WE ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for our next intake (September 2026) are now open!
Click here to apply to our MA and PhD programmes
Scroll down for additional application options:
Dual master degree HKS, LLM, MAS Sustainable finance
BEFORE YOU APPLY, PLEASE READ ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION BELOW:
1. Complete the online application form
Applications for September 2026 are open from 1 October 2025 until 15 April 2026, depending on your target programme.
You can toggle between the English and French versions of the application form, by clicking the language at the top left corner of each page.
Please note that Master students may apply for financial aid during the 15 January deadline only, using the same form.
2. Pay the application fee
15 October deadline: CHF 100
15 January deadline: CHF 100
2 March deadline: CHF 200
15 April deadline: CHF 300
3. Provide contact details for two or three academic referees on the application form
Our selection committees prefer academic references, if relevant; professional references are also accepted
4. Upload all your supporting documents before the application deadline
Prepare your document files in PDF format
Do not password-protect or otherwise restrict access to the PDF files
Please do not send any documents by e-mail or post
5. Validate your application by clicking on "Submit"
6. Join our Unibuddy community to stay connected and up-to-date
If you encounter a technical difficulty with your online application, please e-mail IT support at
servicedesk@graduateinstitute.ch
Many problems can be resolved simply by refreshing your web browser page and removing cookies from your browsing history.
FOR MASTER PROGRAMMES
FOR PHD PROGRAMMES
For all programmes, failure to document the award of the prior degree by 15 September 2026 may cause us to rescind our offer of admission
* Institutional accreditation by aaq or the designated accreditation agency in the country of operation, subject to current policies
APPLICATION CHECKLIST THESIS PROPOSAL GUIDE GENERAL CONDITIONS Admission Criteria
The Institute promotes the use of French language: while most of our classes are taught in English, students may express themselves and submit assignments in either language. Students are expected to have acquired a basic knowledge of French by the end of their first year.
All students must have an excellent command of English, allowing them to comfortably satisfy the academic language requirements of a rigorous graduate programme: manage a large volume of challenging scholarly texts, produce frequent, extensive writings in compliance with graduate-level academic standards and in a variety of styles, and make constructive, candid and respectful contributions to discussions in and out of the classroom.
Applications can proceed to evaluation without an English proficiency certificate, but with a submitted confirmation of an upcoming testing appointment. Any resulting admission offers will remain conditional upon verification of a qualifying, official English proficiency certificate by 30 May
2026.
Failure to document the required English proficiency level by 30 May 2026 may cause us to rescind our offer of admission.
Recognised tests and scores
To accept your English test results, we must be able to verify their authenticity online.
Here are the specific rules for common tests:
The following rules apply to test validity:
If you are unsure whether your test meets our requirements, please contact us.
We expect all students to document a proficiency level that corresponds to the CEFR C1 or higher.
iBT TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) and iBT TOEFL Home Edition: either
A single iBT TOEFL test with a total score of at least 100 and the following minimum subscores:
Or a "My Best Score" with a total score of 100 and the following minimum subscores:
Please have your TOEFL scores forwarded to us by indicating our institutional ETS code: 8909
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): and IELTS Academic Online: either
A single IELTS test with an overall band 7.0 and the following minimum subscores:
Or different valid IELTS tests with at least one overall band of 7.0 and the following minimum subscores from different tests:
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Total score of at least 185 and each subscore at least 180
At this time we are not accepting the Cambridge Linguaskill and other tests
Knowledge of French is not an admission condition. The Institute values diversity, and encourages applications from students who have no or only basic prior knowledge of French.
Students with minimal (lower than B1) or no prior knowledge of French must take an intensive French course, lasting three weeks before the start of the first semester. They must register for this course at the time of confirming their enrolment.
This intensive course will be followed by a weekly course during the first year.
All other students who are neither native French speakers, nor holders of a B1 or higher French proficiency certificate, must register for a French placement test when confirming their enrolment. This test takes place during the first week of the academic year. Its results determine whether they
need to take a weekly French course during their first year of study.
These intensive and weekly courses are organised by the Institute, free of charge. They are compulsory and credit-bearing.
The above conditions do not apply to students whose mother tongue is French; or who have a secondary or post-secondary diploma taught entirely in French; or who have spent a minimum of one academic year studying at university level, full-time, entirely in French; or who can produce a French
language certificate equivalent to a DELF B1 level.
