The University of Geneva is an institution devoted to research, teaching and dialogue. It is the site of academic creativity and the transmission of knowledge. Recteur JDV Since its foundation in 1559 the UNIGE has developed ever higher ethical standards and steadily increased in quality and the will to innovation. Today it is one of Europe’s leading universities. The UNIGE also shares the international calling of its host city, Geneva, a centre of international and multicultural activities with a venerable cosmopolitan tradition. Its desire to expand its collaboration with partner institutions and broaden its appeal to researchers and students from around the world has made the UNIGE a "globalised university", a meeting place for academic disciplines and various cultures, and a forum for ideas. We are pleased to have you visit this website, intended for a general international public, and look forward to welcoming you to Geneva. Studying and doing research at the University of Geneva The Academy of Geneva was created in 1559 by Jean Calvin. With the creation of the Faculty of Medicine in 1873, the institution acquired the status of University. Since then, the UNIGE has continued to embrace new discplines in order to remain responsive to new needs in education and research, while maintaining its tradition of humanistic values. The University of Geneva has a student body of 13 300 students. More than one-third of all students come from abroad, attracted by the University's location in the heart of an international city which is home to many international organizations. Renowned for its high level of excellence, our Univesity offers a wide spectrum of academic courses in divers fields of study such as the exact and natural sciences, medicine, social sciences and the arts. As most classes are taught in French a good command of the language is required. The academic year is divided into two semesters, beginning mid-September and ending mid-June.
