How do I apply for the Geneva Summer Schools?

Please follow the procedure and follow the online application form.

What is the language of instruction?

Courses are taught in English.

Can I apply to more than 1 course?

Yes. You may apply to as many courses as you wish, but you must pay a 100 CHF application fee for each course and you must complete one online application per course. However, you will not be able to take more than one course at the same time (as schedules do not permit).

What is the Geneva Summer Schools cancellation policy ?

The Geneva Summer Schools reserves the right to cancel a course. If a course is cancelled we will notify you by email and your payment will be completely reimbursed. Cancellation will be announced no later than 30 days prior to the course. Please keep this in mind when making your travel arrangements, as these will not be reimbursed.

Do I need a VISA to participate in Geneva Summer Schools?

The Geneva Summer Schools are from 1 to 3 weeks in duration. Students will not have an official ‘student status’ and so, in most cases, a tourist visa will be sufficient. Most participants will not need a visa to come to Switzerland, since the duration of each course is less than 3 months.

The Geneva Summer Schools will provide students with 1) an email confirming their acceptance and 2) a receipt once they have made the full course payment (if requested).

To verify the entry requirements for your country please visit the State Secretariat for Migration website.

When will I be informed of the status of my application?

Geneva Summer Schools applications are on a rolling basis, as they are received. We aim to respond to you within 2-4 weeks. This means that a course may fill up before the application deadline. We encourage you to apply early to secure a place !

When do I have to pay the tuition?

• An application fee of 100 CHF must be paid at the time of acceptance into the course to reserve the place and confirm participation. This fee is non-refundable.
• The remaining tuition must be paid within the time frame determined by the Course Director and communicated in Admissions Email, and no later than one month prior to the course start date. If payment is not made in due time, Geneva Summer Schools reserves the right to cancel the admission and attribute the place to another candidate.

Does Geneva Summer Schools provide housing?

Geneva Summer Schools does not provide housing. Please visit our housing page, where we have put together a long list of links offering affordable short-term housing options.

Will I receive credits for my summer school courses?

Each summer school will indicate its equivalence in ECTS credits in its description. Participants will be provided with a Certificate of Completion of the course (if they satisfy attendance and exam requirements). It is the participant’s responsibility to verify the validity of the course and validate it at their home university.

Geneva Summer Schools will not be held responsible if the credits cannot be validated at the home institution, as it is the participant's direct responsibility to secure this approval. Please see our Regulations for more information.

I am a professor and I would like to participate in a summer school. Who should I contact?

We welcome proposals for new courses through the Geneva Summer Schools ! If you have an idea for a summer course, or for collaborative course with the University of Geneva, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

What is Geneva like during the summer?

Geneva is a vibrant international city! The summer months are very animated with numerous festivals. From swimming in the Lac Léman at Genève Plage or the Bain des Paquis to mountain excursions on the Salève or in Chamonix, there is no shortage of activity!

Is Geneva Summer Schools connected to the University of Geneva?

Yes. The Geneva Summer Schools are part of the University of Geneva (UNIGE). They are directed by the International Relations Office in relation with various Faculties of the University. Please note that the Geneva Summer Schools courses are not official UNIGE courses, and you will not receive an official UNIGE transcript.

Please visit the UNIGE website for more information about the University, its Faculties and its Programs.

Who are the Geneva Summer School faculty?

Geneva Summer Schools faculty are professors from the University of Geneva and international institutions. 

Please visit the UNIGE website for more information about the University, its Faculties and its Programs.

Can I use US government scholarships to pay for GSS?

No. Despite the fact that the University of Geneva is an accredited institution to receive US Loans (through Sept. 2015), you may not use these for the Geneva Summer Schools courses as they are not regular University of Geneva courses.