Study in Geneva, international student city guide

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and is located on Lake Geneva, not far from the border of France. The city is surrounded by mountains and is known for its bustling and international atmosphere. It’s a place where people from all over the world come together, which is partly thanks to the presence of many international organisations, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. Geneva is also known for its role in international diplomacy, hosting the League of Nations in the aftermath of World War I, and being nicknamed the ‘Peace Capital’.

The city of Geneva has a rich history and is home to 82 buildings and sites listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance, such as the Notre Dame Church, the Brunswick Monument, and The Villa La Grange.

Geneva is often ranked among the top cities to live in globally, thanks to its location, high-earning population and forward-thinking outlook on life. French is the official language of Geneva, but many people speak other languages such as English, Italian and German.

All universities in Geneva

• CREA – INSEEC U.
• EU Business School Geneva
• European College for Liberal Studies (ECLS)
• FBA – The Football Business Academy
• Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
• Geneva Business School
• Geneva School of Art and Design (Haute école d’art et de design, HEAD)
• Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations
• Geneva School of Economics and Management
• Geneva School of Health Sciences (Haute école de gestion de Genève, HEdS)
• GIGS – Geneva Institute of Geopolitical Studies
• GITI – Geneva Information Technology Institute
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
• Haute Ecole de Gestion de Genève (Geneva School of Business Administration)
• Haute école de musique de Genève (HES -SO Genève)
• IFM Business School
• International Institute in Geneva
• IMSG – International Management School Geneva
• James Lind Institute
• Swiss School of Business and Management
• UIBS – United International Business Schools
• UNITAR – United Nations Institute for Training and Research
• University of Business and International Studies (UBIS)
• University of Geneva
• Webster Geneva Campus

Top universities in Geneva

The University of Geneva

Established in 1559, the University of Geneva is the oldest in the city of Geneva. Its campus is located in the heart of the city and has a vibrant international atmosphere. It is well-regarded for its contributions to academic research and is consistently well-ranked in various ranking league tables. It is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which is an invitation-only group of universities that prioritise research.

The University of Geneva has a large student population and offers programmes in a range of fields such as science, medicine, humanities, and law. It also has an excellent reputation for its postgraduate programmes across the subjects. The presence of many international organisations and companies in the city of Geneva means that there are opportunities for students to pursue employment in a field of their choice after graduation.

EU Business School Geneva

EU Business School Geneva is one of the four campuses of EU Business School, which is a private university offering business and management-focused programmes. It was established in 1973 and is a member of the OMNES Education Group, which is a group of universities located all over the world.

EU Business School is renowned for its bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degree programmes, and offers high-quality education, smaller class sizes, and links to business and organisations within Geneva and beyond, meaning that you are being prepared for your future career throughout your time at EU Business School.

Webster Geneva Campus

Webster Geneva Campus is one of the international campuses of Webster University, a private, non-profit university based in Missouri, the USA. Founded in 1915, Webster University has a global network of campuses that provide an American-style liberal arts education to students around the world.

Webster Geneva is known for its undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including International Relations, Business Administration, and Psychology. The campus offers a diverse learning environment, with small class sizes, personalised attention, and strong connections to international organisations and businesses in Geneva. This ensures that students are well-prepared for their careers on a global scale.

Geneva universities world ranking 2025

You will find more information about ranking systems in the University Rankings explained guide.

Living cost in Geneva for students

Geneva is known for its more expensive cost of living, however, international students should be aware of that, as there are many scholarships available that will lower the cost. Students should budget around 1,500 to 2,000 Swiss Francs per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food and transportation.

Geneva is an attractive destination for students who want to experience a city with an interesting history, modern facilities and a multicultural environment, all while having access to high-quality education. In addition, Geneva’s location makes it incredibly easy for international students to explore the rest of Switzerland and other parts of Europe.