Admissions for Transfer Students

Webster Geneva Campus offers multiple start dates for transfer students. With a combination of full-semester (16-week) courses and half-term (8-week) courses, 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 two 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 geneva.admissions@webster.edu)

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).
• A 300- to 400-word essay that demonstrates your motivation, commitment and readiness for university life.

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 six months) after their most recent studies.

* All application documents can be submitted electronically. Documents given to Webster Geneva Campus 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 official copy of the diploma demonstrating graduation (unofficial copies may be used the provisional admissions decision). However, if you are transferring 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 Geneva Campus. 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 (two 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 5.0
** 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.

Full-time Bachelor Tuition Fees

Tuition rates for the 2024-2025 Academic Year are as follows:

CHF 17,500 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 and 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 and 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 flat-fee semester tuition rate permits students to register for 12 to 18 U.S. credit hours per semester (the equivalent of about four to six courses; most courses carry 3 credits). A typical bachelor's student takes 15 credit hours (five courses) per semester: this is the rate of progress necessary for students to graduate on time. The flat-fee rate allows for up to six 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 eight-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 eight-week term. Subsequent semesters of 16 weeks are then invoiced as per above.

Part-time Bachelor Tuition Rate

Tuition for those taking less than 12 credits in a given semester is billed at the per-credit-hour rate. The tuition rate for part-time students in 2024-2025 is CHF 1,100 per credit hour, equivalent to CHF 3,300 per 3-credit course. Those who enroll in multiple part-time courses in a given eight-week term are still eligible for the services listed above.

Estimating Your Annual Expenses

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

• Full-time tuition (Fall and Spring): CHF 35,000
• University Housing: CHF 9,660-15,000 (varies by student choice*)
• Food: CHF 6,000-8,000 (varies, based on student choice**)
• Student health insurance: CHF 1,000
• Local transportation: CHF 500

* First-year students are required to live on campus in the Living and Learning Center for Fall and Spring semesters (CHF 9,660 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 a small kitchenette (refrigerator and electric stove) in each room/unit.

Estimated total for one academic year (Fall and Spring), including direct and indirect expenses: CHF 52,200-59,500

Optional Summer Terms

Many students choose Summer coursework 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 and Deadlines

Students are invoiced per semester (or per eight-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.

Enrollment Deposits

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.

How to Pay Your Fees or Deposit

One Out of Every Three Undergraduate Students Receive Aid and/or Scholarship

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. 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. Merit-based Academic Scholarship Awards

Higher-potential applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance may be considered for Webster Geneva Campus'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. Students from all nationalities can be considered for scholarships.

Individual scholarship awards range up to 30% 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 invitation-only, and provides additional opportunities for advanced course work and a bachelor thesis, provided students maintain high grades during their studies. Those who complete the program earn a Scholars Program Certificate upon graduation.

Combined Award Packages

Students who earn Academic Scholarships may also combine financial aid awards. For Geneva-based funding, the maximum of combined awards from the Geneva campus is capped at about 30% of the annual full-time tuition. Note: United States citizens and U.S. 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 — see other special programs).

2. Need-based 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 Geneva Campus 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 up to 30% of tuition, and are renewable each year of the student's enrollment, with some limited conditions.

3. On-Campus Work-Study

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 needs.

4. Other Special Programs

U.S. Federal Aid Programs

As an accredited U.S.-based University, American 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

Webster Geneva Campus offers this one-time-only CHF 2,000 award to new incoming students that have a sibling (brother or sister) currently enrolled in Webster Geneva. This award is credited towards the new student's tuition for the first semester of enrollment.

Webster Second Generation Legacy Scholarship

Webster Geneva Campus 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 degree education, a maximum of four years.

Student Visas and Residence Permits

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 (approximately three 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 Cantonal Office of Population and Migration (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.

NOTE: 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.