Admissions for Transfer Students

Webster University Geneva offers multiple start dates for transfer students.  With a combination of full-semester (16-week) courses and half-term courses (8-weeks each), we have new courses starting at several dates throughout the year.

Rolling Admissions

We welcome new university transfer students at any of these five intakes:  late August, October, January, March and May.  When you begin an application online, you will be prompted to choose your intended start date. 

Applications are accepted throughout the year.  Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, within about 10 days to 2 weeks after all documentation is received.

NOTE for Non-Swiss/Non-EU Citizens:  For those who are not Swiss/EU citizens and not currently residing in Switzerland on a valid permit, enrollment will require a valid student visa.  The student visa application process takes anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on your location and circumstances.

If for any reason you earn admission for a particular term start date and your visa is delayed, it is possible to defer your admission to the next start date.

Apply Online

We encourage applicants to review the university admissions criteria, and to contact us with any questions in the process.

Our online application will prompt you for some documents below.  You can attach documents electronically in the online application -- or, some of the supporting documents for your application can be sent after you submit your online application (to admissions@webster.ch)

The application documentation includes:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, documenting all coursework attempted
• Proof of English proficiency, either from exam results (such as a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test score) or via the English waiver (see below)
• Original secondary school (high school) transcripts that document at least the last three years of academic work achieved, as well as your graduation date (a scan of the high school diploma will also be requested, if the transcript does not include the date of graduation). 

Official results of external examinations (if relevant), such as the International Baccalaureate diploma, Advanced Placement exams, Swiss Maturité, French Baccalaureate, etc., should also be submitted for consideration of possible university credits.  For those who took such examinations in high school, advanced credits can be granted:  up to one full year of university credits can be granted for 13th year programs including the Swiss Maturite, IB Diploma, French Bac, A-level graduates, etc, can also be considered--reducing total time to graduation.

Note:  transfer students who have already completed 30 transferable U.S. credit equivalencies or more, at another institutionally-accredited university (i.e., one year or more of successful coursework which is deemed transferable), may not need to submit their secondary school transcript to receive the admissions decision.  Those who bring less than 30 university credits should therefore also meet the minimum secondary diploma and eligibility requirements for first-time undergraduate/bachelor admissions (see Eligibility, Criteria and Decisions on the undergraduate admissions page). 

Advanced standing credits from some qualifying secondary degree studies may be eligible for credits as part of your degree program, even as a transfer student (see advanced standing).

• A scanned photocopy of passport biographical page (plus a valid residence permit, if you are a non-Swiss citizen already residing in Switzerland)

An updated résumé or CV is requested from students who did not enroll directly from high school into University, or in the case that there has been a break of more than one full-time semester (more than about 6 months) after their most recent studies.

* All application documents can be submitted electronically.  Documents given to Webster University become the property of the university and cannot be returned or reproduced.  Keep a copy of all documents submitted for your own records. 

Eligibility

Applicants are considered University Transfers after attending one or more full semesters of university-level studies at an accredited university (or an institution of higher education that carries equivalent university status).

The accreditation status of your current or prior institution(s) of higher education will determine both if Webster considers you as an eligible for admission as a transfer student, and if your prior credits are transferable.

Those applicants who come from a higher education institution that does not carry a national/institutional accreditation recognized as equivalent to American or Swiss university standards may still be considered for admission as a first-year undergraduate student, yet without transferable credits.  In this case, such applicants should meet the comparable admission criteria for first-time undergraduate (bachelor) admissions.

Proof of Secondary Diploma/Graduation

Your official secondary diploma is considered part of your eligibility.  Transcripts, with last three years of grades, as well as an offical copy of the diploma demonstrating graduation (unofficial copies may be used the provisional admissions decision).  However, if you are transfering more than 60 transferable credits from an accredited university/institution of higher education and demonstrate the criteria below, your secondary transcript can be waived.

 

Admissions Criteria for university Transfer Students

Each application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. We look for demonstrated evidence of your 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.

Grade Point Average for Admission

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 can made by the committee for those between 2.0 and 2.5/4.0, when considering a holistic look at the candidate's full credentials, performance and motivation - yet they must also demonstrate capacity to succeed 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.

GPA stands for “grade point average” and is calculated on a 4.0 scale at American universities. Our admissions department converts international grades into the US standard GPA during our assessment of your application, to determine an estimated equivalency.

 

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, following a review by our admissions committee.  Students are typically notified within about 10 days (2 weeks maximum) after all necessary documentation is received, with notification of the admissions decision sent by email.

Provisional Admission

You may be offered direct admission on a provisional basis, if you apply and meet our general admissions criteria before you finish your current semester of studies, or if our decision is based on your unofficial, final transcript. This status may allow you to register for classes at Webster;  however, your final ("Full") admission status will be contingent upon final documentation.  This should be received no later than during your first term of study, and the final determination of your transfer credits will only be completed after receipt of official, final records from the institution(s) where you attended.