Admission decisions are based on the quality of the overall application file.
Our evaluation committees, comprised of faculty members (professors), give priority consideration to academic achievement and motivation.
Academic achievement is documented using transcripts and recommendation letters. Motivational factors should be clarified in the letter of motivation.
The committee’s decision is final and we do not provide individual feedback.
As our students come from more than 100 different education systems around the world, we do not set minimum grade point average requirements.
All eligible, complete applications will be evaluated. Our selection process is competitive.
Please note the application deadlines carefully: incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
Submit your documents well ahead of the deadline, to allow resolution of any technical problems before the portal closes.
The evaluation committees will take into consideration the difficulties encountered by many students around the world due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Academic achievement in spring 2020/fall 2021 semesters, and its impact on overall performance, will be evaluated in that context.
Please address all your application-related questions to the Admission Office at prospective@graduateinstitute.ch
Master applicants can apply for financial aid by filling in the application fields concerning their financial situation.
Please note that you will need to apply for financial assistance at the same time that you apply for admission to the study programme of your choice, and only during the 15 January deadline application round.
If you do not apply for financial aid during your application to the January round of admission, you will not be able to do so again at a later time.
Admission committees do not have access to this information when they decide on the admissibility of candidates: admission decisions are taken without any financial considerations (they are "need-blind").
When making its decision regarding the allocation of scholarships for admitted master candidates, the Financial Aid Committee will decide whether to award a full or a partial scholarship and/or tuition reduction, depending on the applicants' financial resources and the excellence of their application, within the limitations of available funds.
Master applicants who want to apply for financial aid must document all the elements that impact their financial situation, including all sources of income, liquidities, capital and potential contributions from family members and other organisations.
financial aid application checklist MONTHLY BUDGET ESTIMATE WHO IS A SWISS RESIDENT FAQ
All PhD applicants are eligible for financial support, regardless of their financial situation.
When completing their application form, doctoral applicants should not fill in the fields relating to their finances, which only apply to master programme candidates.
All Geneva Graduate Institute PhD admission offers come with a four-year financial support package, either from the Institute or from another approved organisation.
PhD students who obtain full funding from an externally funded research project led by one of our faculty members, may also be admitted. Externally funded research projects usually refer to those supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
They are announced and administered by our research centres.
The Geneva Graduate Institute can support students applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship who meet the 15 October application deadline. If your application is successful, you will receive a support letter, required to complete your Excellence Scholarship application. You will not be considered for financial support from the Institute.
You will have an additional opportunity to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship during the first year of your doctoral studies. Further information will be provided by the Scholarship Office once your admission has been confirmed.
Doctoral students may supplement this support package with a documented, limited, gainful employment position.
SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR PHD STUDENT MONTHLY BUDGET ESTIMATE WHO IS A SWISS RESIDENT FAQ
When do applications open and what are the deadlines?
Applications for the September 2026 intake open on 1 October 2025. Deadlines (all close at midnight, Geneva time CET) are:
Can I get an application fee waiver?
No, application fees cannot be waived. In rare cases (e.g. if your country’s banking system is under international sanctions), payment may be postponed and added to your first tuition invoice. Contact us directly if this applies to you.
Do you consider late applications?
No. Late applications are not accepted. If another later deadline is available, your application may be automatically moved; otherwise it will remain incomplete.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
No. Each applicant may only submit one application per cycle. Please decide carefully in advance which programme and deadline you want to apply for.
Can I apply in French?
Yes. The application form is fully bilingual (English/French). Use the language toggle at the top left of each application page.
What happens after I submit my application?
Your file is reviewed by the Faculty evaluation committees. Admission decisions are based on academic performance and motivation. Decisions are final, and we cannot provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
I’m having technical issues. What should I do?
First, refresh your browser and clear cookies. If the issue continues, email servicedesk@graduateinstitute.ch. Most issues are resolved quickly.
What documents do I need to submit?
All documents must be uploaded as PDFs via the online portal (do not email or post documents). The Application Checklist [link] has the full list, including:
Do I have to submit official transcripts and diplomas?
At the application stage, only electronic copies are required. However, they must be official. Files marked “student copy” or “unofficial transcript” are not accepted. If admitted, you must present originals at the time of enrolment.
