What the funding covers
- A full or partial scholarship (CHF 20,000 at most), awarded for two years.
- A tuition reduction, on its own or with a scholarship.
- Stipends are paid monthly for living costs; recipients must live in Switzerland or neighbouring France.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition (CHF 8,000 a year for applicants from abroad, CHF 5,000 for Swiss residents) | You, less any tuition reduction |
| Living costs (CHF 1,400 to 2,500 or more a month) | You, helped by any scholarship |
| Application fee (CHF 100 in the January round) | You; it cannot be waived |
Who can apply
- Master's applicants of any nationality; awards depend on academic excellence, financial need and the funds available.
- Admission decisions are made without regard to finances.
- Second-year aid must be requested again in April and May.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- The online master's application
- Financial aid documents: proof of income, tax statements and bank statements
- Recommendation letters, by 21 January 2027
- English results: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS Academic 7.0 or Cambridge 185; a year of full-time university study taught only in English exempts you
How to apply
- Apply online for a master's by Thursday 14 January 2027, midnight Geneva time, and fill in the financial-situation fields.
- Upload the documents on the Institute's financial aid checklist: proof of income, tax statements and bank statements.
- Recommendation letters are due by 21 January 2027.
- The later rounds (15 March and 15 April 2027) do not offer financial aid to master's applicants.
Before you apply: things to know
- If you do not ask for aid in the January round, you cannot ask later.
- English at C1 level is required: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS Academic 7.0, or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency at 185.
- The application fee (CHF 100 in January) cannot be waived.
- The Institute's budget guide puts living costs at CHF 1,400 to 2,500 or more a month.
Common questions
Does the Geneva Graduate Institute give scholarships to international students?
Yes. Master's applicants of any nationality can ask for aid, awarded on academic excellence and financial need.
When must I apply for a scholarship?
With your application in the January round: by Thursday 14 January 2027 for September 2027. Aid cannot be requested later.
Do I need French?
No. French is not an admission requirement; students below B1 take a free intensive French course.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 14, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 22, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Nov 5, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 19, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Dec 3, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 17, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 31, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Jan 7, 2027Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 14, 2027Deadline