2025-2026 MAS Academic Calendar
The MAS in Sustainable Finance, Impact Investing and Development is divided into two semesters (Autumn and Spring).
- The MAS AUTUMN SEMESTER runs from Monday 8 September 2025 to Sunday 1 February 2026.
The MAS Autumn classes start on Monday 8 September 2025 at 9:30am. Please note that classes are held at Maison de la Paix, Chemin Eugène Rigot 2a, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.
The MAS Autumn semester class period runs from Monday 8 September 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025. Please note that the last week of classes (15-19 December 2025) is reserved for make-up sessions.
The MAS break runs from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Sunday 1st February 2026. Students are not required to remain on campus during the break.
- The MAS SPRING SEMESTER runs from Monday 2 February 2026 to Wednesday 30 September 2026.
The MAS Spring classes start on Monday 2 February 2026 at 9:00am (To be confirmed).
The MAS Spring semester class period runs from Monday 2 February 2026 to Friday 29 May 2026. Please note that the last week of classes (25-29 May 2026) is reserved for make-up sessions.
The MAS Graduation Cocktail will be held on Monday 28 September 2026 at 6pm (To be confirmed).
2025-2026 Public Holidays in Geneva
- Thursday 25 December 2025 (Christmas Day)
- Wednesday 31 December 2025 (Restoration of the Geneva Republic)
- Thursday 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day)
- Friday 3 April and Monday 6 April 2026 (Easter Friday/Monday)
- Thursday 1 May 2026 (Labour Day)
- Thursday 14 May 2026 (Ascension)
- Monday 25 May 2026 (Pentecost or Whit Monday)
- Saturday 1 August 2026 (Swiss National Day)
- Thursday 10 September 2026 (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.
