Graduate Institute students enrolled in either a master or PhD programme have the opportunity to study and carry our research at a partner institution.
Our “outgoing” students will explore new cultures, different academic environments and might even learn a new foreign language. There are also potential opportunities to conduct research, either in the field or in an archival setting.
All currently enrolled students may access resources about previous exchange experiences and general partner information.
Login using the password sent from the Exchange Programmes Office during the autumn semester.
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.
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.
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.
While our exchange agreements allow for the nomination of students between partner institutions, the final admission decision always remains with the host institution.
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.
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).
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.
Participation in the exchange programme is regulated by the Institute’s Academic Regulations and Implementation Guidelines (master and PhD).
Master Students:
may only go on an exchange during their third semester
must have obtained a minimum of 60 credits prior to their departure
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:
must have successfully defended their preliminary thesis dissertations (PTD) prior to departure
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.
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:
excellent academic standing
admission or nomination to the foreign university
demonstrated financial needs
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:
Nomination to a partner institution in Europe and outside Switzerland
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).
I can’t recommend the semester abroad experience highly enough. It was absolutely incredible […] Breathtakingly beautiful, Hong Kong is a marvel of modern architecture and ancient nature. Of course, it’s the people you meet and the things you do that real
My semester in Rome was a great experience. If you want to learn the language, plunge into a different cultural context, or simply want to live in a fascinating city for a while, I highly recommend you doing an exchange.
Waseda University allowed me to top off the Institute’s academic rigor with lessons from many regional experts [...] Matching such luxury with Tokyo’s ever-fluorescent streets made my semester an immersive professional and leisurely treat.
The time I spent in Boston was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I had the chance to discover a vibrant city full of possibilities and which is academically outstanding.
While the primary reason I wanted to go to Zurich was academic, I enjoyed a great experience in every aspect of my exchange semester. Both ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are located among the most outstanding buildings in the city center.
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns related to the exchange:
Once you have been accepted by your host university, there are a number of things to consider and arrange. Preparing for an exchange is exciting, but it can also seem a little overwhelming.
Academic steps
Administrative steps
Representing the Graduate Institute
Please remember that you are a representative of the Graduate Institute during the time of your exchange programme and, as such, you should endeavour to leave a good impression at the host university.
Our exchange programmes would not be possible without the reciprocal exchange of students, so please avail of all opportunities to motivate students from your host university to apply to the Graduate Institute. We also encourage you to participate in any promotional events such as exchange programme information sessions that take place at your host institute.