To undertake a mobility period at HEdS-Geneva, you must follow the procedure below. Mobility is possible from your second year of study, provided you have validated all previous semesters before departure, have no pending modules to retake during your mobility period, and have not failed any internships.
Once selected by your home institution, you must submit the completed and signed application form, along with its annexes and the nomination letter from your home university, to the International Relations Office within the specified deadlines.
Applications must be submitted:
The International Relations Office will assist you in managing administrative procedures to ensure that all application documents and formalities (contracts, scholarships, immigration, insurance, flights, accommodation, etc.) are completed within the required deadlines.
Required Documents – Current Academic Year
All applications will be reviewed by the International Relations Office as well as the degree programme coordinator concerned. Approximately one month after the application deadline, candidates will be informed of their possible nomination for a study or internship mobility period at HEdS-Geneva.
For students from universities outside Europe, financial support is provided by their home institution.
As part of validated collaboration agreements with partner institutions, students from schools that have signed the Erasmus+ Charter may currently benefit from a study or practical training grant.
Conditions for Grant Allocation
Participating in an international exchange does not automatically entitle students to a grant. Eligibility is subject to the latest edition of the Erasmus+ Charter, and the specific conditions will be communicated by the International Relations Office.
Grants awarded under the Swiss European Mobility Programme (SEMP) are not intended to fully cover all mobility expenses but are meant to contribute to additional costs such as:
Mobility grants may be awarded through funding from the Swiss Confederation, represented by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), and the HES-SO.
The minimum required level of French is B2.
We strongly encourage you to take the necessary time to assess your level. A B2 certificate must be provided when submitting your application.
We also recommend improving your French skills before your arrival.
Further information:
Certain immigration procedures are very strict, and we strongly recommend that you start the process with the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (OCPM) as soon as you receive your admission confirmation from HEdS-Geneva, at least six months before your arrival.
If you are a non-European citizen, you will need a visa to study or complete a practical internship in Switzerland. Visa applications must be submitted to the competent Swiss embassy in your home country. Upon arrival in Geneva, you must register with the Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (OCPM).
If you are a European citizen, you may, under certain conditions, stay in Switzerland for less than three months without a visa.
Useful link for more information to help you prepare for your stay.
Health and accident insurance is mandatory for everyone residing in Switzerland.
For more information, please contact the Cantonal Health Insurance Service (SAM).
We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Swiss insurance system and ensure that your coverage is adequate, including civil liability insurance and repatriation insurance.
HES-SO link for practical information: HES-SO – Practical Information
The cost of living in Geneva is relatively high. The average monthly budget for a student coming to study in Geneva is approximately CHF 2,000.
Geneva is experiencing a housing crisis, and we strongly recommend that you start your search as early as possible.
The Fondation geloge manages the Champel residence and reserves a few rooms in shared apartments for mobility students. If you are interested, you can inform the International Relations Office. However, availability is not guaranteed.
Other housing options can be found on the HES-SO Geneva website.
Upon request, we can also send you our list of student accommodations for those coming to Geneva.
Geneva is a university city with many cultural and sporting activities. Thanks to our partnership with the University of Geneva, you will have access to its sports facilities and a wide range of activities.
The HEdS-Geneva student association, La Sonde, will contact you to help with your integration. Once on site, you will also be welcomed by a mentor from your degree programme.
Before your arrival, you can already consult the following student guides:
Why Choose a Study or Internship Mobility?
Hundreds of students have embarked on a mobility programme in recent years across five continents—so why not you?
HEdS-Geneva has around 30 institutional partners (universities and universities of applied sciences) and more than 180 practical training institutions in the field of health worldwide.
Students planning a mobility project for a study semester or a practical training period can proceed as follows:
In Switzerland (outside the HES-SO network), in Europe, or worldwide.
Mobility dates will be communicated by your degree programme. They will also be presented during the International Relations information session at the start of the first year. Please check with your designated mobility contact person if needed.
Submit a complete application file to the International Relations Office before 31 January preceding the academic year of mobility.
All information is available on the HEdS-Geneva intranet.
Outside the HES-SO perimeter
Switzerland
England
Belgium
Spain
Finland
France
Italy
Portugal
Argentina
Canada
Chili
