Studying and doing research at the University of Geneva

The Academy of Geneva was created in 1559 by Jean Calvin. With the creation of the Faculty of Medicine in 1873, the institution acquired the status of University. Since then, the UNIGE has continued to embrace new discplines in order to remain responsive to new needs in education and research, while maintaining its tradition of humanistic values.

The University of Geneva has a student body of 14 500 students. More than one-third of all students come from abroad, attracted by the University's location in the heart of an international city which is home to many international organizations. Renowned for its high level of excellence, our Univesity offers a wide spectrum of academic courses in divers fields of study such as the exact and natural sciences, medicine, social sciences and the arts. As most classes are taught in French a good command of the language is required. The academic year is divided into two semesters, beginning mid-September and ending mid-June.