Come to Webster's First International Campus

Every year, Webster Geneva — the campus with the broadest diversity of nationalities — welcomes study abroad students from many other campuses within our network. Because we follow a common curriculum and offer academic equality across all Webster campuses, you will not miss a beat on your path to success.

Study Abroad students on train on ski trip

The First Steps

Study Abroad students on train on ski trip

If you are interested in studying at Webster Geneva, your first step is to contact the Study Abroad office on your Webster home campus, listed in the section below. You will also want to review visa and permit requirements.

Tuition

The cost of your tuition while studying at Webster Geneva will remain unchanged versus the tuition you pay to your current Webster campus.

Students Already at Webster Geneva

Current Webster Geneva students can learn more about study abroad elsewhere.

Study Abroad Information for Webster Students

Students located in the United States:

The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) at the St Louis campus will support and process all study abroad applications from students currently studying at a Webster University campus in the U.S. or at another university within the U.S.

If you are attending an affiliate university of Webster, part of the WINS network, be sure to coordinate with your campus' study abroad office. You can follow the application link provided above to submit your online application.

For questions you can also contact our Study Abroad team in St. Louis, USA.

Students from a Webster campus outside of the United States:

Contact the following individual at your campus:

Student Visas and Residence Permits

Following Admission, you will also be given the necessary documentation, instructions and website links to make the visa and permit process as clear and smooth as possible. The Cantonal Office for Population and Migration (OCPM) in Geneva requires three months to process an entry visa from the time of application. If you apply later than three months before the start of a preferred intake, this may lead to postponing your application to the following intake as the visa may not be delivered on time. Please send an email to geneva.admissions@webster.edu for more information.

Permits and Prolongations

If you are on a current resident permit that allows full-time residency in Switzerland, you will not need to go through the full student visa process provided that you earn admission and apply to extend your permit with local authorities prior to its expiration date.

If you are an EU or EFTA citizen, you will not need a student visa to attend, yet when you arrive for New Student Orientation, we will provide you with an attestation from Webster Geneva Campus and guide you on how to declare your arrival for full-time studies to the local authorities.

Swiss Student Visas

All students from outside the European Union and EFTA member states need to make a formal application for a Swiss student visa from the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Consulate. You must complete the visa process in your home country or country of legal residence before entering Switzerland.

Tourist and/or Schengen Visas are not accepted for study purposes; Webster Geneva Campus is not authorized to register for courses under a Tourist and/or a Schengen Visa.

For the most up-to-date information or for answers to detailed questions, be sure to contact the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Consulate nearest to you, or refer to the FDFA website — selecting your country of residence.

Student Visa Application Process

Following admission and once you confirm your intention to enroll with Webster, you will need to submit your enrollment deposit (to Webster) and then proceed with the application forms and supporting documents to the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Consulate nearest to your official residence.

The student visa process is lengthy (approximately three months) and requires you to pay close attention to all pertinent details. The Swiss authorities will only consider applications that are complete, so be sure to follow the admissions office recommendations. It is extremely important to keep personal copies of all forms and documents submitted to the Swiss authorities.

Once all your documents have been submitted, the Swiss Embassy/Consulate will forward your application to the authorities here in Switzerland. The Cantonal Office of Population and Migration (immigration office) will assess your application in collaboration with the federal authorities. They will inform and notify the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in your home country about their decision, and the Swiss Embassy/Consulate will then notify you.

NOTE: During the visa process, third parties such as universities are discouraged from interfering with the authorities to speed up the process or inquire about missing documents. It is your responsibility to keep on top of your visa application process and to keep our admissions team informed about progress or any difficulties.

Upon Your Arrival: Your Swiss Student Residence Permit

All students (except Swiss citizens) enrolled in Webster Geneva Campus need to apply for a Swiss Student Residence Permit upon their arrival in Geneva. The permit can take two to three months to be issued and is valid for one year. Students must make sure to renew their permit every year before leaving for their summer or winter break. Student permit information for current students can be found on the Registrar's Office Pages.

You can find more information, including course listings in the study abroad brochures linked below:

Fall 2022 (PDF opens in new tab)
Spring 2023 (PDF opens in new tab)