Webster University in Switzerland
Established in 1978, Webster Geneva is home to more than 500 students from 90 countries who come together to create a community of learners engaged by a faculty representing 25 nations. Webster University Geneva is an American-style campus located in a park-like setting in the suburban town of Bellevue, an 8-minute train ride from central Geneva. The secure and tranquil setting is a brief walk from Lake Leman and affords spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Both train and bus service are available immediately adjacent to the campus.
Geneva is the historic center of international cooperation and is home to the United Nations, other major international organizations, numerous multinational corporations, and a vibrant financial and trading center. When it comes to recreation, the Alps and the Lake Geneva region offer some of the best sporting terrain in the world–right at your doorstep. Moreover, Geneva is situated in the heart of Europe so it is easy to immerse yourself in the culture of other European cities, all accessible in less than two hours by plane.
Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2026 | September 25, 2025 | TBD | January 19 | May 15 |
| Fall | 2025 | March 15, 2025 | TBD | August 18 | December 12 |
Program Description
Webster University opened its first European campus in Geneva in 1978 and today Webster University Geneva is the largest campus outside of the United States where 670 students from over 90 countries come together in a community of learners engaged by a faculty representing 25 nations. Webster University Geneva is located in a park-like setting in the suburban town of Bellevue, a 8-minute train ride from central Geneva. The secure and tranquil setting is a brief walk from Lake Leman and affords spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Both train and bus service are available immediately adjacent to the campus.
The campus offers classrooms, academic and staff offices, recording and photographic studios, a cafeteria, a fitness center, a student recreational area, and a library. The library consists of a physical collection of over 25,000 items and is supported by a professional, accredited Librarian and trained staff. It also includes an extensive online Library, which allows access to digital collections of academic journals in all subject areas, over 25,000 e-books, e-reference collections, educational streaming video sites, and training materials among other resources.
Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. The pre-departure orientation will be conducted at the end of April for the Fall term abroad and in late November/early December for the Spring term abroad. Upon arrival in Geneva, you will attend an additional mandatory orientation, on-site at the local campus. You will receive information about the campus, the culture and the expectations as a student. You will also have a chance to mingle with the local students as well during Webster's orientation.
Student Life
The student community at Webster Geneva organizes a wide range of events and activities to entertain, inform and challenge students from ski trips and movie nights to club meetings and leadership retreats. There are many events that celebrate the international diversity of the Geneva campus community including, Global Thanksgiving and Webster’s Got Talent.
Webster Geneva students and faculty work together to organize academic conferences, workshops and forums. By participating in these events, students will have opportunities to strengthen friendships, meet experts and develop an unparalleled professional network. Webster students engage fully in a range of student clubs and teams. Current club opportunities include Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Cultural Club, Chess Club, Music Club, and Psychology Club. Additionally, the Webster Humanitarian Association (WHA) is led and managed by Webster students. Students who have an interest in human rights, supporting communities in need or addressing social issues, you will enjoy participating in the activities of the WHA.
Webster Geneva has a full team of staff on site who provide support and assistance to the campus community. Student services offices include the Residential Life Office, the Student Affairs Office, Counseling Services and Career Services. Gaël Baboulaz is the Study Abroad Coordinator in Geneva and will be your primary contact while on the program.
Geneva is Switzerland's second-most populous city, and is one of the world's major centers of international diplomacy, having served as the site of the initial headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Although the United Nations is now headquartered in New York, the organization still retains a large presence in Geneva at the Palais des Nations and many of its sister/child organizations, such as the World Health Organization and ILO. The International Red Cross, the World Council of Churches, and many other international organizations are also located in Geneva.
At Webster Geneva, you will be welcomed into Webster University’s global community by faculty, staff and students from more than 90 nations. Students at Webster Geneva are surrounded by a supportive and collegial community which provides the individual attention necessary for academic success and personal growth. All courses (except French) are taught in English. When looking for courses, be sure that you are looking at courses for undergraduate students only and that you are looking at classes in the correct term of study. Webster operates on a quarter system, so be sure to select courses in both fall/spring I and II. You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to Webster and Sacred Heart University. That means you will take 12-15 SHU credits (4-5 courses) while studying at Webster.
