Military service and civil protection
Military service is compulsory for Swiss citizens (recruit school, refresher courses and civil protection).
As far as possible, military duties are completed before the start of studies so as not to disrupt students’ academic path. An absence of several months due to military service is interpreted as an interruption of studies.
However, if for academic reasons (e.g. annual courses or exams), military or civil service needs to be postponed, it is possible to submit an application.
Within each of the six schools of the HES-SO Genève, an advisor from the liaison office is responsible for making arrangements for studies and military or civil service. For all travel or leave requests, it essential to give advance notice to the contact person.
Requests for relocation of service (demande de déplacement de service - DDS)
Requests for relocation of service must be submitted to the military authority, together with the necessary supporting documents, no later than 14 weeks before the start of service.
For further information and the procedure for relocation, visit the Swiss Armed Forces website.
Requests can be submitted to the army via the service data management system. This requires registration on the army portal (see army website for details).
Alternatively, you can complete the relevant service relocation form, which can be downloaded from the army website. The completed form should be forwarded to the liaison officer of your school.
After examining the request, the liaison advisor will complete the student's form and send it to the cantonal military liaison office.
The army will reply directly to the student.
For requests for postponement of civil defence courses, students must submit a duly completed request for postponement of courses form specifically for UNIGE and HES students.