Effective Date: 10 October 2025
(Originally adopted by the Rectorate on 20 April 2020)

Each applicant must read and accept these Terms and Conditions when registering for a Geneva Summer Schools (GSS) course offered by the University of Geneva.

1. Definition

The Geneva Summer Schools (GSS) are short-term academic training courses organized by the University of Geneva during the summer period.
Courses are offered across multiple disciplines and may be delivered:

• In-person,
• Online, or
• In a blended (co-modal) format.

Full course descriptions and details are available here. 

2. Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

a. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient command of the language of instruction, evidenced through their motivation letter and prior academic or professional experience.

b. Academic Background
Applicants must either:

• Be currently enrolled in a university-level institution, or
• Have completed a higher education degree.

c. Supporting Documents
Each application must include:

• Motivation letter – outlining the applicant’s interest in the program.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Résumé.
• Certificate of registration (for external students) – a document confirming current enrolment at the applicant’s home university to qualify for the external student fee.
• Specific requirements – some courses may request additional documents (e.g. prerequisites, letter of reference, technical portfolio, or proof of experience). Requirements are listed on each individual course page.

3. Applications and Enrolment

• GSS courses are merit-based, and places are limited.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis upon receipt of all required documents.
• Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online application platform.
• By submitting an application, the applicant confirms having read and accepted these Terms and Conditions.
• The GSS Office and Course Directors evaluate applications and reserve the right to refuse admission if the applicant does not meet the requirements.
• Applicants are informed of admission or refusal in writing.
• Admission becomes final only upon full payment of the tuition fee, after which the participant’s place is secured.

4. Accommodation

• The GSS Office does not provide or book accommodation.
• It may, however, assist participants by sharing housing resources and connecting them with other admitted students.
  More information here.

5. Tuition Fees and Payment

• Tuition fees are published on the GSS website and must be paid online in Swiss Francs (CHF).
• Fees must be paid by the deadline stated in the admission email and no later than one month before the start of the program.
• Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation of admission and reassignment of the place to another applicant.
• Tuition fees include a non-refundable administrative fee:
  • CHF 100 for external participants
  • CHF 50 for University of Geneva (UNIGE) students
• UNIGE degree students (Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.) benefit from preferential tuition rates.
• Tuition fees for continuing education students are assessed case by case, depending on professional and enrolment status.

6. Duties and Obligations of Participants

• Participants must comply with all University of Geneva regulations.
• The GSS Office reserves the right to exclude any participant who fails to adhere to these regulations. In such cases, no refund will be issued.
• GSS participants do not hold the status of formally enrolled UNIGE students.
• UNIGE students attending GSS under preferential rates are expected to act as representatives of the University, fostering a positive and welcoming learning environment. They may be invited to assist guest lecturers or external participants as needed.

7. Certificate and Transcript

• A Certificate of Completion is issued to participants who meet attendance requirements. A minimum of 80% presence is required to receive the certificate.
  • One hard copy and one digital copy are provided at the end of the course.
  • No additional hard copies are issued later.
  • Online courses provide digital certificates only.
• Some courses may include an optional final evaluation. Upon request, the GSS Office can provide a transcript indicating:
  • The number of ECTS equivalents, and
  • The grade (0–6 scale) or pass/fail result, in accordance with Swiss standards.

8. ECTS Credits

• The number of ECTS credits is specified in each course description and determined by UNIGE standards.
• Participants are responsible for confirming credit recognition with their home institutions prior to enrolment.
• The University of Geneva assumes no responsibility if ECTS credits are not validated by the home university.
• UNIGE students generally cannot transfer GSS credits to their regular degree program unless the GSS course is explicitly part of their study plan.

9. Cancellation by the University of Geneva

• The GSS Office reserves the right to cancel a course for unforeseen reasons.
• Any cancellation will be promptly communicated via the website and by email.
• In such cases, tuition fees (including administrative fees) will be refunded.
• Travel and accommodation costs are the sole responsibility of the participant and will not be reimbursed. Participants are strongly advised to consider this before making arrangements.

10. Cancellation by the Participant

If a participant cancels, interrupts, or withdraws early from the program, the following fees apply:

• More than four weeks (28 days) before the start date:
  → 50% of the total tuition fee plus the CHF 100 administrative fee.
• Within four weeks (28 days) of the start date or during the course:
  → No refund (tuition and administrative fees are non-refundable).

11. Insurance and Other Costs

• Participants attending in person must have valid civil liability, accident, and health insurance covering the duration of their stay.
• All expenses related to participation — including travel, accommodation, and living costs — are the responsibility of the participant.
• The GSS Office strongly recommends obtaining comprehensive travel insurance.

12. Waiver of Responsibility

The University of Geneva’s liability — whether in contract or tort — is limited to gross negligence or willful misconduct by a University collaborator acting within the scope of their official duties.
All further liability, including indirect or consequential damages, is expressly excluded.

13. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

Any dispute arising in connection with the GSS that cannot be settled amicably shall be submitted exclusively to the Courts of Geneva, under Swiss law.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.