Graduate Admissions

Rolling Admissions

We have a rolling admissions process (there are no official application deadlines). Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis within 10 days to two weeks after all documentation is received.

You may submit your application at any time during the year. Webster Geneva Campus offers multiple dates for entry each year for most programs, and you will be prompted by the online application form to select your intended start date. This can be deferred to the subsequent start date (even after you earn admission), if necessary.

If you require a student visa for residence in Switzerland, be sure to complete the admissions process at least two months in advance — or please contact us for guidance, if there is a shorter time frame.

The Swiss student visa process begins only after you earn admission and confirm your attendance. If for any reason your visa process is delayed, you may be able to defer enrollment for the subsequent term (8 weeks later) or in the following semester (16 weeks later), depending on the masters program course sequence.

Online Application and Documents Needed

You can begin your application online and prepare to submit the following documents.

It is possible to submit the online application and follow-up with additional or remaining documents by email to graduategeneva.admissions@webster.edu.

For a provisional admissions decision, a provisional scanned copy (unofficial) of university records may be accepted; however, upon enrollment official copies must be received or validated, in order to complete your student file.

Documentation needed for an admissions decision include:

• University transcripts (course subjects and grades) from all undergraduate (bachelor) institutions previously attended. Your transcript should include an explanation of the grading system and scale, if not the American 4-point GPA scale (most universities provide this with the standard transcript request).
  
  Note: English translations of the diploma and transcripts are required if they are not provided in English by the university attended. Translations must be certified by an accredited translator or notarized by a competent legal authority )(we cannot accept photocopies of translations).
• Verification of the awarding of the bachelor’s degree: if the graduation date is not on the transcripts, we will require a copy of your university diploma.
• Demonstrated English proficiency results from TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or other exam scores, if not waived (see English Proficiency, below).
• A 500-word essay on one of the following two topics:
  1. Your past experiences that helped you shape your present goals and why, or
  2. How you expect this particular graduate program to help you achieve your future professional, personal or career objectives.
• Two letters of recommendation. These can be from professional colleagues, supervisors and/or professors who are able to comment on your ability to be a successful graduate student.
• An updated résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Photocopy of passport biographical page, plus any current residence permit or visa for Switzerland.

Note: All application documents submitted to Webster University become the property of the university and cannot be returned or reproduced. Be sure to keep a copy of all documents submitted. Additional documentation might be requested by the Admissions Committee during its review process.

Eligibility

You may be considered for admission to a master program, as per the criteria below, if you hold a bachelor degree from a qualifying institution of higher education (if you are currently completing your studies, a provisional admission may be offered, on the condition that you successfully complete that degree program before beginning your Webster studies).

The accreditation status of your current or prior university (or equivalent institution of higher education) will determine if Webster considers you as an eligible candidate for the admissions process. In particular, we consider diplomas awarded by universities that carry institutional accreditation from a respective national authority that is responsible to grant university-level status. Generally, degrees from public universities and private universities that have comparable recognition from the Ministry of Education (or nationally-authorized accrediting agency) will qualify.

If you are unsure about the eligibility of your bachelor's qualification at the beginning of your search or application process, please reach us at graduategeneva.admissions@webster.edu.

Regarding the Evaluation of your Application

Each application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

The general guidelines for admission to Webster Geneva Campus are as follows:

1. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of about a 2.5 on a 4 point scale, or its equivalent in other grading systems (academic achievement in programs that use a grading or assessment scale other than a 4.0 is evaluated in the context of the relevant academic system). Exceptions are made by the committee when considering a holistic look at the candidate's situation, motivation and commitment — yet also some demonstration of success at Webster. In such cases, admission is offered with certain conditions and additional advising services are made available, to encourage early success at the university.
2. Demonstrated English proficiency that meets the university criteria for graduate-level studies.
3. Evidence of your overall potential to be successful at Webster University. As we review your application materials, primary consideration is given to your academic performance, the rigor and content of your coursework and your documented English language proficiency. Yet we also consider your motivation, commitment and readiness for higher studies and/or professional life to be a very important part of our decision process. For those whose prior university experience is more recent, we pay closer attention to the individual courses and academic performance; for those who bring more significant professional experience and career maturity, the relevance of the degree program with the individual's career path, professional objectives and personal motivation weigh more strongly.
4. Additional Criteria (exceptions to the above): Individual program requirements:
   • Admission to the MA in Counseling requires a recommendation for admission by the program director, following an admissions interview, and enrollment may be contingent upon meeting/completing specific prerequisite courses.
   • Admission to the MBA may include prerequisite course(s), dependent on prior degree studies and/or the intended start date.
   Please contact the admissions office for more specific details!

English proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following approved English examinations, or through an approved waiver (see below):

* all sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) should be at least 5.0
** all sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) should be at least 5.5

Waivers of English for Bachelor Degree Applicants

1. English Country Waivers
   Webster waives English for bachelor applicants if students studied three years at an accredited high school in; Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St. Helena, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
   
   If a student has completed three or more years of study in an English-medium high school or university-level academic program in a country other than ones listed above, they may request a waiver. For any queries on waivers, please email the Admissions Team at geneva.admissions@webster.edu.
   
   Webster also waives English for transfer and masters applicants who attended an accredited high school or university in English from these national waiver countries.
2. International Baccalaureate diploma applicants from an English-based school may also be eligible for waivers. For an IB curriculum from a non-English-language school, students can earn a waiver with
   • HL English A — min. score 4
   • HL English B — min. score 5
   • SL English A — min. score 5
   • SL English B — min. score 6
3. British System / GCE "A-Levels": English-language Exam score of C or higher. (AS level does not satisfy the requirement.)
4. American Admissions Examinations: Webster Geneva Campus is "test optional" for the standard American exams. Yet applicants in the U.S. or abroad can also waive English with one of the following standard American university admissions tests and scores:
   • ACT — a composite score of 23 or higher
   • SAT — a minimum of 450 on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing Section

Waivers of English for University Transfer Applicants

Waivers are granted for transfer students who otherwise meet the bachelor English requirements based on their documented secondary qualification, as per above.

Waivers are also granted for transfers from U.S. universities with at least one academic year of university-level coursework (~32 credit hours over the period of two semesters) conducted in English at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution of higher learning within the last three years (ESL coursework does not qualify).

Waivers of English for Master's or Graduate Certificate Applicants

Graduation from an accredited U.S. university or an institutionally-accredited university in a national English Waiver country (see above) can earn a waiver of the English proficiency requirement. Those who studied advanced English and can demonstrate the same proficiency for secondary school waivers, above can also choose to submit their high school records during the admissions process.

Rates for the Academic Year 2024-2025

Webster's graduate courses run in eight-week terms (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, and Summer). Each term is invoiced individually.

Tuition for standard graduate courses is charged CHF 1,100 per credit hour, with most courses equivalent to 3 credits, as follows:

• One course (3 credits, studying one night per week for eight weeks): CHF 3,300
• Two courses (6 credits, studying two nights per week for eight weeks): CHF 6,600

Students are invoiced for each term individually, as they register for their next set of courses.  Tuition payments are typically due by the Friday of Week 1 of each term (see below).

Reasonable Payment Terms

Webster Geneva Campus does not charge the full program tuition in advance. However, those who will require a student visa to attend Webster Geneva Campus (non-Swiss; non-EU; non-residents) will have to demonstrate sufficient funding to the Swiss consulate in advance of their studies. The Swiss consulates typically recommend pre-paying two full-time terms in advance.

The standard pace of study is two nights per week. At that pace, a 36-credit degree can be completed in about 14-16 months, including the Summer term (or 18 months, if excluding the optional Summer evening courses).

Tuition Inclusions

Tuition includes all required textbooks and/or electronic materials, online library access and Webster email, career services support, access to campus facilities (including fitness center, etc.), and a range of University-sponsored student activities and career-related events. Tuition does not include additional travel, personal technology/media equipment, accommodations, meals or personal expenses.

