Welcome coffee and orientation meeting - MONDAY September 7, 9:00-10:00
Welcome to the Geneva Graduate Institute!
Meet your fellow students and ask your academic and practical questions as you get ready to start the MAS in Sustainable Finance, Impact Investing and Development.
With: Prof. Nathan Sussman and Dr. David Bastiat-Jarosz, MAS Co-Directors
When: Monday 7 September 2026, 09:00 - 10:00 am
Where: Room P1-647 (Petal 1, 6th floor), Maison de la paix, Chemin Eugène Rigot, 2a, 1202 Geneva
2026-2027 Curriculum and schedule
See pdf files below (in the middle of this page).
2026-2027 MAS Academic Calendar
The MAS in Sustainable Finance, Impact Investing and Development is divided into two semesters (Autumn and Spring).
AUTUMN SEMESTER 2026-2027
- from September 7th, 2026 (9am) to September 11th, 2026 (5pm TBC): 4-day compulsory Math Bootcamp (no class on September 10th which is a public holiday in Geneva: "jeûne genevois"). Beginning of student status for the MAS students.
- September 15th, 2026: First day of classes
- December 11th, 2026: Last day of classes
SPRING SEMESTER 2026-2027
- February 8th, 2027 (TBC): First day of Spring workshop and field trip (exact dates TBC)
- February 22nd, 2027: First day of classes
- May 28th, 2027: Last day of classes
- September 30th, 2027: Last day of the 3-ECTS elective internship, if applicable. End of student status for the MAS students.
2026-2027 Public Holidays in Geneva
- Friday 25 December 2026 (Christmas Day)
- Thursday 31 December 2026 (Restoration of the Geneva Republic)
- Friday 1 January 2027 (New Year’s Day)
- Friday 26 March and Monday 29 March 2027 (Easter Friday/Monday)
- Saturday 1 May 2027 (Labour Day)
- Thursday 6 May 2027 (Ascension)
- Monday 17 May 2027 (Pentecost or Whit Monday)
- Sunday 1 August 2027 (Swiss National Day)
- Thursday 9 September 2027 (Jeûne Genevois)
GISA Student Association
The Geneva Graduate Graduate Institute's Student Association (GISA), organises social events during the week before the semester begins, and also in the first week of the semester. These events provide a great opportunity for you to meet your fellow students and will also help you to become integrated and settle in.
Student Initiatives
The numerous Student Initiatives - among which the Geneva Impact Investing Association (GIIA) - also organise a number of events at the beginning of the semester and during the academic year.
Transportation
By bus, bicycle, or by train…different modes of transportation allow you to easily get around Geneva and to travel in Switzerland.
Bus and tram: You can use the public transportation of the Canton of Geneva (Transports Publics Genevois, TPG) to get around Geneva. An annual travel pass costs CHF 500.- (or CHF 400.- if you are under 25). Monthly passes are also available. A Swisspass is now also required.
Trains: You can use the Chemins de fers fédéraux (SBB-CFF) for longer distances. Tickets or passes must be bought before getting on the train. A Swisspass is now also required. Trains and public transport timetables (in Switzerland and abroad) are available on the SBB-CFF online portal.
Bicycle: It is also possible to borrow a bicycle for free at Genève Roule.
Car-sharing: Or use the Swiss Mobility Car-Sharing platform.
Bank Account
Upon your arrival in Geneva, we recommend that you open a bank account.
Required documents:
• passport
• student card
• residence permit
• proof of address in Geneva
Useful links:
Banque cantonale de Genève (BCG)
PostFinance
UBS
Employment
Students with European citizenship can work upon arrival in Switzerland (maximum 15 hours per week).
WARNING: students with non-European citizenship can work up to 15 hours per week only after residing in Switzerland for 6 months.
Contact and job opportunities
Career Services
Culture and Sport
Students enrolled at the Geneva Graduate Institute have access to a range of facilities and activities on offer at the University of Geneva. These include sports and cultural activities, amongst others. Moreover, these can be a good way to integrate further and meet new people in Geneva.
A Cosmopolitan Environment
Students at the Geneva Graduate Institute come from over 100 countries, have different backgrounds and have many interests. The Institute is a cosmopolitan environment in which students can learn from each other about their diverse cultures and traditions. Students are able to participate in a wide range of activities, events, trips and programmes outside of the classroom that enrich their entire student experience. The Geneva Graduate Institute also provides on-campus housing, as well as a number of important services that help students to succeed.
