Support for asylum-seeking people
Since the 2020-21 academic year, the HES-SO Genève has been officially collaborating with the University of Geneva's Horizon académique program, designed to promote the academic and social integration of immigrants and asylum seekers. Offered in partnership with the Canton of Geneva's Bureau de l'intégration et de la citoyenneté (BIC), this unique program provides a bridge to university studies or a suitable professional orientation. Participants can resume their studies by enrolling in one of Geneva's higher education institutions (University of Geneva, HES-SO Genève, IHEID).
At the same time, the HES-SO Genève is actively involved in the INVOST project, launched in 2021 by the HES-SO Rectorate in collaboration with UNES (Union des Etudiants-es de Suisse) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (HT FHNW). This program offers refugees and asylum seekers who wish to study and have the potential to do so, preparatory measures to help them obtain a HES diploma.
Admission procedure for the Horizon académique program
The program is intended for :
-
Asylum-seekers (S, N, F, F-refugee or B-refugee permits)
- Holders of family reunification permits (B or Ci permits, FDFA legitimation cards)
- Swiss nationals returning from abroad
For information on admission criteria and application procedures, please visit the University of Geneva's Horizon académique web pages.
Bridge year as an auditor at the HES-SO Genève
As part of its partnership with Horizon académique, the HES-SO Genève offers a bridging year to participants who are eligible for the HES Bachelor's or Master's program of their choice, and who can prove a B1 level of French. Three types of support are offered:
- Access to courses as an auditor (unregistered student)
- Mentoring program
- Recognition of acquired ECTS credits (depending on the chosen course of study)
Attending classes as auditors enables participants to familiarize themselves with the environment, teaching methods and practices of universities of applied sciences (HES), while supporting them in their academic integration process.
For detailed information on the auditor program at the HES-SO Genève, please consult the practical guide designed for Horizon académique auditors.
- Registration procedure
- Application deadlines
- Admission support
Participants interested in HES training must first evaluate their study project with their Horizon académique program coordinator. If the project is approved, applications are forwarded to Student Affairs at the HES-SO Genève.
If the conditions for becoming an auditor are met:
- Successful candidates receive notification of acceptance from the HES-SO Genève Student Affairs.
- They must complete an enrolment form and select courses in their chosen field, based on a catalog of courses available at each university of applied sciences (HES).
- August 31 for the fall semester or full academic year
- January 31 for the spring semester
During the bridging year, participants are accompanied by the Horizon académique program as they apply for admission to their chosen university of applied sciences (HES). They also benefit from information sessions on admission requirements organized by the HES-SO Genève.
Admission is confirmed if participants:
- Have the required professional experience
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen university of applied sciences
- Have a B2 level of French