Admission Requirements

The European Graduate School / EGS is a private, non-profit graduate school that is tuition funded. Committed to offering its students rewarding experiences of the highest academic standard affordably, the EGS strives to maintain low operating costs. We thus have less amenities than a full-service Higher Education Institution, but our costs are considerably lower than those of most private institutions of higher learning. Our funds are directed first and foremost to the high quality of the learning experience.

For admission to the Masters programs in the Division Arts, Health & Society at the European Graduate School EGS, students must provide proof of an accredited Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent. The EGS is able to offer applicants without a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent an opportunity to study at this institution leading to a Masters Degree, provided that they pass the Access Exam before the qualifying third year Summer Session. For admission to the Doctoral program, students must provide proof of an accredited Masters degree. Only complete application forms will be reviewed. A rolling admissions basis ensures an expedient response.

EGS may give transfer credits toward the Masters degree to students who take or took modules at Cooperating Universities and Institutes under the terms of the Bologna Educational Treaty. Curriculum compatibility and quality control is secured through the Academic Advisory Board and follows the standards for international Universities.

In addition, applicants to the Masters degree programs must pass an interview with a designated teaching staff member of the EGS (core faculty), assistant to the dean or dean. This can be done at any Introductory Course at EGS or other occasions where core faculty members, deans or the assistant to the dean are present. A prospective student must complete the introductory course in Expressive Arts (or an approved alternative). Please check with the EGS office for your most convenient available opportunities.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Registration for Summer Session Modules

Registration is required for each Summer Session and the modules throughout the year. Registration forms are included in the Summer Session Program brochures, can be obtained from the EGS registration office in Visp, Switzerland or you will find all registration forms in the Download area

Due to limited space, registration for the Summer Session will be completed on a first-come first-served basis. Registration period is until April 30.

A limited number of registrations will be accepted after that date if space is available. Please fill out the appropriate registration form and return it to the EGS administration office by e-mail.

Students registered fort he EGS Summer Session Modules must book and pay the room and board fees directly to the EGS campus Hotel Allalin. Please note that students are required to book accommodations during their stay for the EGS seminars in Saas-Fee through the EGS campus Hotel Allalin only.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Applications for the Programs

Applications are being accepted for admission to the following Programs, on a rolling base:

• M.A. in Expressive Arts Therapy
• M.A. in Expressive Arts Coaching and Consulting
• M.A. in Expressive Arts Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding
• Qualifying Phase of the Ph.D. in Expressive Arts: 
Advanced Graduate Study in Expressive Arts
• Doctoral Program (PhD)

As an applicant to the Masters programs, you must submit an Online Application Form, and enclose a copy of your Bachelors Degree or its equivalent. Required documents and information:

• Completed Application form
• A copy of undergraduate diploma or copy of the highest certificate or diploma achieved
• Completed Admission interview
• An updated resume
• At least one letter of recommendation
• A statement of intention
• Paid (or pending) application fee

If you do not have a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent, please enclose all copies of your Diplomas, transcripts, letters of recommendation from present or past employers and an updated resume (typed).
After EGS receives your application with all the needed information, the admissions committee will evaluate it. Should your academic background not be sufficient, an EGS “Access Advisor” will meet with you to discuss the Access Exam (Bachelor Waiver Procedure).
Applicants to the Doctoral program must submit an Online Application Form and enclose a copy of their Masters degree, a letter of recommendation from a past or present employer, an updated resume and a two-page Statement of Interest.
The language of instruction at The EGS is English. Applicants who have not already completed a university degree where English was the language of instruction should submit TOEFL test results to The EGS.
TOEFL Educational Testing Service Code:
European Graduate School: 7418 or 7394

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

For admission to the Masters programs at the European Graduate School EGS, students must provide proof of an accredited Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent. The EGS is able to offer applicants without a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent an opportunity to study at this institution leading to a Masters Degree, provided that they pass the Access Exam before the qualifying third year Summer Session. For admission to the Doctoral program, students must provide proof of an accredited Masters degree. Only complete application forms will be reviewed. A rolling admissions basis ensures an expedient response.

The EGS Bachelor Waiver Procedure

The European Graduate School EGS is able to offer applicants without a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent an opportunity to study at this institution in programs leading to a Masters Degree, provided that they pass the Access Exam.

