EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY – THE BUSINESS SCHOOL IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
What clubs and organizations do you have?
EU Business School in Geneva has a Student Council, which along with the Student Adviser organizes a diverse range of cultural and social activities. All European University campuses have a Student Council that is elected in the fall; any EU Business School in Geneva student is eligible to run for office. The Student Council acts as the voice of the entire student body.
How much money do I need for personal expenses?
The amount of money you will need depends on your spending habits. Around 150-250€ per week should easily cover your food, travel and entertainment expenses.
Do I need to open a bank account? How would I do this?
Depending on how long you are planning on staying in Geneva, you may or may not need to open a bank account. If you plan to be here for more than one semester we suggest you open a bank account. Upon request European University Geneva will issue you a letter for the bank stating that you are a student. If you take this letter to the bank you should have no trouble opening a student account.
How /where do I change money?
Exchanging money is a very simple process. You just take your cash to a cash exchange point they will calculate the exchange rate and make the exchange which generally takes less than five minutes. You can use small private companies, American Express, or banks. Exchange rates do vary so it may be best to look around before you exchange large amounts of money. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found all over Geneva and usually give the best exchange rates and most of them accept cards from around the world.
Do I need a student visa?
Most international students require a student visa, except European Union citizens.
STEPS FOR OBTAINING A RESIDENCE PERMIT – NON-EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENS
1) After receiving the enrollment confirmation, send to EU administration office the following documents :
• Copy of your passport
• First page of M4 form dully filled out and signed (received from European University Geneva administration office)
• E4 form dully filled out and signed (received from European University Geneva administration office)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter stating why you choose Geneva to study and mentioning that after your studies you will leave Switzerland
• Bank certificate stating that you have an active account with a minimum of 30,000 CHF.- (to prove that you are able to support yourself financially during your stay in Switzerland)
When you arrive in Geneva, you need to register at the Immigration Office:
- Address: Office cantonal de la population, Route de Chancy 88, 1213 Onex
- Phone number +41 22 546 48 88
- E-mail address: ocp@etat.ge.ch
- Opening hours: between 7.30 and 15.30
- Buses: 2, 19, K, L (stop: Bandol)
3) Provide the following documents for the registration:
- Your passport
- M4 form dully filled out and signed (available at the European University Geneva administration office)
- 2 passport photos
-
Certificate of enrolment from European University
STEPS FOR OBTAINING A RESIDENCE PERMIT – EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENS
1) Once you arrive in Geneva, you need to register at the Immigration Office:
- Address: Office cantonal de la population, Route de Chancy 88, 1213 Onex
- Phone number +41 225 46 48 88
- E-mail address: ocp@etat.ge.ch
- Opening hours: between 7.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.
- Buses: 2, 19, K, L (stop: Bandol)
2) Provide the following documents for the registration:
- Your passport
- M4 form dully filled out and signed (available at the European University Geneva administration office)
- UE4 form dully filled out and signed (available at the European University Geneva administration office) ocp@etat.ge.ch
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation letter stating why you choose Geneva to study and mentioning that after your studies you will leave Switzerland
- Bank certificate stating that you have an active account with a minimum of 30,000 CHF. - (to prove that you are able to support yourself financially during your stay in Switzerland)
- 2 original passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
- Certificate of enrollment from European University
What is the transition process for transfer students?
On application European University Geneva will evaluate your transcripts and let you know how many credits you can transfer. When you arrive you will meet with your academic adviser to discuss your educational goals and map out the rest of your degree program. Transfer students are welcomed to our EU Business School in Geneva with open arms and will soon feel at home. European University Switzerland also encourages transfers to many other EU campuses worldwide.
What do students do for fun off campus?
An easier question would probably be what don't students do off campus. European University Geneva is centrally located; there are an infinite amount of things to do. For example students spend time at the many pubs, clubs, parks, movie theaters and so on, while also traveling around Switzerland and throughout Europe.
What athletics do you offer?
EU offers students the opportunity to organize and participate in various local leagues such as football, basketball, tennis and volleyball, as well as sponsoring one-off tournaments in other sports such as paddleball. There is a dedicated member sitting on the Student Board to help coordinate such events.
Do I need a car?
The EU Business School Geneva campus is located within the metropolitan area with easy access to public transportation so there is no need to have a car. European University Geneva is located on main metro (subway) and bus routes.
Do I need a cell/mobile phone?
This is personal choice. Most students buy a mobile phone when they are at European University Geneva. There are many kinds of phones, service providers, and payment plans you can purchase. The two main types of payment plans are by contract or pay-as-you-go. With a contract you normally receive a free phone, but the service provider requires a bank account from which they can debit monthly, and there is usually a minimum contract period of a year. Most students use pay-as-you-go.
If you use pay-as-you-go you must add credit in order for your phone to have service. This comes in the form of "top up" vouchers, which come in denominations of €5 to €50 and can be purchased everywhere. As your phone runs out of credit, you buy a "top up" voucher, enter the voucher number into the phone, and it's ready to go again. You are only charged for the phone calls you place and not incoming calls as long as you are in Switzerland.
