Financial Aid
One-time aid
In view of the large number of financial aid applications received, we are doing our best to process files as quickly as possible. Some processing time is therefore to be expected.
Various forms of temporary assistance are available to help students out of temporary and unexpected financial difficulties, such as a sudden and temporary loss of income or substantial unforeseen expenses that may not be covered by social insurances. One-time financial aids can be granted one time per semester for 1 to 3 months maximum depending on the type of aid.
Types of assistance available
A one-time aid may be granted for the following motives:
- Loss of employment
- Food costs
- Housing expenses
- Cost of study materials
- Medical expenses in Switzerland not covered by health insurance
It is important that you submit a complete file, under penalty of refusal (list of compulsory documents to produce for the submission of your request, in French).
Granting conditions
In order to be eligible for a one-time aid, students must:
- Be registered at the UNIGE or HES-SO Geneva in a first Bachelor or Master program.
- Demonstrate temporary and unforeseen financial difficulties based on the types of needs listed above.
- Not have savings and/or a personal wealth allowing to provide for one's needs for the next three months.
All granting conditions are detailed in the Directive (in French), which is the authoritative document.
Deadlines
Autumn semester: from August 1 to December 20
Spring semester: from January 15 to May 31
Helpful links and documents
- Directive of financial aid (in French)
- Funding your PhD thesis (in French)
- Work attestation (in French)
- Centre Universitaire de Médecine Dentaire (CUMD) (in French)
- How to open a Swiss bank account