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University of Geneva

Ranked
Geneve, Switzerland
171st in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for the University of Geneva

institution

With a cohort of over 16,500 students from 150 different nationalities, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is Switzerland’s second largest university. 

It was originally established as a theological seminary in 1559 by leading French theologian and pastor, Jean Calvin. It was granted university status in 1873 when it also relinquished its religious affiliations and became a secular institution.

UNIGE offers almost 300 degrees programmes. Although its undergraduate courses are taught primarily in French, the university also offers a number of masters programmes in English.

It is also a leading research university and a member of the League of European Research Universities, along with other renowned research-led institutions such as the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and Imperial College London. UNIGE claims associations with 10 Nobel Prize winners. 

UNIGE boasts strong links with international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the United Nations, as well as partnerships with several global universities including Princeton University in the US, Yonsei University in South Korea and the University of Sydney in Australia, with which student exchanges take place.

The university plays a strong emphasis on physical health and its Bureau des Sports provides students with free sports classes on a daily basis. Competitive sport is also encouraged with UNIGE teams regularly competing in the Swiss university championships in skiing, basketball and ice-hockey.

Geneva itself is considered one of the leading cities in the world for its quality of life. Situated on the shores of the largest lake in Western Europe, and only a short distance from the Alps, its natural surroundings make it an ideal location for hiking, skiing and water sports.

With a diverse and international population, Geneva offers a vibrant, multicultural experience. Students can enjoy the city’s many museums, late night cafes and live music venues. In the summer, its world-famous Fêtes de Genève festival offers a programme of over 160 free shows.

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Rankings

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Impact Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Geneva

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
62 F : 38 M (1)
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International student percentage
41% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
8.1 (1)
student
Student total
18261 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at the University of Geneva

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Geneva

Life Sciences126–150th

  • Sport Science
  • Biological Sciences

Law51st

  • Law

Education176–200th

  • Education

Arts and Humanities=98th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology

Business and Economics201–250th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Clinical and Health126–150th

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Computer Science201–250th

  • Computer Science

Social Sciences201–250th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Psychology101–125th

  • Psychology

Physical Sciences101–125th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics