Financing your studies

The Geneva Graduate Institute strives to attract talented scholars from around the world, regardless of origin and financial ability. We invest over CHF 2 million each year to support our students throughout their studies, thanks to our donors and solidarity fund.

FOR MASTER PROGRAMMES

Swiss-Residents: CHF 5'000 per year
Non-Residents: CHF 8'000 per year

FOR PHD PROGRAMMES

Students with a Financial Package from a Government or a National Foundation:

Swiss-Residents: CHF 5'000 per year
Non-Residents: CHF 8'000 per year

Students with an Financial Package from the Geneva Graduate Institute:

First year: CHF 3'000
Subsequent years: CHF 1'000

Students employed as Research Assistants for a Swiss National Fund project (Sinergia, Eccellenza, Doc.CH, etc.):

CHF 3'000 per year

Beneficiaries of a 3 years Swiss Excellency Scholarship:

CHF 1'000 per year for 3 years

Who is a Swiss Resident?

SCHOLARSHIPS

A master’s student might be awarded one type of aid or a combination of different types of support.

Full or partial scholarship (maximum CHF 20'000) for two years
Tuition reduction

Certain partner institutions and individual benefactors sponsor specific scholarships. The Financial Aid Committee evaluates applicants and selects recipients who meet the criteria for these scholarships, ensuring appropriate allocation.

Refugee Scholarship

Afghan Women SCHOLARSHIP

OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDINGS

Earning money from work

Our degree programmes are full-time and are not compatible with full-time employment.
But master students may work part-time, keeping in mind the potential impact on their academic performance.

Swiss regulations allow foreign students to work part-time (15 hours per week) during the term, and full-time (40 hours per week) during vacations. Non-EU students are not permitted to work during the first six months of their stay.

Our Careers Service sends enrolled students regular updates about internal and external vacancies, as well as internship opportunities.

Student loan

EducaSwiss is a Swiss organisation that offers the possibility to apply for loans. Foreign students are eligible.
It is not affiliated with the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Other sources of funding for US citizens

The Institute withdrew from the GI Bills (US Veteran Affairs) as of September 2022 and no longer participates as a school enabling students to benefit from these programmes.

Please note that the Institute has switched its Direct Loan certification with the US Department of Education to a Deferment-only status.

This means that the Geneva Graduate Institute is not able to generate any new Direct Loans through Title IV for incoming US students. All students, however, will have the possibility to defer their repayment of previous Title IV loans while attending the Institute.

Private Loans
The Graduate Institute is in the process of verifying if, as a Deferment-only school, our students will still be able to benefit from Sallie Mae Student Loans.

If so, eligible students will be able to apply for loans through Sallie Mae (private loans for US students studying abroad). Please note that Sallie Mae is not a preferred lender and this does not represent a preferred lender arrangement. However, it is the only private lender that we are aware of that currently offers loans to students attending foreign schools. (More information on Sallie Mae Website)

PhD admission offers generally come with a four-year financial support package from the Geneva Graduate Institute. The details of the package are as follows:

Scholarship: CHF 20'000 per year
Disbursement: CHF 2'000/month (September–June)

Tuition Fees:

Year 1: CHF 3'000
Year 2, 3, 4: CHF 1'000 per year

Years 1 & 2

Students may work up to 25% during the academic year (from September to June) and 100% during the summer (July-August)

Swiss legislation regulating the work of foreign students apply

Years 3 & 4

Students may work up to 50% during the academic year (from September to June) and 100% during the summer (July-August)

Swiss legislation regulating the work of foreign students apply

Students may also apply for a Teaching Assistant position

SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

The Swiss government awards various types of scholarships to foreign doctoral students, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

The list of countries in which you can apply for a Swiss government scholarship, along with country-specific application deadlines, as well as details of the application procedure, are available on the web pages of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, under Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

To be eligible for this scholarship at the Geneva Graduate Institute, you must be enrolled in our PhD programme already.
You will then have the opportunity to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship during the first year of your doctoral studies.

The Scholarship Office will provide more information after your admission is confirmed. All our PhD students receive a financial support package from the Institute; this financial support will be available to enrolled PhD students in their first year. If you then obtain the Swiss Government Excellence Scolarship, it will replace the Institute's suppport package in the second, third, and fourth years of your doctoral programme.

Studying in Geneva comes with various living costs that depend on individual lifestyle choices.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated monthly expenses to help prospective and admitted students plan their budget effectively.

Accommodation: CHF 720 – 1'900

Housing costs vary significantly depending on location and type of accommodation. At the Graduate Institute Student Residences, options include:

CHF 720 for a room in a shared apartment
CHF 870 for a private studio
CHF 1'020 for a private studio with kitchen
CHF 1'887 for a one bedroom apartment

Alternative accommodation options may be available at different price points, particularly if located further from the Institute. Early applications for student housing are recommended due to high demand

Food: CHF 400 – 800

Food expenses depend on personal habits, dietary preferences, and shopping choices. Cost-saving strategies include:

Shopping at discount supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, and Denner
Purchasing groceries in nearby France, where prices can be lower
Cooking at home instead of dining out

Students can also participate in La FARCE, a student initiative offering weekly free groceries for an annual membership fee of CHF 20.