Total Degree Costs

The following are each 12-course degree programs (36 U.S. credits, at CHF 1,100 per credit):

• Cybersecurity Operations (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Migration, Climate Change and the Environment (MA)
• Management and Leadership (MA)

Full Program Tuition for the above programs: CHF 39,600

Variable Graduate Program Tuition

The following degree programs are either of different lengths or formats/audiences:

• MA Counseling (program length: 48 credits): CHF 52,800
• Master en Gestion des Systèmes de Soins et de Santé (delivered in French): CHF 22,680 (CHF 1,890 per course)

Graduate Certificate Programs (varied lengths) are invoiced at CHF 630 per credit, including:

• Certificat de Recherche Avancée (French): CHF 11,520
• Certificat Leadership et Gestion (French): CHF 11,520*

* Credits for Certificate can be applied toward the Master en Gestion des Systèmes de Soins et de Santé (students who begin with the certificate therefore only pay for remaining courses if they also pursue the master's degree).

Indirect Cost Estimates

Estimated Expenses for living in Geneva

The following are provided for those who need to estimate total expenses related to life in Geneva, and are provided for your personal planning:

• Housing: CHF 17,500*
• Food and personal: 14 months at CHF 1,000 per month; CHF 14,000
• Student health insurance (required for non-locals): CHF 1,500
• Local transportation (city pass) for 14 months: CHF 800

* for those who choose to live in Webster-sponsored housing: 14 months at approx. CHF 1,250 per month

Enrollment Deposit (following admission)

Once accepted, in order to confirm your intent to attend Webster Geneva Campus, the next step is to pay a deposit of CHF 1,500. This deposit will confirm your plan to enroll, and permit Webster to preregister you for courses. The deposit will appear as a credit on your student account and will be deducted from your first term tuition invoice.

Housing Deposit (optional)

Graduate students may request housing in the Les Berges residence, situated in the center of Geneva. In order to reserve a place, we will kindly ask you to pay a housing deposit of CHF 1,000.

How to Pay Your Fees or Deposit

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Webster Geneva Campus offers both academic scholarships and/or financial aid grants. Generally, the priority is given to those who will commit to studying at the rate of two courses per term (equivalent of 12 credits per semester).

Typical awards reduce the invoiced amounts by about 15% to 30%, with some individual award offers as high as 50% of tuition fees. According to University guidelines, combinations of academic scholarships and financial aid grants offered by Webster Geneva Campus may not exceed 50% of tuition costs.

Awards that are offered are renewable, provided the student maintains good academic standing and continued enrollment in their studies.

Requesting Financial Aid from Webster in Geneva

The Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee only reviews applications after individuals earn an offer of admission. We recommend that you submit your financial aid form and supporting documents by April 1 if you plan to relocate to Geneva for the start of the Fall semester. For other start dates, awards are granted on a rolling basis, typically one term in advance of the intended start date.

The application form can be requested from the admissions office.

All Financial Aid information submitted to the University is highly confidential, and is kept separate from students' admission and academic records.

The admissions team can provide additional guidance and further details to applicants.

U.S. Federal Aid Programs

Webster University's Financial Aid office in St. Louis, USA, supports U.S. citizens who enroll in Webster University campus locations outside of the U.S. with additional guidance on taking advantage of U.S. Federal Graduate Loan programs.

Student Visas and Residence Permits

Following Admission, you will also be given the necessary documentation, instructions and website links to make the visa and permit process as clear and smooth as possible.

Permits and Prolongations

If you are on a current resident permit that allows full-time residency in Switzerland, you will not need to go through the full student visa process provided that you earn admission and apply to extend your permit with local authorities prior to its expiration date.

If you are an EU or EFTA citizen, you will not need a student visa to attend, yet when you arrive for New Student Orientation, we will provide you with an attestation from Webster Geneva Campus and guide you on how to declare your arrival for full-time studies to the local authorities.

Swiss Student Visas

All students from outside the European Union and EFTA member states need to make a formal application for a Swiss student visa from the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Consulate. You must complete the visa process in your home country or country of legal residence before entering Switzerland.

Tourist and/or Schengen Visas are not accepted for study purposes; Webster Geneva Campus is not authorized to register for courses under a Tourist and/or a Schengen Visa.

For the most up-to-date information or for answers to detailed questions, be sure to contact the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Consulate nearest to you, or refer to the FDFA website — selecting your country of residence.