Conditional Admission

Exceptions can be made to the 2.5/4.0 GPA by the committee when considering a holistic look at the candidate's academic history, curriculum and grades.  A motivation statement, CV or recommendations that may also be considered in support of the admissions decision.  Some candidates demonstrate inconsistencies in their early university performance, yet may have demonstrated strong potential for university as per their final secondary records.  Conditional Admission may be considered as an exceptional admission basis, offered to some candidates whose university GPA is between 2.0 and 2.5 GPA, with certain conditions.  Additional academic advising services would be made available to encourage early success at Webster.

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 5.5


WAIVERS OF ENGLISH for bachelor applicants

1 - English Country Waivers

Webster waives English for bachelor applicants if students studied 3 years at an accredited high school in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, English-speaking Canada, Belize, Barbados, the Bahamas, Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago.

Webster also waives English for transfer and masters applicants who attended an accredited high school or university in English from these national waiver countries.  Other waivers of English examinations can be based on specific high school curriculum, including particular standardized National examinations in #5, below.

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 B or higher
(AS level does not satisfy the requirement)

4 - American Admissions Examinations:  Webster University Geneva 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

5 - National Standardized Examinations:  for several national systems which have rigorous exams that include an English score, including for many European countries, Webster can accept particular minimal scores as a waiver.  See full list here.

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 2 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 masters 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.

BACHELOR TUITION RATES

Full-time Tuition Fees

Tuition rate for the 2021-22 Academic Year are as follows:

CHF 17,140 flat rate, per 16-week semester

What is included in full-time tuition?

• All required textbooks are included in the tuition fees, as well as online access to the student portal, electronic library, personal Webster email accounts, etc.
• Academic Resources support, including Academic Advising, the Writing Center, peer tutoring programs, etc.
• Student Affairs activities, including most university-sponsored and Student Government Association sponsored events (on campus and/or online)
• Career Services support, including individual coaching for CV writing, internship & job search support, interview preparation and careers events on campus
• Student Counseling Services, upon request, for individual support if/when needed
• Campus facilities, including access to the Computer Labs, Library, Fitness Center, Media Lab

Excluded from tuition:  Accommodations, Meal Plans, Travel or Personal Expenses
Also campus parking and optional fees for course electives that require additional media equipment or travel are excluded

This semester flat fee tuition rate permits students to register for 12 to 18 U.S. credit hours per semester (the equivalent of about 4 to 6 courses, since most courses carry 3 credits).  A typical bachelor student takes 15 credit hours (5 courses) per semester:  this is the rate of progress necessary for students to graduate on time.  The 'flat fee' rate allows for up to 6 courses per semester, if students wish to advance more quickly toward graduation and have the academic potential to do so.

* This rate applies to the full 16-week semesters in Fall and Spring.  Students who enroll for 8-week half-semester courses (first-time students joining in October or March, for example) are invoiced at the part-time rate of tuition for that specific 8-week term.  Subsequent semesters of 16 weeks are then invoiced as per above.

Part-time Tuition Rate

Tuition for those taking less than 12 credits in a given semester are billed at the per credit hour rate.  The tuition rate for part-time students is CHF 1,070 per credit hour, equivalent to CHF 3,210 per 3-credit course.  Those who enroll in multiple part-time courses in a given 8-week term are still eligible for the services listed above.

The official Tuition & Fees sheet is available here.

Estimating Your Annual Expenses

Webster University Geneva’s approximate educational expenses in Swiss Francs (CHF), including direct and indirect expenses are:

Full-time tuition (Fall + Spring) - CHF 34,280

University Housing - CHF 9,500 to 12'000 (varies by student choice*)

Food - CHF 6,000 to 8'000 (varies, based on student choice**)

Student health insurance - CHF 1'000

Local transportation - CHF 600

* first-year students are required to live on campus in the Living and Learning Center for Fall + Spring semesters (9'500 CHF total), unless they will live with immediate family in the Geneva area (an exemption request form can be approved).  Registration for the Summer term is optional.

** meal plans vary from about 3'000 CHF per semester and up;  campus housing includes small kitchenette (refrigerator and electric stove) in each room/unit

Estimated total for one academic year (Fall + Spring), including direct and indirect expenses:  52,000 to 56'000 CHF

 

Optional Summer terms

Many students choose Summer course work to advance their pace toward graduation, or for elective courses that may be available (including academic internships for credit).  Those registering for courses in the Summer term will pay the per credit hour fee (as per part-time students) announced for the subsequent academic calendar year.

