Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

Where heritage meets the future of global creative innovation.

📍 Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Quick Facts about Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 700
  • International: 40%
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $580 – $580/year
  • Language: French, English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
  • Intakes: Fall

About Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

Haute école d’art et de design Genève (HEAD) is one of Europe’s leading institutions for art and design, recognized for its creative excellence and innovative spirit. Part of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), the school offers a dynamic environment where tradition meets contemporary experimentation. Its reputation attracts a diverse community of creators who seek to push the boundaries of visual culture and spatial design.

Academics

The university is organized into several key departments including Fine Arts, Cinema, Interior Architecture, and Visual Communication, alongside specialized programs in Fashion and Accessory Design. The teaching approach emphasizes project-based learning and critical thinking, encouraging students to develop a unique artistic voice through hands-on studio work. Notable strengths include its Master’s programs in Media Design and Space and Communication, which integrate digital technology with traditional craftsmanship. This multidisciplinary framework ensures that students gain both technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the social impact of their work.

International Students

HEAD maintains a highly international atmosphere, with students representing over 40 different nationalities. While the primary language of instruction is French, many Master’s programs are accessible to English speakers, and the school provides extensive support for international integration. The International Relations office assists with visas and housing, while various student organizations foster a vibrant community through exhibitions and collaborative events. This diverse environment allows students to build global networks and engage with a wide range of cultural perspectives throughout their studies.

Campus & Location

The school is situated in the heart of Geneva, a global hub for diplomacy, finance, and culture. The campus is spread across several historic and modern buildings, including the award-winning Campus HEAD which features state-of-the-art workshops and exhibition spaces. Students benefit from Geneva’s efficient public transportation system and its proximity to major cultural institutions like the MAMCO museum. The city’s lakeside setting and international flair provide a high quality of life and endless inspiration for young designers and artists.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of HEAD enjoy high employment rates due to the school’s strong ties with the luxury, watchmaking, and media industries. The Career Service offers dedicated coaching and connects students with prestigious employers such as Richemont, Rolex, and various international NGOs. Many alumni also find success in the startup culture or as independent artists, supported by the school’s focus on professional practice and entrepreneurship. The institution’s extensive network of industry partners ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the global creative market.

Information for International Students at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) in Geneva, Switzerland welcomes international students, with 40% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 40% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$1000/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: French, English

Admissions Requirements for Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD):

  • IELTS minimum: 6
  • TOEFL minimum: 72
  • Duolingo minimum: 100
  • Application fee: $150
  • Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
  • Application deadline: 2026-03-02

Apply to Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) →

Programs at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) (20 programs)

Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) offers 20 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (8)

  • BA Cinema (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Covers directing, editing, sound, and image for film production. Students learn the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking.
    Field: Cinema/Film
    Career outcomes: Filmmaker, editor, cinematographer, producer
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Illustration (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    A specialized track within Visual Communication focusing on narrative drawing and editorial design.
    Field: Visual Arts
    Career outcomes: Illustrator, comic book artist, editorial designer
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Chair of Watch Design (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    A unique program focusing on the technical and aesthetic design of timepieces for the luxury market.
    Field: Watch Design
    Career outcomes: Watch designer, luxury goods designer
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Fine Arts (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Focuses on contemporary artistic practices including painting, sculpture, and installation. Students prepare for careers as independent artists and curators.
    Field: Fine Arts
    Career outcomes: Independent artist, curator, art teacher, cultural mediator
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Visual Communication (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Focuses on typography, branding, and digital media. Students prepare for roles in graphic design and art direction.
    Field: Graphic Design
    Career outcomes: Graphic designer, art director, web designer
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Product Design / Jewellery & Accessory (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Covers the design of objects, jewelry, and fashion accessories from concept to production.
    Field: Product Design
    Career outcomes: Product designer, jeweler, accessory designer
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Interior Architecture (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Explores the design of private and public spaces, furniture, and scenography. Graduates work in interior architecture and set design.
    Field: Space Design
    Career outcomes: Interior architect, set designer, furniture designer
    Deadline: Early March annually
  • BA Fashion Design (BA) — 36 months · French · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Focuses on garment construction, textile research, and collection design for the fashion industry.
    Field: Fashion
    Career outcomes: Fashion designer, stylist, pattern maker
    Deadline: Early March annually

Master Programs (11)

  • MA Fine Arts - Work.Master (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Studio-based program for developing a professional artistic practice in contemporary art.
    Field: Contemporary Art
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Interior Architecture (MAIA) (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Vocational course exploring contemporary interior spaces and narratives through advanced design research.
    Field: Interior Design
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Chair of Watch Design (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Advanced specialization in horological design and luxury markets for the watchmaking industry.
    Field: Watch Design
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Fine Arts - TRANSform (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Focuses on art in the public sphere and social/educational mediation for socially engaged artistic practices.
    Field: Socially Engaged Art
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Media Design (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on AI, game design, and human-machine interaction for advanced interaction design careers.
    Field: Interaction Design
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Fine Arts - CCC (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Research-based program focusing on the intersection of art, theory, and digital culture through critical curatorial cybermedia.
    Field: Critical Curatorial Cybermedia
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Cinema (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Advanced training in filmmaking and film production, often in collaboration with ECAL.
    Field: Film Production
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Space and Communication (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Focuses on exhibition design, brand spaces, and communication in physical environments.
    Field: Scenography
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Fashion and Accessory Design (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Advanced collection development and fashion industry research for professional designers.
    Field: Fashion
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • Master Innokick (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Interdisciplinary program for product development and innovation in collaboration with other HES-SO schools.
    Field: Innovation
    Deadline: Late March annually
  • MA Visual Knowledge (MA) — 24 months · English · $2,250/yr · Scholarship available
    Focuses on the production and circulation of images in contemporary society and visual theory.
    Field: Visual Theory
    Deadline: Late March annually

PhD Programs (1)

  • PhD in Art and Design (Partnership with EPFL/EDAR) (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    A practice-based doctorate in collaboration with EPFL focusing on advanced research in art and design.
    Field: Art and Design
    Career outcomes: Researcher, Professor, Advanced practitioner

Scholarships & Tuition at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

Annual tuition for international students: $580 – $580/year

✅ Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Campus & Facilities at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Urban
  • Average class size: 20
  • Housing cost: ~$1000/month

Key Highlights

  • Leading European art and design institution
  • Part of the HES-SO university network
  • Diverse community from over forty nationalities
  • Project-based learning with critical thinking focus
  • Located in the heart of Geneva
  • Multidisciplinary programs in art and cinema

Accreditation

  • AAQ (Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance)
  • HES-SO

Fields of Study at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

  • Art
  • Design

Notable Alumni

  • Laurence Boissier
  • Sonia Kacem
  • Emmanuel Tarpin
  • Emmanuelle Antille

Frequently Asked Questions about Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)

What is Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)?

Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) is a public university located in Geneva, Switzerland. It has approximately 700 students, with 40% being international students.

How much does it cost to study at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)?

Tuition fees at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) for international students range from $580 – $580/year. Student housing costs approximately $1000/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)?

IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 72. Duolingo minimum: 100. Application fee: $150. Selectivity: Very Selective (&lt;20%). Application deadline: 2026-03-02.

What language are courses taught in at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD)?

Courses at Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) are taught in French and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.

How many programs does Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) offer?

Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) offers 20 programs: 8 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.

Does Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) offer scholarships?

Yes, Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) provide visa support?

Yes, Haute école d'art et de design Genève (HEAD) provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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