WE ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Read carefully all the information under each information tab on this page
Including the pdf explanations and checklists
Note any questions and contact our team for clarification
2. Make a note of all the important dates and deadlines
Submit your application and supporting documents with a sufficient safety margin before the deadline
Last-minute submissions can fail due to technical problems or misunderstandings
We process applications in batches, not on a rolling basis, so we cannot accommodate missed deadlines
Deadlines expire at midnight, Geneva time (Central European Time)
3. Complete the online application form
Applications for each annual September intake are open in October and close on a specific deadline, 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 January deadline only, using the same form
4. Pay the application fee
October deadline: CHF 100
January deadline: CHF 100
Late application deadline (if available): CHF 200
Payment can be made on the Flywire platform either by credit card (instant) or via bank transfer (can take up to several weeks). Your application will be considered only after the funds reach us.
If you are unable to access the international payment system (for example, if your country is under banking sanctions), contact the Admission Office to make alternative arrangements. Choose "bank transfer" on Flywire to proceed with the application process.
5. Provide contact details for two or three academic or professional referees on the application form
Our selection committees prefer academic references from your former professors; professional references from someone who has supervised you in a work context are also accepted. Recommendations from family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances will not be accepted.
Inform your referees well in advance that they will be asked to upload their letter on our server by the stated referee deadline (seven days after the application deadline). References must be submitted from their institutional email address you indicate, written on the official letterhead of that institution, and include the referee's full name, official role/title and contact details. We must be able to verify their institutional affiliation. If your referee is a Scholar at Risk, please contact the Admission office to make alternative arrangements for authentification.
Application files that include less than two references will remain incomplete and will not be evaluated.
6. 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
7. Validate your application by clicking on "Submit"
8. Check your online follow-up page regularly
After you submit your application, you will have access to an online follow-up page. This is where you will find updates on your document submissions, required actions, your application status, and your admission and financial aid decisions.
9. Join our Unibuddy community to stay connected and up-to-date
Contacts and support:
FOR MASTER PROGRAMMES
FOR PHD PROGRAMMES
For all programmes, degrees that are successfully completed and awarded after our enrolment deadline (30 September) may result in rescinding your admission offer, enrolment refusal, or a conditional enrolment. This can happen, for example, if your final thesis defence is scheduled in October. If you anticipate this type of situation, please contact the Admission Office by email to discuss your options.
* 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 English or French. 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.
Failure to document the required English proficiency level by 30 May 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 using the test provider's official verification process.
The following rules apply to test validity:
If you are unsure whether your test meets our requirements, please contact the Admission Office.
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:
*From January 2026, iBT TOEFL will also be scored on a 1-6 scale. Until the new system is stabilised, we will continue to rely on the previous 0-30 scale. Equivalencies are indicative only.
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, Duolingo 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 a proficiency level lower than B1 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. Failure to attend them regularly results in a failing grade.
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, with a good achievement level; 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.
We do not set minimum grade point average requirements. As our applicants come from more than 100 education systems around the world, grading scales are not directly comparable. Applications are evaluated comparatively and competitively, based on the overall academic quality of the file, in order to select the strongest candidates from each year’s application pool.
All eligible, complete applications will be evaluated.
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. Check your online follow-up page regularly to see your current file status and identify any documents that may need to be updated to complete your file, including the arrival of recommendations from your referees.
Where relevant, evaluation committees may take into account contextual factors that have affected an applicant’s academic trajectory, provided these are explained in the application file. Please do not submit sensitive personal information such as medical diagnoses.
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 any 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").
The Financial Aid Committee allocates financial aid awards, and decides 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 students are eligible for financial support, regardless of their financial situation.
When completing their application form, doctoral applicants should not disclose any financial information.
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 remuneration from an externally funded research project led by one of our faculty members are also admitted to one of our PhD programmes following the usual evaluation process. Externally funded research projects usually refer to those supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation or a European research funding organisation.
These work/study vacancies are announced and administered by our research centres.
Separately, 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.
Doctoral students may supplement their 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 intake open on 1 October. 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 a later deadline is available, your application may be automatically moved; otherwise it will remain incomplete and will not be evaluated.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
No. Each applicant may only submit one MA or PhD application per cycle. Please decide carefully in advance which programme and deadline you want to apply for.
Simultaneous applications to an Executive Education programme may be possible.
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 prepared (processed) by the Admission Office, and then 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, clear cookies, refresh your browser, or try a different browser . 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 version are required. However, they must be official. Documents marked “student copy” or “unofficial transcript” are not accepted. If admitted, you will need to present originals at the time of enrolment.
My degree isn’t finished yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. You may receive a conditional admission offer, but you must provide proof of successful degree completion by 30 September.
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 from a work supervisor are also accepted. If you can choose, pick the referees that can provide the most relevant information corroborating your abilities and achievements in an academic setting, or as close to it as possible. References from family members, friends, 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 but regular attendance is mandatory.
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).
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 documented financial need and academic merit.
How many students receive aid?
Each year, 10–15% of admitted Master’s students receive full or partial scholarships. All PhD students receive funding.
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 I need to identify a thesis supervisor?
No. If you are admitted, your programme will assign you a supervisor after you enrol.
When you apply, ensure that your thesis proposal falls within the scope of your target programme's faculty expertise in general. You can familiarise yourself with our professors' profiles and specialisms by reading their individual web pages and their recent publications, following our research centres and your programme's research projects, reading our news, and attending our events, including public thesis defences.
You are welcome to try to reach out to individual professors, but know that some will only respond to applicants' messages after an offer of admission has been made. Questions about the application process will be redirected to the Admission Office.
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 2026–27, acceptance rates ranged across programmes from 4% to 19% (mean: 12%).
Can I apply to several funding options?
No. You must choose at application: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (15 Oct), Institute or external foundation support (15 Jan), or RA position (deadlines vary per RA vacancy).
Do I need a thesis proposal?
Yes. See our Thesis Proposal Guide 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 applications holistically, given the diversity of international grading systems.
How competitive is admission?
Highly competitive. To increase your chances and determine good fit, familiarise yourself with our values, activities and academic priorities. Attend our events, read our news and publications. Apply early to avoid technical issues and receive any needed guidance.
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 round, who confirm by 15 April, 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.
Application deadline for PhD applicants seeking the Swiss Confederation Excellence Scholarship:
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Recommendation letters must be submitted by Thrsday, 22 October 2026
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Application deadline for all MA and PhD programmes:
Thursday, 14 January 2027
Recommendation letters must be submitted by Thrsday, 22 January 2027
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Late application deadline for master programmes:
Information will be available at a later time
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Housing applications will open for newly admitted students in March 2027
Newly confirmed students will be given exclusive access to our housing applications for four weeks.
Subsequently, newly confirmed students can continue to apply for housing, and will receive equal priority as students from other Geneva institutions.
Admitted students who have not yet confirmed their admission cannot apply for housing.
The Graduate Institute housing facilities are designed to accommodate our student body overall, though supply is limited in each pricing bracket, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
All the necessary information, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, can be found here
Links will be updated on 1 October 2026
DUAL MASTER DEGREE WITH THE HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDIES (mas) IN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
