
University of Geneva
Geneva
Type
Co-ed
Size
17000 students
Languages
French, English, German
Ages
18 - 30
Tuition
1 500 CHF
Location
Geneva
About the School
Université de Genève (UNIGE) is Switzerland’s second largest university welcoming more than 16,500 students representing over 150 world nations. Originally established as a theological seminary in 1559, UNIGE was granted university status in 1873. Today the university delivers more than 300 programs across 9 faculties. UNIGE has strong international links with organisations contributing to research, innovation and teacher or student exchange. These include the United Nations, the World Health Organisation as well as world class institutions such as Princeton University, the University of Sydney and Yonsei University in South Korea. Some notable alumni of the university include Manolo Blahnik, Hans-Gert Pöttering, Henri von Nassau and Tariq Ramadan. Due to Geneva’s diverse environment the city offers a multicultural experience. Students can enjoy live music, museums and various world-famous festivals. Additionally, since it’s only a short distance from the Alps, the natural surround
Academics
Academic Excellence
UNIGE’s strongest focus is in life sciences; molecular biology, bioinformatics and physics of elementary particles, and astrophysics. UNIGE is also host and co-host to seven National Centres of Competence in Research: Frontiers in Genetics, MaNEP, PlanetS, SwissMap, Chemical Biology, Synaptic Bases of Mental Diseases and LIVES-Overcoming vulnerabilities in a life course perspective. Nevertheless, across the universities 9 faculties, students can study towards both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Medicine, Science, Humanities, Theology, Economics, Translation, Law and Psychology and Education. The medium of instruction is primarily French, though there are some postgraduate options delivered in English.
Beyond the Classroom
Rich Campus Life
Geneva's status as a global capital of diplomacy and international affairs gives UNIGE students extraordinary exposure outside the classroom. The university hosts a thriving ecosystem of student associations — model UN groups, debate societies, cultural clubs, and sports teams. The city regularly hosts international summits, cultural festivals, and world-class music and arts events. Students have easy access to Alpine ski resorts, Lake Geneva sailing, and the French Alps for hiking. The university's Sports Centre offers a wide range of team sports, fitness facilities, and group classes.
Getting Here
Private transfer and arrival logistics coordinated by Swiss Academic Network
Commercial Airport
Geneva International (GVA) — 20 min
Private Aviation
Geneva Cointrin FBO — 20 min
Train Station
Geneva Cornavin Station — 10 min
5-Star Hotel Nearby
Hôtel Beau-Rivage, Geneva
SAN arranges private aviation, luxury ground transfers, and family accommodation for all arrivals and departures. Contact us to coordinate your child's travel.
How Swiss Academic Network Can Help Your Family
Every placement is managed end-to-end — from school selection and application to private arrival transfers and year-round support.
Boarding School Placement
Private placement at the world's most prestigious boarding schools. We manage every step from shortlist to enrolment.
Athletic Schools
Elite sports academies where students train professionally and earn a full diploma with a clear university pathway.
Universities
Swiss and European university placement including ETH Zurich, EPFL, and leading business schools.
Hospitality Schools
Placement at Switzerland's finest hospitality institutions — Les Roches, Glion, and César Ritz Colleges.
Summer & Holiday Camps
Curated short-term camps worldwide — language, ski, academic, and enrichment programmes for ages 8–18.
Special Needs Placement
We accommodate students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other specific learning needs at specialist institutions.
VIP Guardianship
24/7 local guardian support, private airport transfers, medical coordination, and welfare updates to parents.
Educational Consulting
Bespoke individual development plans built by specialists with 20+ years of experience in elite school placement.



