University of Geneva

With students from 150 different nationalities, the University of Geneva is Switzerland’s second largest university. 

It was originally established as a theological seminary in 1559 by leading French theologian and pastor, Jean Calvin. It was granted university status in 1873 when it also relinquished its religious affiliations and became a secular institution.

The university offers almost 300 degrees programmes. Although its undergraduate courses are taught primarily in French, the university also offers a number of masters programmes in English.

The university has strong links with international organisations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations, as well as partnerships with several global universities including Princeton University in the US, Yonsei University in South Korea and the University of Sydney in Australia, with which student exchanges take place.

The Bureau des Sports provides students with free sports classes on a daily basis. Competitive sport is also encouraged with teams regularly competing in the Swiss university championships in skiing, basketball and ice-hockey.