Program cost and funding opportunities

Program cost

When evaluating the expenses associated with pursuing a PhD in Global Health, it is crucial to consider the 4 main types of costs: university fees, course fees, and travel and accommodation expenses and costs related to research.

At the University of Geneva, tuition fees amount to 500 CHF for the first and last semesters, and 65 CHF for the remaining semesters.

Additionally, there are supplementary tuition fees for specific SSPH+ courses. Students are responsible for the entirety of their expenses, including university matriculation fees and all fees related to their stay in Switzerland.

Let's break down each cost:  

1. University fees, also known as matriculation fees, are the initial expense. The first semester incurs a fee of 500 CHF, and subsequent semesters have a fee of 65 CHF each. The final semester of the thesis requires an additional fee of 500 CHF. For instance, if your thesis takes three years to complete, you can anticipate paying 500 CHF + 65 CHF for the first year, 65 CHF * 2 for the second year, and 65 CHF + 500 CHF for the last year.  
2. The second expense is associated with the courses taken in Switzerland. Students are required to complete courses totaling 18 ECTS. Among these, the spring school of global health carries a value of 2 ECTS and costs approximately 700 CHF. This course needs to be undertaken twice during the thesis. The remaining 14 ECTS can be selected from the range of SSPH+ inter-university graduate campus courses, with fees varying based on the course and SSPH+ membership.
3. The third expense considers travel and accommodation costs should be accounted for, as they can vary considerably based on the location and duration of your thesis. It is crucial to allocate sufficient funds in your budget to cover all expenses associated with the pursuit of your thesis in Switzerland.

Lastly, there are costs related to research, such as data gathering, publication fees or submission fees to ethics comittee. For more information on opportunities for scholarships or financial support please read the information below or visit the university website.

Financial support: funding opportunities

There are several avenues available to secure additional funding in order to cover the costs of a PhD program. Consider the following options:

• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF): The SNSF offers various funding schemes, including mobility funds for international exchanges during the PhD and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, or financial support that can cover parts or the entirety of the PhD trajectory. Detailed information about these opportunities can be found on the university's website and the website of the SNSF.
• Foundations and Small Funding Opportunities: Postgraduate students with promising research project proposals often have the option to apply for financial assistance from foundations and other funding sources. It is advisable to explore foundations that specialize in supporting research within your specific field.
• Funding Schemes Outside Switzerland: Many countries have their own science and education funds aimed at encouraging young researchers to pursue studies abroad. These funds offer potential financial support for international PhD programs.

Please note that availability and criteria may vary, so it's essential to explore each funding opportunity thoroughly to determine the best fit for your circumstances.