Cost of living
The monthly budget of a single student aged under 25 living in Switzerland is estimated at between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,500 per month, including accommodation, both in Geneva and in Neuchâtel.
Students also need to take into account several significant expenses that need to be paid at the start of the academic year: student tax, deposit for accommodation, fee for obtaining a student permit, etc.
In Geneva
Table of estimated costs provided by the HES-SO Genève
In Neuchâtel
Table of estimated costs provided by the Université de Neuchâtel
Financial Aid HES-SO Genève
Resources open to students in Geneva and Neuchâtel
Service des aides financières (SAFE)
The HES-SO Genève and the Université de Genève offer a financial aid resource aimed at guaranteeing a minimum income to students with low-income backgrounds, while taking the specific needs of HES students into account.
This resource is based around two types of support: monthly aid provided each term and one-off aid for primary needs, enabling students to cover the cost of essentials, accessible throughout the entire academic year. Finally, mobility bursaries are also available, subject to certain conditions.
Bursary fund of the Haute école de musique
Students who cannot benefit from support from the Service des aides financières (SAFE) can apply to the HEM’s bursary fund. To do so, they must provide proof that they are not eligible for support from a state body in their country of origin, be undertaking a primary degree at HEM, and have successfully completed their first year of studies.
The conditions required for the provision of a bursary include:
- Successful completion of the first year of studies, with the required ECTS credits validated.
- Be carrying out paid work.
- Not be receiving funding for a second degree, even in the event of a change of primary subject.
Students who do not meet these criteria may contact SAFE to obtain advice. By taking a good look at their personal situation, students will be better able to face up to unforeseen circumstances. In certain particularly difficult situation, SAFE can intervene and provide specific assistance, after studying the student’s file.
This fund makes it possible to cover all or some of the education tax, with the exception of any maintenance grant. Application forms are available at the reception desk in the Synagogue and on the intranet. It must be submitted before 30 September in each academic year.
Bursary for excellence in the Swiss Confederation
The bursaries for excellence in the Swiss Confederation are aimed at foreign artists holding a Bachelor’s degree. Each year, the Swiss Confederation offers bursaries rewarding excellence in the field of the arts.
These government bursaries encourage international exchanges and promote collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 countries. They are allocated by the Commission fédérale des bourses pour étudiant-e-s étrangers / étrangères (CFBE).