news
Students & Campus
28 April 2023

Can You Work while Getting Your Degree?

Many of our students look for work experience while pursuing their degree at the Institute. Our location in the heart of international Geneva means there are lots of opportunities. You just have to know when and how to take advantage of them. 

 

So, can students work and study at the same time? The short answer is, yes!

With a student residence permit, our students can work up to 15 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours during holidays.

But not everyone can begin right away; there are a few things to know first. 

When can I work?

Are you from a country outside of Switzerland, the European Union (EU), or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)?

Students coming from countries outside of the above mentioned regions must wait six months before beginning to work because they will need a specific work authorisation. An exception is made, however, if the work allows the student to earn academic credit (ECTS). In this case students may begin immediately.  

Swiss, EU and EFTA nationals may begin working immediately upon beginning their master's work. 

Find out the nitty gritty details on our Work Authorisation and Administrative Support page to learn more.  

How will I find out about internship and job opportunities?

The Institute’s Career Services team updates their online job portal daily. Students and alumni can visit this page and discover exclusive opportunities available to them. 

Learn from our students about their experiences. 

Samhita and Chinmay offer some perspectives on how to network to find opportunities and make the most of your time in Geneva. 

Check out their video below. 

And as always, if you have questions, feel free to reach out to Career Services via email: career@graduateinstitute.ch.

You can also contact prospective@graduateinstitute.ch for more information related to prospective students.