University of Geneva

183rd
World University Rankings 2024
201–300th
Impact Rankings 2022
176-200th
World Reputation Rankings 2023
24 rue du Général-Dufour, CH - 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland

About University of Geneva

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.

Explore rankings data for University of Geneva

All ranked institutions have an overall score and 4 pillar scores. However for each pillar, only institutions ranked in the top 500 overall or the top 500 in this pillar have a publicly visible score

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Key statistics

  • 40%
    Percentage of International Students
    (1)
  • 8.4
    No. of students per staff
    (1)
  • 26%
    Proportion of ISR Publication
    (1)
  • 62 : 38
    Student Ratio of Females to Males
    (1)
  • 18,865
    Number of FTE Students
    (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) 2024 World University Rankings

Subjects taught at University of Geneva

  • Computer science

    • Computer Science
  • Social sciences

    • Geography
    • Sociology
    • Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
    • Communication & Media Studies
  • Physical sciences

    • Chemistry
    • Physics & Astronomy
    • Mathematics & Statistics
    • Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
  • Life sciences

    • Biological Sciences
    • Sport Science
  • Psychology

    • Psychology
  • Arts & humanities

    • Languages, Literature & Linguistics
    • Archaeology
    • History, Philosophy & Theology
  • Business & economics

    • Economics & Econometrics
    • Business & Management
    • Accounting & Finance
  • Law

    • Law
  • Clinical, pre-clinical & health

    • Other Health
    • Medicine & Dentistry
  • Education

    • Education