Student Visa Application Process

Following admission and once you confirm your intention to enroll with Webster, you will need to submit your enrollment deposit (to Webster) and then proceed with the application forms and supporting documents to the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Consulate nearest to your official residence.

The student visa process is lengthy (from several weeks up to two months) and requires you to pay close attention to all pertinent details. The Swiss authorities will only consider applications that are complete, so be sure to follow the admissions office recommendations. It is extremely important to keep personal copies of all forms and documents submitted to the Swiss authorities.

Once all your documents have been submitted, the Swiss Embassy/Consulate will forward your application to the authorities here in Switzerland. The Geneva ‘Office of Population and Migration’ (our immigration office) will assess your application in collaboration with the federal authorities. They will inform and notify the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in your home country about their decision, and the Swiss Embassy/Consulate will then notify you.

* During the visa process, third parties such as universities are discouraged from interfering with the authorities to speed up the process or inquire about missing documents. It is your responsibility to keep on top of your visa application process and to keep our admissions team informed about progress or any difficulties.

Upon Your Arrival: Your Swiss Student Residence Permit

All students (except Swiss citizens) enrolled in Webster Geneva Campus need to apply for a Swiss Student Residence Permit upon their arrival in Geneva. The permit can take two to three months to be issued and is valid for one year. Students must make sure to renew their permit every year before leaving for their summer or winter break. Student permit information for current students can be found on the Registrar's Office Pages.

Above is a visual of our typical academic calendar. Webster offers two Semesters of 16-weeks each (Fall and Spring), as well as an eight-week Summer term.

Fall Semester (Fall 1 in August)

Fall is our primary and largest intake for first-year freshmen bachelor students. Applications are open from one year prior to the intended start date.

Earlier applicants benefit from first-round consideration in academic scholarship support and financial aid. While housing is guaranteed for first-year students joining Webster, the rooms are allocated on a first-request basis each year.

Early applications also provide better planning for your family's financial planning and the student visa process.

Priority Application Deadline for International Students (Fall semester): May 1.

Freshman Application Deadline for August 2024 Term: May 15, 2024*

*If places are still available, Freshmen applications may be accepted after May 15. Check Admission Status

With Rolling Admissions, we have no official deadlines for submitting applications. However, if you are coming from outside of Europe and will require a student visa, you should plan to earn admission at least three months prior to your preferred start date. Applicants who submit by May 1 have the best chance to secure their student visa on time.

Most bachelor courses are semester-long courses (16-weeks); however, we also offer a set of eight-week (half-semester) courses that also count toward graduation. This also allows first-time students and transfer students to enroll at one of five entry dates throughout the year.

Master Students

Master-level courses are eight weeks in duration, so courses and topics change often. This allows first-time master students to enroll at several points throughout the year. If you are unsure about your start date, please feel free to reach admissions to discuss the options!

COVID-19 Update: Whenever necessary due to the coronavirus restrictions, whether for student visa processing, temporary travel restrictions, family health or individual quarantine required upon arrivals to Switzerland from specific countries, Webster is providing added flexibility, as follows:

• Courses are currently being delivered in hybrid format; bachelor students can therefore request to begin the courses online if needed, and to join in-person later in the term.
• Students can also defer their initial admissions intake by one eight-week term or one full semester, as necessary, without any obligations, financial risks or penalties.
• An online New Student Orientation option has been made available, to welcome and integrate new students who are temporarily unable to be in the classroom.
• The University will revised its policies about face-to-face learning, as per Swiss Federal and local Geneva mandates or guidelines.

Other Term Start Dates (Oct., Jan., March, May)

You will be prompted by the online application to choose the start date when you want to begin studies.

First-time freshmen students are encouraged to apply for the August start date (Fall semester); however, we also welcome first-year students in October and January, annually.

University transfer students are welcomed for bachelor program admissions during all five terms each year.

Master students are welcome to apply for January and August start dates. Most programs offer admission at other term admissions; please reach us at graduategeneva.admissions@webster.edu if you wish to explore a March, May or October start date, and we'll connect you with the faculty advisor for your program of interest, who can coach you as to the best plan for your studies.

Reminder

When choosing your start date, we recommend that you plan to earn admission about three months prior to your preferred start date if you need a student visa.