University of Geneva
University of Geneva
University of Geneva overview
Founded in 1559 by Protestant reformer John Calvin, the University of Geneva (Université de Genève, UNIGE) is one of Switzerland's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education.
Originally established as a school of theology under the name the Geneva Academy, the university evolved significantly over the centuries, transforming into a secular institution in the 19th century and rapidly expanding its faculties and research capacity.
Today, it is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research, particularly in the sciences, medicine, law, international relations, and the humanities, and consistently ranks among the world's leading universities.
Throughout its history, the University of Geneva has produced and attracted a large number of distinguished academics and influential figures. The university has in particular been home to ten Nobel laureates, including former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kofi Annan and Werner Arber, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of restriction enzymes.
Located in Geneva — a global center of diplomacy — the university maintains partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and CERN.
About University of Geneva
Founded in 1559 by Protestant reformer John Calvin, the University of Geneva (Université de Genève, UNIGE) is one of Switzerland's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education.
Originally established as a school of theology under the name the Geneva Academy, the university evolved significantly over the centuries, transforming into a secular institution in the 19th century and rapidly expanding its faculties and research capacity.
Today, it is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research, particularly in the sciences, medicine, law, international relations, and the humanities, and consistently ranks among the world's leading universities.
Throughout its history, the University of Geneva has produced and attracted a large number of distinguished academics and influential figures. The university has in particular been home to ten Nobel laureates, including former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kofi Annan and Werner Arber, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of restriction enzymes.
Located in Geneva — a global center of diplomacy — the university maintains partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and CERN.
University of Geneva faculties and programs
University of Geneva scholarships and financial aid
The Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva offers a scholarship program called “Excellence Master Fellowships” for graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their field. Students wishing to apply to this program can review the scholarship program at the link below.
University of Geneva Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Geneva
Students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs offered by the University of Geneva must meet the following requirements.
- Anatolian High School Diploma or Science High School Diploma
- Having taken the following courses during the final three years of high school: first foreign language, second foreign language, mathematics, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, or physics), humanities and social sciences (geography, history, or economics/law), and electives (computer science and philosophy).
- Having completed at least two years of study in an accredited program or university recognized by the University of Geneva in a country that is party to the Lisbon Agreement.
- Having passed the French Language Proficiency Test administered by the University of Geneva.
- An English Language Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English
Students wishing to apply to graduate programs offered by the University of Geneva must meet the following requirements.
- Having obtained a 4-year bachelor's degree from a program or university recognized by the University of Geneva.
- Having completed at least 180 ECTS credits during undergraduate studies.
- Possession of a French Language Proficiency Certificate or having passed the French Language Proficiency Exam administered by the University of Geneva
- An English Language Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English
- High GPA
- A GRE/GMAT score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of the program applied to.
Take a closer look at University of Geneva
The University of Geneva (UNIGE) operates across several campuses in the Swiss city of Geneva, each hosting specific academic disciplines and research centers.
The main campus, known as Uni Bastions, occupies a central position in Geneva's historic district with its classical architecture, lush gardens, and the iconic Bastions building, which houses the university's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Protestant Theology, and the historic university library.
Uni Dufour, located near Uni Bastions, houses conference halls, conference facilities, and important administrative offices, making it a hub for academic meetings and institutional events.
Uni Mail is situated near the Plainpalais district and serves as a contemporary center for the social sciences, economics, law, and education, featuring state-of-the-art auditoria, seminar rooms, and collaborative workspaces.
The university's science and medicine faculties are located at the expansive Campus Biotech and the Centre Médical Universitaire (CMU), which are renowned for their cutting-edge research facilities and laboratories, especially in the fields of neuroscience, genetics, and biomedicine.
The University of Geneva has 4 separate library buildings spread across various parts of the city of Geneva: Uni Arve, Uni Bastions, Uni CMU, and Uni Mail. The university libraries offer students extensive study spaces and research opportunities.
The university magazine The Journal de l'UNIGE, published every two weeks, facilitates communication within the university, keeps students informed about research being conducted at the University of Geneva, and updates students and academic staff on upcoming university events; while the monthly magazine Campus bridges science and the city of Geneva, making communication between the scientific community and city residents more accessible.
The university's sports facilities give students the opportunity to stay active, while the many student societies within the university enable students to take part in various social activities.
The University of Geneva boasts an extensive alumni network made up of individuals who have excelled in various fields. Among the university's notable alumni are:
- Kofi Annan
- Micheline Calmy-Rey
- Mohamed ElBaradei
- Leonid Hurwicz
- Werner Arber
- Manolo Blahnik
- Diane von Furstenberg
- Vaughan Jones
- Daniel Bovet
- Philipp Hildebrand
- Brad Smith
- Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg
University of Geneva cost of living
University of Geneva Location
Geneva
University of Geneva Contact
University of Geneva
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