Public Transport: CHF 0 – 70

Geneva’s transport system offers discounted rates for students:

Free for students under 25, in 2025
CHF 70 per month for students over 25
The seven25 travelcard allows free travel across Switzerland from 7 PM to 5 AM

Health Insurance: CHF 65 – 400

Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland, and costs vary based on coverage and provider.
Some budget-friendly providers for foreign students include ScoreStudies and Swisscare.

Cost factors include:

Monthly premiums: CHF 65 – 400 (depending on the annual deductible)
Annual deductible: CHF 300 – 2,500 (higher deductibles mean lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses)
Optional coverage (e.g., dental care, alternative medicine, private hospital rooms) may increase costs
Age and pre-existing health conditions can affect pricing

Choosing the right annual deductible is crucial, as a higher deductible leads to higher out-of-pocket expenses for medical care. We encourage students to seek advice from the Admission Office or insurance providers before selecting a plan.

Mobile Phone: CHF 20

Most students use either a prepaid or monthly phone plan, with an average cost of around CHF 20 per month.

Additional Expenses: CHF 200+

This includes costs for toiletries, clothing, leisure activities, entertainment, and personal expenses.

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: CHF 1'400 – 2'500+

Planning ahead and budgeting wisely can help students manage their living costs effectively during their studies in Geneva.

More informations:

EDUCASWISS BUDGETING TOOL

APPLICATION TO FINANCIAL AID

What types of financial aid does the Institute offer?

The Institute offers a range of financial aid options, including full and partial scholarships, tuition fee reductions, and special/emergency aid. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and availability of funds.

Who is eligible to apply for financial aid?

Financial aid is available to students enrolling in a Master programmes at the Institute. Eligibility is determined based on academic excellence, financial need, and availability of funds.

When and how can I apply for financial aid?

Applications for financial aid must be submitted online at the same time as your application for master admission. Deadlines are specified on the Institute’s website.

What documents are required to apply for financial aid?

You will need to submit proof of income, tax statements, bank statements, and other relevant financial documents. If applicable, additional documents such as scholarship offers from external sources may be required.

Are there donors that I could contact for a scholarship?

Our donors do not wish to be contacted directly by applicants. If you are selected for a donor-sponsored scholarship, the Institute will inform you.

Can I apply for a scholarship while seeking external funding?

Yes, students are encouraged to seek external funding. However, you must inform the Institute of any external scholarships received, as they may impact your financial aid package.

Financial Aid Decisions and Disbursement

How is financial aid determined?

The Financial Aid Committee assesses applications based on academic excellence, financial need, and availability of funds. The final decision is usually communicated with the admission letter.

How and when will I receive my financial aid?

Scholarships and stipends are generally disbursed in monthly installments. Tuition fee reductions are applied directly to your student account.

What can my scholarship stipend be used for?

Scholarship stipends are meant to cover living expenses during studies. Master’s students must reside in Switzerland or neighboring France to receive their stipend, and presence will be periodically checked.

Can my financial aid package be renewed?

Yes, financial aid can be renewed each academic year. For this purpose, students must submit a new application for renewal, and demonstrate continued financial need and academic progress.

What happens if my financial situation changes after I receive financial aid?

You must inform the Scholarships Office immediately. Your financial aid may be reassessed and adjusted accordingly.

WORKING WHILE RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID

Am I allowed to work while receiving financial aid?

Master students may work, but their total income must not exceed CHF 32'000 per year. If additional income is obtained, the financial aid package may be reduced accordingly.

What happens if I get a job at the Institute or elsewhere?

Master students receiving financial aid who obtain a job or internship must inform the Scholarships Office. Financial aid will be reassessed based on additional income.

DOING AN EXCHANGE ABROAD

What if I go on an exchange programme or an internship abroad?

If you undertake an approved unpaid internship or exchange semester, your financial aid remains unchanged. If your internship is paid, you must inform the Scholarships Office, and adjustments may be made.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

What if I don’t have the means to pay my tuition fees on time?

You may request a deadline extension or payment installments by contacting the relevant office and providing reasons and a proposed payment plan.

Do students need to declare their scholarship in their tax statements?

Yes, in the canton of Geneva, scholarships are tax-exempt but must be declared for family expense calculations and social law applications.

Are PhD students entitled to their financial support package after defending their thesis?

PhD students continue receiving their financial support package for up to three months after their thesis defense, during the final corrections phase. The support ceases once their status changes to "FinSu."

FINANCIAL AID AND LOANS FOR US CITIZENS

I am a US citizen or eligible national. Can I apply for US Direct Loans along with financial aid from the Institute?