Université de Genève

City: Geneva
Language of instruction: EnglishFrench
  • Public research university located in Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded in 1559 as a theological seminary and law school
  • Second largest university in Switzerland
  • Leading university in Europe
  • 13 300 students
  • More than 1/3 of the students from abroad
  • Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland
  • Ideally situated at the tip of the lake that bears its name
  • Close to world-known ski resorts in the Alps
  • Centre of international and multicultural activities

Read student reports

Partner university’s areas of study

  • Arts
  • Forestry
  • Land and Food Systems
  • Science
  • Students must have at least a B2 level to study in French (To determine your level, please use self-asses with: European Language Portfolio Global Scale)
  • See other English and French course options in the Courses & Transfer Credits section

Eligibility and Timing

Terms Offered

  • Term 1
  • Term 2
  • Full year Term 1 + 2 (UBC Term 1 start)

Who can go?

  • Exchange students can take coursework in most areas of study

Term Dates

  • Semester 1: Early September to Late February
  • Semester 2: Mid February to Late June 

Timing

  • Students who wish to attend Term 1 only, will not be able to return to UBC in time for the January term

Credits

Course equivalency formula

  • ECTS credits divided by 2 = UBC credits 

Credit transfer process

The transfer credit process takes approximately 16 weeks following each submission deadline. You should allow sufficient time to meet important deadlines that may affect you (e.g. application for graduation, registration in courses that require prerequisites that you took on exchange, entry to a major/honours program, etc.)

For more information about Go Global transfer credit


Course Information

* Students who have special requirements or require academic accommodation should contact a Go Global advisor regarding their needs at least six weeks prior to the application deadline.

Type of Go Global Experiences

  • Exchange (pay UBC tuition)

Course information and restrictions

Students can study at the University of Geneva one of 3 ways:

  • Study in French:
    • The recommended French level is B2
    • Students must restrict their choice of courses to 2 faculties
    • Summer courses are available to our exchange students to improve their French before the semester starts, at a special price
  • 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
  • Study in English:
    • An increasing number of Masters’ programs are being offered in English, as well as a few courses of Bachelors’ programs

Partner Course Information


Transfer Credits And Equivalent Courses At This University

Check out the courses that previous students have transferred back to UBC in the last 5 years using our Course Search Tool. If you don't see a particular course you listed, it simply means you need to submit it as a new course request through the Transfer Credit Portal while on your Go Global experience. For more information, please visit the Go Global Transfer Credit webpage.

*Areas of study at partner universities are subject to change. The tool is for reference only - research the partners' websites for additional course information.

Search courses now

Exchange Tuition

  • 15 credits or equivalent full-time program fee per term, paid to UBC
  • Some exceptions may apply

Scholarships and awards

The Go Global Award $1000

All students accepted to Go Global for Exchange, Research Abroad, or Study Abroad travel programs are automatically considered for this award. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll be notified of your award after you're accepted to Go Global and after you get nominated to apply to the partner university.

Additional awards

Students who are eligible for awards may receive one UBC or UBC-affiliated international learning award. If you're eligible, you are always offered the highest-value award. Unless stated otherwise, you need to meet eligibility criteria set out by the University Senate regarding awards.

Check out international learning awards and eligibility.


Information for US students: 

If you are a student from the United States, please check the US Department of Education Lookup Tool to ensure that any partner institution you wish to attend on Exchange is Title IV ‘eligible’ for Federal Student Aid for the year in which you intend to study there. For institutions outside of the US, select “Foreign Country” from the “State” dropdown menu.

If you attend an eligible institution, then you may receive Title IV federal student loans while on Exchange.

If you attend an ineligible institution:

  • You will not be eligible for US federal student loans,
  • You may invalidate any US student aid you have previously received for your studies at UBC,
  • You may be required to immediately begin repaying your US student loans, and
  • You may not be eligible for any future US student aid for the remainder of your studies at UBC.

Additional Fees

All students studying in Switzerland are required to purchase local medical insurance which will cost approx 100 CHF/month.

Types of accommodation available

  • Off-campus
  • On-campus

Housing notes

  • Housing in Geneva must be sought some months in advance of arrival
  • The University’s Housing Office is happy to assist and advise prospective students months in advance of arrival