Undergraduate students of all majors are welcome to study abroad at Webster Geneva even if their major is not offered in full at the campus. The campus offers a wide variety of general education courses and electives in addition to core courses for majors such as finance, economics, business and management, international relations, media communication, computer science, photography and psychology. Students can choose to take courses specific to their academic area or courses from the Global Citizenship Program (GCP), Webster’s globally-focused general education program. GCP courses are regularly offered at Webster Geneva, allowing for a vast selection of general education courses.
Eligibility
You must have an overall GPA of 2.5 and be in good disciplinary and financial standing with SHU.
Courses
Fall 2025 course listing (see academics section)
Course Credit
SHU approved courses taken on this program will count towards your general graduation total. Course grades will also factor into your cumulative grade point average (courses are not available for pass/fail).
Students can reference the Course Equivalency Database to see which courses have already been approved. Approval for courses not yet approved can be requested through Global Engagement. Email studyabroad@sacredheart.edu for more information.
Housing is not included as part of your SHU study abroad program fees. Housing is paid online, directly to Webster University through your Webster student account.
Students are housed off campus at the Webster residence Les Berges du Rhône which sits on a prime location within the city. The diverse and lively neighborhood makes it easy for students to discover and enjoy all that an international city like Geneva has to offer – many shops, markets, banks, cafes and restaurants are all within walking distance. Les Berges is well serviced by public transportation and is only 25 minutes from campus by tram and train.
Meals are not included as part of your SHU study abroad program fees. There is a cafeteria on campus and many shops, markets, cafes and restaurants are within walking distance.
Webster University Geneva, Switzerland: Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 | Global Engagement | Payable upon application to the program |
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of acceptance to the program |
| Total | $295 | ||
| SHU Full-Time Undergraduate Tuition | $26,045 | Student Accounts | 2025-2026 tuition rate |
| Study Abroad Fee | $450 | Student Accounts | |
| Estimated Total | $26,495 | Total will be billed in accordance with student accounts billing cycle |
Additional Expenses
| Budget Item (Estimates) | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (double/single) | $3,940/$5,560 | Webster University | Webster University will bill you directly for all housing. |
| Meals | $3,000 | Webster University | No meal plan options are offered at this location. This is an estimated total that you will spend on meals during your time abroad. |
| Immigration: Residence Permit | $237 | Refer to the consulate's website for precise payment details and amounts. | |
| International Transportation | TBD | Students are eligible for the WINS travel award, which covers up to $1,000 towards round trip airfare. Please refer to the Scholarships tab for more information. | |
| Local Transportation | $180 | Cabs, buses, trains, etc. | |
| Program Materials | $750 | Books and supplies; includes $575 study abroad fee through Webster | |
| Personal Expenses | $4,000 | Cell phone, entertainment, travel, etc. Costs vary widely based on student habits - $4,000 recommended budget |
All costs subject to change.
Fees include:
- Program orientation
- Arrival airport transfer
- Mandatory basic international health insurance
Fees do not include:
- Travel to/from host country
- Major medical insurance
- On-site course fees
- Visa/resident permit fees
- Program materials
- Personal expenses
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Program withdrawal fees, penalties and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, Global Engagement prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. This is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to encourage you to study abroad, and to make a study abroad experience more accessible, Global Engagement prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.
Contact Global Engagement directly for further information.
The Webster WINS Travel Award is available to students participating in a Webster University study abroad program. The award covers up to $1,000 towards your round-trip airfare. For more information please visit the WINS award website.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Fall 2025
- Arrival: August 18
- On-Site Orientation: TBD
- Classes: TBD
- Move Out: December 12
Spring 2026
- Arrival: January 19
- On-Site Orientation: TBD
- Classes: TBD
- Move Out: May 15
Webster University Geneva Academic Calendar
Webster University will communicate directly to enrolled students all move-in, orientation and move-out dates.
All dates are subject to change. Do not book your flight unless you have been accepted by Webster University and your move-in and move-out dates have been confirmed.