What should I bring with me?
1) Credit Cards (with photocopies for your records)
2) Debit/ATM Card (with photocopies)
3) Document folder to keep relevant documents:
- Valid Passport and student visa (and photocopies)
- Copy of university admission letter, visa letter, scholarship letter, any other materials sent to you by European University Geneva as well as payment receipts for all fees
- Your medical records and certified copies of academic transcripts, educational work or work qualifications that you may have completed.
Should I bring a computer from home or wait to buy one when I arrive?
You can purchase a computer either in Geneva or at home. For convenience, a laptop is recommended. Please be aware that in Switzerland electrical appliances run on 220/240 voltage, so you will need an adaptor if you are bringing a computer from a country that uses a different voltage. It is also best to compare prices for computers in your home country and in Switzerland.
Is there anything else that I should know about living in Geneva?
1) Electricity – the standard voltage throughout Europe is 220V, 50Hz. Plugs have two-round pins and adaptors are available for purchase.
2) Food – Students are responsible for their own food and meals; however there are plenty of supermarkets and affordable restaurants around EU Business School Geneva if students do not want to cook. Students should be aware of the accumulated costs involved in eating out on a regular basis.
3) Linen – sheets and bedding are provided in some of our housing facilities. Towels are not provided.
4) Medical Insurance – Medical insurance is required in all European countries. Students studying at European University Geneva should ensure they have adequate medical insurance.
5) Optical needs – if you wear glasses or contact lenses you should bring spares.
6) Other personal items – you might find it useful to bring a battery operated alarm clock and a copy of any regular medical prescriptions that you require.
Housing
When/how will I find out my housing assignment?
The Admissions Office will contact you about a month before the beginning of the semester to help you with your room assignment. You can e-mail admissions and we will be happy to help you look for housing.
Can I ship some of my belongings ahead of time?
Boxes can be sent ahead of time to the main campus. Please keep in mind that European University Geneva will not be able to store very large boxes and that you will have to transport your belongings from the campus to the residence. If you have large boxes you will have to take a taxi to the residence.
Is there storage on campus?
As there are no lockers on-campus, books and other day-to-day essentials will need to be carried with you. Luggage can be stored in the Student Council office during semester breaks; however items will be left at the owner's risk. European University Geneva will not be held responsible for loss, theft or damage to items.
What kind of accommodation is on offer?
There are different types of accommodation available but the majority of students share apartments (private renting). European University Geneva administration helps students find accommodation. Please contact the administration office for an updated list of available apartments.
Academics
Are programs taught entirely in English?
Yes, all classes at EU Business School Geneva are taught in English
I have completed part of my education in UK/USA, do I need TOEFL/GMAT?
The TOEFL is not required if you have proof of study in American or English schools. The GMAT is sometimes required for the MBA. Email the admissions department if you have further questions.
What is the average class size?
20-25 students
How many students attend the Swiss Campuses?
300-320 students
What is the student/professor ratio?
9/1
When do I register for classes?
Registration takes place on the first day of each semester.
How many classes do students take each day?
The number of classes per day can vary depending on individual schedule and the type of program studied. Typically a full-time BBA student will attend class once or twice a day (9.00am-5pm, Monday to Friday), while the full-time MBA candidate will attend one class session (17.00-22.00, Monday to Friday).
Money and Financial Assistance
What is the cost of tuition?
Click here for complete details of our fees.
Do tuition fees cover book expenses?
No, the tuition fee only covers tuition. You will need approximately 500€ for book expenses.
Can I earn money by working on-campus?
The EU Business School Geneva has a limited number of student jobs on-campus.
Do I need a work permit for on- or off-campus jobs?
Your student visa will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week outside of the semester. This applies to both on-campus and off-campus jobs.
Do I pay tuition in US dollars ($), Euros (€) or Swiss Francs (CHF)?
All of our prices are in Francs. If you wish to pay in US or Euros dollars you can. The amount you pay will be based on the current exchange rate to Swiss Francs.
Tips for New Students
Luggage
The weather in Switzerland can be cold and rain and snow are not uncommon so a warm, waterproof jacket is useful. Try not to bring too much luggage as storage space is limited and remember that the airlines usually limit you to two pieces of checked-in luggage.
Computers
The European University Geneva campus has Wi-Fi access as well as computer labs with web access and printers.
Food
All students pay for their own food. However there are plenty of places to eat nearby to the EU Business School Geneva if you do not want to cook.
Living in Geneva
Geneva is a truly cosmopolitan city making it an ideal place to study international management. The city hosts the United Nations and other international agencies such as the World Trade Organization, and is often referred to as the capital of peace and diplomacy.
Many multinationals are located in the region due to Geneva’s location at the heart of Europe, only one hour by air from major European cities. Geneva is well known as one of the world's major financial centers, especially for the management of private capital assets.