Information Sheet 2015-2016

International Relations Office - University of Geneva

Boulevard du Pont-dArve 40 - 1211 Genve 4 - Switzerland
Claire Giordano, Inbound Exchange Advisor - Claire.Giordano@unige.ch

Academic Calendar 2015-2016

Fall semester : September 14, 2015 - February 12, 2016

Exams: January - February (depending on the faculty)

Spring Semester February 22, 2016 - June 24, 2016

Exams: May - June (depending on the faculty)

Application procedure

Deadlines : March 31 for fall semester (September-January)

August 31 for spring semester (February-June)

> Home University nomination (by e-mail)

> Online application (by students) : http://ri.unige.ch:8008
(click on Accord Monde and then Crer une fiche personnelle)
> Application documents to be sent by postal mail (or by e-mail : all
documents in 1 pdf all other formats will be refused) :
nofficial passeport photo
ncover letter and resume/cv (in French)
ngeneral letter of recommendation by a professor from the
home institution
ntest results or letter of recommendation by a professor
attesting the ability of the student to attend courses taught
in French (level=B2)
nacademic results (original + french translation)
ncopy of passeport
Acceptance letters

Applications are sent to faculties for approval.

Students will get their letters of acceptance :
. by the end of May for the Fall Semester starting in September
. by the end of October for the Spring Semester starting in February

Credit system

A full academic year as a full time student represents an average of 60 ECTS

and one semester 30 ECTS ( 1 ECTS = roughly 25-30 hours of work to include
independent study).

Studies at the University of Geneva : 4 possibilities

>>www.unige.ch/geneva/choice

1. Study in French
Program of study : www.unige.ch/progcours
The recommended French level is B2.
Students must restrict their choice of courses to 2 faculties.
Intensive French courses are available to our exchange students to improve
their French before the semester starts, at a special price (on 1 session).
www.unige.ch/lettres/elcf/coursete/fr/

2. Improve your French

One-year intensive course are available to non-French-speaking students
(required level is B1). Students are allowed to take a few courses in other
faculties (in French) during the year/semester :
www.unige.ch/lettres/elcf/en/coursappui-en/

3. Study in English - regular courses

An increasing number of Masters programs are being offered in English, as well
as a few courses of Bachelors programs.
http://cms.unige.ch/exchange2012/images/files/pdf/Programmes_taught_in_en
glish_mars_2014.pdf

4. Study in English - short programs

Geneva Summer Schools - www.genevasummerschools.ch

2
Restrictions

Please refer to our website :

www.unige.ch/geneva/conditions

Welcome session

A welcome session is organized by the International Relations Office at the

beginning of the semester to guide students through the main administrative
matters relating to their stay (banking, residence permits, health insurance, etc)

Accommodation

The Cit Universitaire runs different categories of housing solutions, from one-
bedroom appartments to shared appartments. Accommodation is not
guaranteed but our exchange students are a priority for us. Given the shortage of
housing in the Geneva area, students are advised to submit the housing form in a
timely manner to the Cit Universitaire. Further details regarding accomodation
can be found here: http://cite-uni.unige.ch/

Cost of living in Geneva

The average cost of living for a student in Geneva is approximately CHF 2,000 per
month. This includes accommodation (~CHF 500.-), food and basic living (~CHF
600), and insurance (~CHF 100.-).