My degree isn’t finished yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. You may receive a conditional offer, but you must provide proof of successful degree completion by 15 September 2026.
How many references do I need?
Provide contact details for 2–3 referees in the application form. They will be contacted automatically. Academic referees are preferred, but professional recommendations are also accepted. If you can choose, pick the referees that can give the most relevant information corroborating your abilities and achievements in an academic setting, or as close to it as possible. References from family members, colleagues, or acquaintances will not be accepted.
Do I need to have my documents translated?
Yes, if they are not in English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian. Translations must be certified.
Do I need to speak French to apply?
No. Most classes are taught in English, and you may submit assignments in English or French. French is encouraged but not required.
What if I don’t speak French at all?
If your French is below B1, you must take a free, compulsory 3‑week intensive French course before your first semester, plus weekly French classes during your first year. These are organised at no extra cost.
Do I need to prove English proficiency if I studied in English?
No, if you completed at least one year full‑time in a university programme fully taught in English. Proof must be shown on your transcript or via an attestation from your university.
What English proficiency do I need?
Minimum CEFR C1. Accepted tests:
Are old English test scores valid?
Most test results are valid for 2 years. Check your test provider. If older, you must retake the test.
Can I apply without test results?
Yes, if you have a confirmed testing appointment. Admission will be conditional until results are received (deadline: 30 May 2026).
How much does it cost to study at the Institute?
Estimated costs:
Can I apply for financial aid?
How are financial aid decisions made?
Financial aid is decided separately from admission. The Financial Aid Committee reviews applications from admitted Master’s students and awards scholarships based on financial need and merit.
How many students receive aid?
Each year, 10–15% of admitted Master’s students receive full or partial scholarships.
Is aid renewable?
Yes. Aid for Master’s programmes is renewable for a second year if your financial need remains.
Can I work part‑time in Switzerland as a student?
Yes, with restrictions:
Do all PhD students receive funding?
Yes. Each PhD student is admitted with one of three funding types:
Is PhD funding competitive?
Yes. Institutional admission and funding packages are limited. In 2025–26, acceptance rates ranged across programmes from 6%–24% (average: 11%).
Can I apply to several funding options?
No. You must choose at application: Excellence Scholarship (15 Oct), Institute support (15 Jan), or RA position.
Do I need a thesis proposal?
Yes. See our Thesis Proposal Guide [link] for requirements.
Do I need a writing sample?
Yes. Submit your Master’s thesis, or if unavailable, a substantial research paper from your Master’s studies.
What qualities do you look for in applicants?
Do you have GPA cut‑offs?
No. We evaluate applicants holistically, given the diversity of international grading systems.
How competitive is admission?
Highly competitive. Attend our events, read our news and publications, familiarize yourself with our information channels, and apply early to avoid technical issues, receive any needed guidance, and increase your chances.
Can international students apply?
Yes. About 85% of our students are international. The same application process applies to all.
Do you use rolling admissions?
When will I receive a decision?
Can I defer admission?
No. If you confirm admission but cannot enrol, you can reapply next year.
What housing options exist?
We operate two residential buildings with:
Details: see Housing pages
When can I apply for housing?
Students admitted after the January and March rounds, who confirm by 15 April 2025, get priority access to the full range of housing options.
How do I confirm admission?
Complete the confirmation form and pay the CHF 1,000 pre‑registration fee by the deadline. This is deducted from your first tuition invoice.
Can I connect with current students?
Yes. Join our Unibuddy community to chat with current students and ask questions.
Do you offer joint or dual degree programmes?
Yes. We partner with top universities worldwide for dual/joint degrees, BA/MA combined programmes, undergraduate semester, and we offer our own summer programmes.
Do you offer an exchange programme?
Yes. Our master students can apply to spend their third semester taking a full course programme at one of our many top-ranked partner universities around the world. PhD students can go on exchange after they pass their preliminary thesis presentation in the third semester. See more details here.
Applications for September 2026 are open from 1 October 2025 to 15 April 2026, depending on your target programme:
Priority access to the Geneva Graduate Institute housing application portal is available to students admitted after the January and March deadlines, who confirm before 15 April 2026
Confirmation (accepting our admission offer) requires payment of a CHF 1,000 pre-registration fee, deducted from the first tuition invoice.
DUAL MASTER DEGREE WITH THE HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDIES (mas) IN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
