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Last updated: May 24, 2026

University of Geneva

Switzerland · Geneva

University of Geneva

Switzerland
Country
Geneva
City
18261
Total Students
Status
About the University

University of Geneva overview

The University of Geneva (Université de Genève, UNIGE) was founded in 1559 by the Protestant reformer John Calvin. It is one of Switzerland's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education.

The university began as a school of theology called the Geneva Academy. Over the centuries it evolved a great deal. It became a secular institution in the 19th century, and it rapidly expanded its faculties and research capacity.

Today it is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research, especially in the sciences, medicine, law, international relations, and the humanities. It ranks consistently among the world's leading universities. 

Through its history, the University of Geneva has produced and attracted many distinguished academics and influential figures. The university has been home to ten Nobel laureates. They include Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Werner Arber is another: he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of restriction enzymes. 

The university is in Geneva, a global center of diplomacy. It maintains partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and CERN.

About the University

About University of Geneva

The University of Geneva (Université de Genève, UNIGE) was founded in 1559 by the Protestant reformer John Calvin. It is one of Switzerland's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education.

The university began as a school of theology called the Geneva Academy. Over the centuries it evolved a great deal. It became a secular institution in the 19th century, and it rapidly expanded its faculties and research capacity.

Today it is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research, especially in the sciences, medicine, law, international relations, and the humanities. It ranks consistently among the world's leading universities.

Through its history, the University of Geneva has produced and attracted many distinguished academics and influential figures. The university has been home to ten Nobel laureates. They include Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Werner Arber is another: he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of restriction enzymes.

The university is in Geneva, a global center of diplomacy. It maintains partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and CERN.

City
Geneva
Country
Switzerland
Number of Students
18261
#166
Times Universities
#155
QS World
#6
National Ranking
61
Quality Score
#58
Shanghai List
Faculties & Programs

University of Geneva faculties and programs

42 results listed

Musicology

Undergraduate3 Years#66 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Philosophy

Undergraduate3 Years#48 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

French Language and Literature

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Medieval French and Latin Languages ​​and Literatures

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Greek Language and Literature

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Italian Language and Literature

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Latin Language and Literature

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

German Language, Literature and Civilization

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Arabic Language, Literature and Civilization

Undergraduate3 Years#101 Ranking
CHF 500per semester

Japanese Studies

Undergraduate3 Years#137 Ranking
CHF 500per semester
Scholarship Opportunities

University of Geneva scholarships and financial aid

The Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva offers a scholarship program called “Excellence Master Fellowships”. It is for graduate students who have shown outstanding achievement in their field. If you want to apply to this program, you 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.

Application Process

How to get into University of Geneva

If you want to apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Geneva, you must meet the following requirements.

  • Anatolian High School Diploma or Science High School Diploma
  • Courses you must have taken in 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).
  • At least two years of study completed in an accredited program or university recognized by the University of Geneva in a country that is party to the Lisbon Agreement.
  • A pass in the French Language Proficiency Test administered by the University of Geneva.
  • An English Language Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English

If you want to apply to a graduate program at the University of Geneva, you must meet the following requirements.

  • A 4-year bachelor's degree from a program or university recognized by the University of Geneva.
  • At least 180 ECTS credits completed during undergraduate studies.
  • A French Language Proficiency Certificate, or a pass in 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 line with the specific admission requirements of the program you apply to.
Campus

Take a closer look at University of Geneva

The University of Geneva (UNIGE) runs several campuses across the Swiss city of Geneva. Each one hosts particular academic disciplines and research centers.

The main campus, Uni Bastions, occupies a central position in Geneva's historic district, with classical architecture and lush gardens. Its iconic Bastions building houses the university's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Protestant Theology, and the historic university library.

Uni Dufour sits near Uni Bastions and holds conference halls, conference facilities, and important administrative offices. That makes it a hub for academic meetings and institutional events.

Uni Mail is near the Plainpalais district and serves as a contemporary center for the social sciences, economics, law, and education. There you will find state-of-the-art auditoria, seminar rooms, and collaborative workspaces.

The university's science and medicine faculties are based at the expansive Campus Biotech and the Centre Médical Universitaire (CMU). Both are renowned for their cutting-edge research facilities and laboratories, especially in neuroscience, genetics, and biomedicine.

Campus Life

The University of Geneva has 4 separate library buildings across the city of Geneva: Uni Arve, Uni Bastions, Uni CMU, and Uni Mail. The university libraries give you extensive study space and research opportunities.

The university magazine The Journal de l'UNIGE comes out every two weeks. It facilitates communication within the university and keeps students informed about research being conducted at the University of Geneva. It also keeps students and academic staff up to date on upcoming university events. The monthly magazine Campus bridges science and the city of Geneva, and makes communication between the scientific community and city residents more accessible.

The university's sports facilities give you the chance to stay active. Its many student societies let you take part in a range of social activities.

Student Profile

The University of Geneva has a broad alumni network of people who have excelled in many 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 Location

Geneva, Switzerland

University of Geneva Contact

Email
secretariat@rectorat.unige.ch
Phone
+41 (0)22 379 71 11
Website
https://www.unige.ch
Address
24 rue du Général-Dufour 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland

University of Geneva Social Media

Follow the university on its official social media channels:

University of Geneva

Take a Closer Look
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How to Get Into University of Geneva

01

In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.

02

By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.

03

The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.

Why University of Geneva?

Located in Geneva, Switzerland, University of Geneva is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.

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