Geneva concentrates more international organisations per square kilometre than almost any city in the world, and the local school market reflects that. The good news is that Geneva's international schools are well organised and admissions decisions move faster than in many other European cities. The trade-off is that demand is high and waiting lists are real. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks you through how to apply to international schools in Geneva, what documents you need, and how to time the move so your child starts class without losing weeks.
Geneva Admissions at a Glance
Most international schools in Geneva run a continuous admissions cycle: you can apply year-round, but the main intake is in late August. Decisions for the popular year groups (Reception, Year 7, Year 12) are usually taken between January and April for the September start. Apply earlier than you think you should.
Step 1: Shortlist Schools That Match Your Child's Profile
Before contacting any school, narrow the list down to three or four that match your child's age, curriculum needs and the part of Geneva you plan to live in. The lake divides the city in two and traffic crossings in rush hour can add 30-45 minutes each way.
- International School of Geneva (Ecolint) — the oldest international school in the world, with three campuses (La Grande Boissière, La Châtaigneraie, Campus des Nations). Offers IB PYP, MYP, DP plus French Maturité and US High School Diploma at some campuses.
- Collège du Léman — a large boarding and day campus in Versoix with the IB, French Bac and a US-style High School Diploma.
- Institut International de Lancy — bilingual French-English from the early years, IB and French Bac in upper school.
- The British School of Geneva — Cambridge Primary and IGCSE for British-track families.
- Léman International Academy — IB-aligned, smaller setting suitable for families wanting a community feel.
Step 2: Submit the Initial Enquiry
Use the school's online enquiry form rather than a generic email. The systems route enquiries to the right admissions officer and trigger a follow-up within a few business days. Be specific about the child's date of birth, the year of entry, the curriculum they currently follow and your target start date.
Step 3: Prepare the Documentation
Most Geneva schools ask for the same core file. Have these ready as PDFs before you apply:
- Birth certificate (apostilled where required)
- Passport copies for the child and both parents
- School reports for the last two academic years
- Any educational psychology or learning support reports
- A confidential teacher reference (often a school-provided template)
- A recent photograph
- The non-refundable application fee, typically CHF 200-CHF 500
Step 4: Assessment and Interview
Expect an age-appropriate assessment. For early years it is often a play-based observation. From around age 7 the child sits English and maths assessments. Many schools also test the working language (French at bilingual schools) and run a short interview with the parents. Assessments can happen in person, by video call, or in some cases through the child's current school.
Step 5: Offer, Deposit and Enrolment Contract
Once an offer is made, you usually have two to four weeks to accept. Acceptance means signing the enrolment contract and paying a deposit (commonly the equivalent of one term's fees) plus any capital levy. Read the withdrawal clauses carefully: most Geneva schools require one full term's notice to cancel, or the term's fees become payable.
Step 6: Coordinate With Your Relocation and Permit
The school place is conditional on your residency status. Make sure your Swiss work permit or G-permit, your housing contract, and the canton-level commune registration are all in motion before the first day. Schools will not push start dates back if your move slips.
Practical Tips
If you arrive in Geneva and find your first choices full, consider the second-tier schools temporarily and re-apply for the following September. Many families do this successfully, especially when waiting for a place at Ecolint.
Sibling priority is real but not automatic — declare it on the application form. Companies with relocation contracts (FAO, WHO, UN, banks) sometimes hold seats; check with HR.
Compare All International Schools in Geneva
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FAQ
When should I apply to Geneva international schools for a September start?
Apply between September and December of the previous year. Decisions for the popular year groups start landing in January.
Does my child need to speak French to apply?
For English-medium international schools, no. French is taught as a subject. For bilingual or French-track schools, an age-appropriate French level is expected.
What happens if all my preferred schools are full?
You go on the waiting list and look at second-choice schools. Movement on waiting lists usually happens in May and June, when families confirm or release their places.