Is it difficult to get accepted into a university in Switzerland?

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1
I'm interested in completing my BA at the University of Geneva. I know it's a very high world ranked college, but I don't know the acceptance rates and/or application process to European universities.

My grades are good, not fantastic enough to get into Harvard...but above average. All of my credits, test scores are from the States.

My husband is Swiss, so there is no concern about student visa, etc. Language is also not a concern since this particular program is all in English.

Thank-you for your help! I'm completely lost on where to start here.

2
Where are you living now? If I were you, I'd just go and discuss this with them in person.

3
Yes, I think I will! I emailed the program director, and she just sent some links and paperwork in French which just confused me. It's always best to handle such things in person. Thank-you!

4
if you need help with the French - happy to help by pm. Bonne chance.

5
I am assuming you have checked out their website: http://www.unige.ch/dase/immatricula...atenglish.html . It gives a lot of info about things like entrance exams and language tests, which seem to be required no matter what program you will be in.

This site ( http://www.crus.ch/information-progr...rland.html?L=2 ) also gives some general information about the requirements for studying in Switzerland. The specific information about which international qualifications are accepted is only in German, French and Italian. Basically, though, a high school degree is not enough. For Geneva, if I understand the French, you need 2 years at a university or 5 AP exams including math and science:

"Diplôme d'études secondaires supérieures + 2 années d'études universitaires reconnues par l'université concernée ou 5 Advanced Placement Tests. Les 5 sujets doivent inclure 2 langues, les mathématiques, un sujet en sciences humaines et sociales et un sujet de sciences (chimie, biologie ou physique). Note minimum pour les AP Tests: 3"

Good luck.

6
PM if you are interested in a residential intensive French course.

7
I take it you're from the States? As someone already mentioned, a High School diploma isn't enough to be accepted by Swiss universities. You'll have to get a Swiss Matura first, unless you already went to college for at least 2 years in the States. A Matura isn't easy to obtain. It's a highly challenging multi-year school. Here's more info on that:

http://www.sbf.admin.ch/htm/themen/b...-matur_de.html

In any case, you'll need to be proficient in one of the official languages, both for the Matura and later for the University.

Peter

8
I think it depends on the particular program and the program requirements. Best to speak directly with the program people or faculty. Depending on the requirements, be aware that some foreign credits or classes may not transfer or get accredited.

Also, if in Basel, please be aware that the GVA Basel commute it 3hrs one way. Not sure if relocation is in your plan, but please consider this.

9
I completed 3 years of college and sadly had to leave due to a family illness.

I do not have to be proficient in French for this program, as confirmed by the University.

The commute is a worry, and I was hoping to gather all my classes into 2-3 days a week. It's all a concern.

I just really want to finish my degree, and I am fine with starting over if they don't take my credits. Now that I am here, I have the time and it's something I'm wanting to look into.

I guess it's best just to visit with them and see if any of my hopes are a possibility.

Thanks all!

10

Hi Swisstobe, I've the same concern now about getting into the Business Analytics program offeres by University of Geneva, and I wonder if you have successfully enrolled into the program few years ago?

I've a bachelor degree in eletrical engineering back in 2005 but my grade is just pass. I've been working since & im in my late 30s. I just want to assess my chance of getting in and the experience studying there. Any advice is much appreciated!

11

What do you want to study? A Bachelor Electrical Engineering degree isn’t going to get you into a Business Analyst masters. And if you want to do the BA as a Bachelors you’ll probably need to speak a Swiss language to near fluency.

12
Hi Medea Fleecestealer, many thanks for your reply. I've been working as a software QA for over a decade and my current role involves project and vendor management for a national healthcare project. With my years of working experience, I hope they will consider my application whereby I've seen a real challenge in healthcare and how analytics can improve the quality of healthcare, and I wish to be involved in it. Otherwise i can get some certifications via MOOCs...just that I'd really love to study in switzerland for the breathtaking scenery..

13
You should ask them directly. Universities sometimes admit people conditional on completing a semester or the full third year of their bachelor program (which might not be in English) before starting the actual master. I agree that chances don't look good though considering the subject is different, but asking doesn't cost anything.

14
Meerkat33, that's good idea, I should ask them before submitting application. Thanks!