Payment Terms, Payment Plans & Deadlines

Students are invoiced per semester (or per 8-week term, following course registration) and are typically payable by the first week of the semester.  Students/families may request a payment plan where 50% of a semester is paid before/by Week 1 and 50% by the mid-semester date.

Deposits for Enrollment

After you are offered admission, a deposit of CHF 1,500 will confirm your enrollment. This deposit will confirm your plan to enroll, and permit Webster to preregister you for courses. The deposit will apply toward your first semester and will appear as a credit on your first tuition invoice.

Housing Deposits

Freshmen students are required to reside on campus.  In order to reserve a place, we will kindly ask you to pay a deposit of CHF 1,000.-  For additional information, please see the Residential Life pages. 

One out of Every Three Students

Approximately 33% of the undergraduate student body benefits from one or more forms of financial aid or scholarship assistance to help fund their studies at Webster’s ­Geneva campus.

There are various financial assistance programs for which eligible students may be considered: 

1. Merit-based Academic Scholarship awards,
2. Need-based Financial Aid awards,
3. On-campus Work-Study, and
4. Other special programs  

Depending on your demonstrated need and your academic ability, it may be possible to combine these different sources to help meet your ­financial needs gap (note: Work-Study positions may depend on your residency status in Switzerland and the EU).

 

1. Academic Scholarships

Higher-potential applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance may be considered for Webster University Geneva's Scholars Program track.  Typically, the admissions office makes recommendations to the Scholarship committee, as part of its rolling applications review and decision process.  Those whose Grade Point Average (GPA) is about a 3.5 / 4.0 scale (or its equivalent in other grading systems) have the highest opportunity to earn scholarship support.

Individual scholarship awards range from CHF 5,000 per year (about 15% of annual full-time tuition) up to CHF 17,000 (50% of annual full-time tuition) per year, and are renewable each year provided students maintain the equivalent of a 3.5 Grade Point Average.

The Scholars Program is by invitation-only, and those who complete the program earn a Scholars Program Certificate upon graduation.

2. Financial Aid Awards

These grants are awarded in the form of a scholarship on the basis of demon­strated financial need of the student's family.  There is a separate Financial Aid form for Webster University Geneva campus, available to those who have earned admission for a particular start date.

The Financial Aid form requests basic family income information, as well as supporting documents.  Eligibility is deter­mined based on the family’s financial ability to fund educational costs, and can range from about 20% of the annual full-time tuition up to 50% of tuition, and are renewable each year of the student's enrollment, with some limited conditions.

3. Work-Study Program

Available only to Swiss/EU citizens (or Swiss residents who are eligible to work in Switzerland).  Work-study awards are a limited type of financial assistance that may permit you to work on campus up to 12 hours per week. Eligible students can earn an hourly salary that is credited towards tuition. Work-study positions at Webster include oppor­tunities in academic departments, administrative offi­ces, the library or in residence halls, for example. Earned pay is credited to the student tuition account. The advantages to you of working on campus go beyond financial remuneration. You will enhance your workplace skills and gain expe­rience that you can leverage in a future job. Preference for these positions is given to students with documented financial need.

Combined Award Packages

Students who earn Academic Scholarships may also combine financial aid awards.  For Geneva-based funding, the maximum is capped at about 50% of the annual full-time tuition.  Note: United States citizens and US Green Card holders may also be eligible for other forms of financial assistance from the U.S. Government (such as Pell Grants or Student Loans).

OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS

U.S. Federal Aid Programs

As an accredited American University, U.S. citizens can use their FAFSA eligibility for small PELL Grants, Student Loans and Family Loan programs.  FAFSA applications are processed by our St. Louis campus, and in coordination with registration to Geneva-based courses, funds are disbursed through the university to the student's account at Webster in Switzerland.  Learn more about the forms and procedures through our U.S. Financial Aid office on the Main Campus.

Webster Family Legacy Scholarship

The Family Legacy Scholarship is a CHF 2,000 award offered to new incoming students that have a sibling (brother or sister) currently enrolled in Webster Geneva. This is a one-time only award credited towards tuition of the first semester of enrollment of the new student.

Webster Second Generation Legacy Scholarship

Webster University Geneva offers a CHF 2,000 yearly tuition (CHF 1,000 per semester) reduction for the direct descendants or dependent sons and/or daughters of Webster University alumni. The “Second Generation Legacy Scholarship” can be applied during the duration of a Bachelor’s education, a maximum of four years. Full details can be found here.

Student Visas & Residence Permits

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

Permits & 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 University Geneva 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 University Geneva 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 2 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 University Geneva 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 8-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 1st

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 3 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 8-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 8-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 therefor 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 8-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, MAR, 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 graduateadmissions@webster.ch 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 3 months prior to your preferred start date if you need a student visa.