How it Works
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Master students can apply to the exchange programme during the second semester of their study programme with the exchange taking place during the third semester.
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PhD students can apply to take part in the exchange programme for one or two semesters from the successful defence of their preliminary thesis dissertation.
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While on exchange, students continue to pay tuition fees to the Graduate Institute and are exempted from the payment of tuition fees at their host institutions.
A number of scholarship opportunities are available to PhD students who wish to carry out research abroad.
Important Notes
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While our exchange agreements allow for the nomination of students between partner institutions, the final admission decision always remains with the host institution.
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Each institution has its own language requirements and a variable number of courses taught through English. Students are advised to check this out carefully prior to applying.
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Students participating in the exchange programme will not partake in a capstone project and will be automatically exempted from this requirement (except for students on exchange at the Institute of Global Health at the University of Geneva who may do so).
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The number of credits transferred to the student’s study programme at the Graduate Institute, for the courses followed during the exchange semester, will be determined on an individual basis by the Direction of Studies.
Eligibility
Participation in the exchange programme is regulated by the Institute’s Academic Regulations and Implementation Guidelines (master and PhD).
Master Students:
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may only go on an exchange during their third semester
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must have obtained a minimum of 60 credits prior to their departure
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are generally expected to have obtained a minimum GPA of 5 for their first semester of studies at the Institute to be nominated for the exchange programme
PhD Students:
Financial Aid
Students applying for scholarships from the Graduate Institute will be assessed independently of their participation in the exchange programme; it will have no effect on eligibility or the amount of funding attributed.
Other sources of Funding for Exchange Students
Zdenek and Michaela Bakala Foundation Scholarship
The Zdenek and Michaela Bakala Foundation awards scholarships to students undertaking study or research stays at universities in the USA or the UK.
Eligibility conditions:
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excellent academic standing
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admission or nomination to the foreign university
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demonstrated financial needs
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residence in Switzerland for a min. of 5 year
Students nominated to the exchange programme, who are eligible to be apply, will automatically receive further details about the application process. Please note that applications for the Bakala Foundation scholarship are submitted via the Institute’s Exchange Office
Swiss European Mobility Programme
The Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP) through the Swiss national agency, Movetia, provides funding for students of the Graduate Institute participating in an exchange programme at a European partner institution (outside of Switzerland).
Eligibility conditions:
This programme has replaced Erasmus+ in Switzerland. The funding will be awarded to eligible students who complete the required paperwork (it is not based on financial needs). The total amount of the scholarship is, in principle, 1’600CHF (this amount may vary depending on the funds available from Movetia).