UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA

The UNIGE is

- One of the top research universities in Europe

- One of the leading francophone universities of the world

- Collaborating with International organizations

- Located at the heart of Europe

A Quest for Excellence

The University of Geneva has been listed as one of the top 12 research universities in Europe and since 2002 is a member of the League of European Research-intensive Universities. Many international rating bodies have ranked Geneva as a leader in scientific research, in particular in the fields of molecular biology, astrophysics, social sciences and economics.
The University of Geneva has a student body of 14 500 students. More than one-third of all students come from abroad, attracted by the University's location in the heart of an international city that is home to many international organizations. Renowned for its high level of excellence, our University offers a wide spectrum of academic courses in divers fields of study such as the exact and natural sciences, medicine, social sciences and the arts.

A Longstanding International Tradition

The Geneva Academy (the future University of Geneva) was created in 1559 with Jean Calvin as its guiding spirit and Theodore de B�ze as its first Rector. Its designated purpose was to serve as a theological and humanitarian seminary, and although law was also taught, theology remained a dominant discipline well into the late 17th century.

During the Enlightenment Geneva acted as an incubator for illustrious scholars. The Academy proved to be receptive to new ideas in the physical and natural sciences as well as to highly innovative legal teachings and philosophical thought. Nineteenth-century political and social upheaval brought along deep changes in the Academy: its allegiance to the church came to an end and when the Faculty of Medicine was created in 1873, it acquired the status of University.

Since that time our University has continued to embrace new disciplines and broaden its fields of study. In this manner we have been responsive to new needs in education and research. The close ties with several specialised institutes - such as the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey - have allowed us to enrich our academic life even more.

The pursuit of higher learning has drawn students and scholars from all over the world to Geneva since the Academy's very creation. Victims of religious persecution, political refugees, students and researchers alike have all drawn intellectual nourishment from the University and made their own contributions to shared intellectual endeavour.