes, Indian UG degrees are recognised by the Uni of Geneva, provided it's from a university and programme recognised by UNIGE. Generally, the university tends to accept a degree recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

The UG degree must be worth at least 3 years of study, with a minimum of 180 ECTS Credits equivalent.

Which famous Nobel Prize winners attended the University of Geneva?

Uni Geneva is affiliated with 10 winners of the Nobel Prize. The university alumni won these awards across fields such as Medicine, Economic Sciences, Physiology or Medicine, and Physics. Among the popular Nobel winners affiliated with Uni Geneva are:

  • Karl Gunnar Myrdal - Worked and taught as a Associate Professor
  • Werner Arber - Studied Microbial Genetics and Bacteriophage Physiology
  • Kofi Annan - Pursued a course in Economics and International Relations 
  • Didier Queloz - Earned a Master's, PhD, and a DEA at Geneva University
Which companies are the top employers of University of Geneva graduates?

University of Geneva offers employment to graduate students in some of the top organizations and industries after they have completed their course studies. Some of the top companies where graduates have been placed are given as follows:

  • Etat De Vaud 
  • UBS 
  • Working for State of Geneva 
  • Pictet Group
  • Lombard Odier Group 
  • United Nations
  • World Health Organization 
Do Indian students need to take an entrance exam to study at the University of Geneva?

Yes, Indian students may be required to take an entrance exam at Uni Geneva. Students interested in UG courses, may have to take the ECUS test at Geneva University. This is if their academic qualifications are not upto the required standard. PG courses generally do not require an entrance exam.

Does University of Geneva accept transfer students from India?

Indian students cannot transfer to Uni of Geneva. They can only get in by following the standard admission process and meeting entry requirements.

However, students can transfer credits from their past studies. To do that, they need to contact their Academic Advisor for the same. They may be asked to submit formal requests for equivalencies.

Is learning French mandatory to study at the University of Geneva?

Indian students planning to enrol in UG courses at Uni Geneva do need to have a good understanding of French as most UG courses are taught in this language.

However, at the PG level, only a select few programs are French-taught. Most PG programs allow admissions based on English-proficiency.

What is the deadline to apply for scholarships at the University of Geneva?

The deadline to apply for the Uni of Geneva's Excellence Master Fellowships is generally February 28 for the Sep intake. It is arguably the most sought-after financial aid programme at Uni Geneva and students are advised to apply as soon as the portal opens in January.

Applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are expected to open on Aug 20, 2026.

How and when can Indian students pay their fees at the University of Geneva?

Students can pay the Uni Geneva fees via the UNIGE Student Portal. Payment modes include credit card, e-banking, and post office. The fees are usually due by early November (for Fall intake) or early April (for Spring intake).

The fee is to be paid in a single installment, considering the low cost.

Does UNIGE offer English-taught courses?

Yes, the University of GE (UNIGE) offers English-taught programs. Most English-taught courses are delivered at the PG level. UG courses are generally only available in the UG format.

However, some faculty members like the Geneva School of Economics, the Global Studies Institute (GSI), the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Humanities/Arts do deliver programs in English.

Can Indian students change their course at the University of Geneva?

Yes, Indian students can change their course or faculty at the Uni of Geneva (UNIGE), if they meet the new program's requirements and deadlines.

Changing a major within the same faculty/institute can be done by submitting a written request to the academic advisor.  For a major in a different faculty, students are required to submit a change request via the UNIGE Admissions Office Platform.

How and when do I register for specific courses at the University of Geneva?

Students can register for courses via the UNIGE student portal. The registration period generally opens in October for the Fall intake and March for the Spring intake.

The exact dates for the same are generally sent via email. Follow the steps mentioned below to register for courses at UNIGE:

  • Log in to the UNIGE student portal
  • Go to the course registration section
  • Select classes
  • Confirm your choices

Students are also advised to enroll for exams formally at the specific faculty's office.

What is the University of Geneva QS Ranking 2026?

QS ranks Uni of Geneva among the top 50 universities in Europe in 2026. The University of Geneva QS Ranking 2026 is #48 in Europe. On a global level, it ranks #155 as part of the latest world rankings.

Geneva Uni has maintained its status as a world-class research university in recent years, as can be seen below:

Year202620252024QS Rank Europe#48#53#60QS World Rank#155#155-
Where does UNIGE rank globally?

University of Geneva ranks among the top 200 universities globally. THE ranks it #166 in its World University Rankings 2026. QS ranks it #155. US News ranks it #120 among colleges and universities in 2025.

Given below are the Uni of Geneva ranking trends across platforms: 

Platform202620252024THE#166#171#183US NewsTBA#120#119ARWUTBA#58#49
How does the University of Geneva rank for graduate employability?

UniGE ranks among the top 300 universities globally for graduate employment per some unofficial sources. Its graduates possess a strong competitive advantage in the European job market. QS rates it 63.1 out of 100 for Employment Outcomes and 34.8 out of 100 for Employer Reputation.

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