Admitted Students - Next Steps Before Arrival

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    Welcome to the MIDS!

    As you prepare to join the programme, please consult the Welcome Guide, which provides key information on administrative procedures, arrival planning, and student life in Geneva. 

    It covers visa and residence permit requirements, accommodation, health insurance, and practical aspects of settling in, and should be used to prepare ahead of the start of the academic year. Please review the guide carefully and complete the relevant steps in a timely manner. 

    This page will be updated regularly. Please consult it periodically for the latest information. 

    We look forward to your arrival in Geneva!

    Download MIDS Welcome Guide 2026-2027

    Accommodation

    The rental market in Geneva is highly competitive, with demand exceeding supply. Securing suitable and affordable accommodation can be challenging, particularly if arrangements are made late. Admitted students are therefore responsible for securing accommodation and are encouraged to plan early.

    All admitted students are invited to complete the Accommodation Application Form (external link)to indicate their housing preferences and interest in the available MIDS-arranged accommodation options. 

    Two main accommodation options are available:

    • IHEID student residences (Grand Morillon and Edgar & Danièle de Picciotto) 
      Applications must be submitted directly by you through the Graduate Institute Housing portal (external link) Please select IHEID (and not UNIGE) when completing your application. This will ensure that your application is correctly processed for the MIDS programme and allows it to be considered in priority.

    • RUI residences (Rothschild, Carlton, La Voie Creuse) 
      Admitted students interested in RUI accommodation will be contacted directly by RUI with further instructions; applicants are therefore kindly asked not to contact the RUI residences directly.

      Please note that accommodation is subject to availability. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and preferences cannot be guaranteed. A no-pets policy applies to these student residences. Further details are provided in the housing emails.

      When can I expect information on

      March

      March (see above (external link)  and in your emails)

      April

      May

      May

      May

      June

      June

      June

      July

      July

      August

      August

      September

      Also check out

      • Tuition & Financial Planning

        Joining the MIDS is a valuable investment in your future, but it is also a significant commitment that requires careful consideration and planning.   

      • Life in Geneva

        The embodiment of a global city, a professional hub, and exceptionally comfortable to live in, Geneva is one of Europe's best kept secrets.

      • Campus

        Studying at the heart of Geneva, our students enjoy state-of-the-art teaching facilities with Lake Geneva and the Alps as a backdrop.

      • Services & Facilities

        By virtue of the joint nature of the MIDS, students can take advantage of the services and facilities of two universities at once.

      • Scholarships

        By offering scholarships, we strive to attract the most talented students, regardless of where they are from or what obstacles they face.

      We look forward to welcoming you in Geneva

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Due to the programme's intensity and full-time schedule, students are generally not advised to work during the academic year. However, some part-time research or internships may be possible depending on visa status and workload. In addition, kindly note that certain nationalities are not authorised to work in Switzerland with a student visa. Learn more (external link)

      The MIDS provides guidance and documentation to help admitted students obtain Swiss student visas. The admissions team supports applicants throughout the process. Learn more (external link) 

      While the MIDS does not offer on-campus housing, admitted students receive support in finding accommodation in Geneva, including access to university housing platforms and local resources. Learn more (external link) 

      No. These fees are considered personal administrative expenses and must be paid by the student, regardless of scholarship status.

      Yes. You may substitute one elective course with an internship (3-12 months) in Switzerland or abroad, provided it relates to international dispute settlement. This extends your student status and graduation date to September 2028.  In Geneva, with your student residence permit, you will need to apply for work authorization from OCPM before starting. Non-EU citizens must wait for approval before beginning the internship.

       Yes, through the Neirynck initiative. You may apply for a six-month residence permit extension to search for a job related to your MIDS degree. You must show financial means and housing, and you're limited to working 15 hours/week during this period. Your employer must still apply for a separate work permit, and Swiss authorities may reject the request. The Neirynck extension is only for job searching and cannot be prolonged.

       Yes, short-term travel is allowed between June and September 2026, but you must maintain your residence in Geneva and return within six months (three months for Permit L holders) to keep your residence permit valid.