My appologies to the operators of this forum if am repeating the same issues but I could not find any regarding higher education for children who have passed grade 12.

1. Can anyone be kind enough to let me know how can one enroll in the university of Geneva without having to sit for the mandatory french test? (am an ignorant foreigner bear with me)
2. Have any of you faced problem in getting your sons and daughters in the state run institution for higher learning? How did you solve it?
3. Is it true in French medium colleges in Switzerland the fees are relatively low?

Any help is much appreciated

I know nothing about the University in Geneva, but I am slowly becoming better at looking for Web Sites.

I suggest you take a look through this (it's in English) and see if you can find answers to your questions. If not, you can come back on here and say that you have already studied the Geneva Information. It makes a good impression on folk who might be able to assist you. EFers often prefer to help those who help themselves!

[QUOTE=
.... EFers often prefer to help those who help themselves! [/QUOTE]
Many thanks That was indeed useful

I have already read the link u gave. Which lead to the above questions. I guess I have to go see the Rector or the Director to get those answers...

I don't know if the and the were actually being sarcastic or just joking. I can only say that your post didn't give me the impression that you had already looked up the Geneva Uni Site. There may well be other folk on the Forum who know more though.
Good luck in your search.

In Switzerland, the system is pretty different from the US, where basically everybody can go and get a diploma.

Here, only 15-20% of the students finish high school and then go to university, the rest of the kids doing what we call apprenticeship, where they learn a trade.

To enter university, you must have a high school diploma (maturité fédérale). If you don't have such a diploma, each university also organises what is called 'préalables', that is a specific (and difficult!) exam to assess if you have the right level to attend the classes you wish to follow.

The classes are given in French (except the language classes in Arts, of course), which means that you are supposed to master the language.

Hope this helps!

Ah, and concerning your third question, yes the fees are pretty low (at least compared with other countries!).

In Lausanne, a student in Arts pays 560.-/semester. And yo have to buy the required books, of course.

Many thanks Mélusine! That is really useful info

Obviously not. Says right there:

Just in case someone's bored and looking to study, it's also possible to find courses that are taught in English - a friend of mine is currently taking a Masters degree in some sort of Business Management subject at the University of Lausanne. All teaching and exams are in English.

And yes, it still only costs 560 chfs a semester! Staggering value.

kodokan

Yes, you're right, in HEC they give classes in English. And I heard that in EPFL, where they have a lot of international professors, classes can be given in English as well.