The Application
As an applicant, you must submit an EGS application form, and enclose a copy of your Bachelors Degree or its equivalent. If you do not have a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent, please enclose all copies of your Diplomas, transcripts, letters of recommendation from present or past employers and an updated resume (typed). After EGS receives your application with all the needed information, the admissions committee will evaluate it. Should your academic background not be sufficient, an EGS Access Advisor will meet with you to discuss the Bachelor Waiver Procedure (Access Exam).

The Access Exam
The Access Exam can contain (according to the applicant’s prior qualifications):

• Evaluation of the applicant’s formal education and validation of Professional and Life Experiences (VPLE)
• Accredited courses or lectures from educational institutions
• Written exam / Oral exam

The Access Advisor will be able to help and advise applicants to prepare for the exam. The Access Advisor will be available for personal meetings with Summer Session students on site at Saas-Fee.
An appointment is required.

TUITION & FEES

The application fee has to be paid upon submitting the application documents. Tuition has to be paid directly with the registration. Students are only permitted to attend the Summer Sessions seminars in Saas-Fee, if the payment of the application fee and tuition are fully remitted according to the payment contract. Tuition has to be paid directly with the registration.

Proof of payment for the tuition fee must be enclosed when returning the registration form for Summer Sessions to the EGS office.

Further Notes:
As part of their requirements during the year, Qualifying Phase of the Ph.D. in Expressive Arts students may have to pay for local supervision of teaching and a fee for auditing an intensive seminar (unless they serve as an assistant in the field project).

REFUND POLICY

Refund of payments for Summer Sessions MA or Qualifying Phase of the Ph.D. in Expressive Arts.          In order to receive a refund, withdrawal from Summer Session must occur one month prior to the start of the session. A CHF 400.- fee will be charged. Later cancellation will only be refunded if the student provides another participant.

FINANCIAL AID

The different kinds of financial aid a student is able to receive during their studies at EGS are outlined below. The distribution of financial aid depends on available funds.

Deferred Payment-Plan for tuition and fees

You can find the document in the Downloads under “Application & Registration – Financial Aid – “Deferred Payment Plan”. We kindly ask you to fill out, sign and send back as pdf to: administration@egs.edu until the latest May 31, 2024.

The Payment Plan will be valid, as soon as you receive the document back with the signature of the EGS Office. Please note that the Diploma will only be issued if all administrative and financial matters are fulfilled. You can find the document in the Downloads under “Application & Registration – Financial Aid – “Application Deferred Payment Plan 2024”.

Workstudy for Summer Sessions at EGS

The EGS is looking for student support during the two Summer School sessions. EGS offers a Workstudy Program designed for students able to demonstrate financial need who are willing to take on responsibility for certain tasks during their Summer School session.

EGS offers the following work- study positions: class contact, art material, musical instruments, bookstore, student lounge, technical assistance, and social media. The EGS office reviews the applications and the committee of Financial Aid distributes the positions on a first-come first-served basis.

The work-study handouts are available in the Downloads under “Application & Registration – Financial Aid – EGS Descriptions Workstudy”.

This program offers financial compensation appropriate to the specific task demands, currently CHF 600.  Students interested in participating in the EGS Workstudy Program are required to have a confirmed registration with a down payment of 50% of tuition. The Office will let the student know which exact Workstudy position the student will be assigned to at least one week prior to the start of Summer Session 1. They distribute the positions according the student competences.

Application deadline is April 30th. All Workstudy positions are on a first come first-served basis available.
Applications should be sent by email directly to the EGS office of the European Graduate School. You can find the document in the Downloads under “Application & Registration – Financial Aid – “Application Workstudy Summer Session 2024”.

Paolo Knill Scholarship Fund

The Paolo Knill Scholarship Fund is currently closed. All positions were distributed.

Canadian Student Loans

For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and designated as protected persons, it is possible to obtain loans for the full cost oft attendance. Students from Canada who want to apply for a Canadian loan have full time status and study all residencies on Campus Saas Fee.
You must also have already been admitted to one of the Masters or Doctoral Programs of AHS.
Notice when applying that the AHS programs are full time programs. For details of your eligibility please visit www.canlearn.ca

Rotary Clubs Scholarship

For Graduate students and pursuing vocational studies from various countries. Application deadline varies according to country. Please note, rotary clubs around the world have their own criteria. For more details, check your local rotary club.

MATCHING SCHOLARSHIPS

Application for Matching Scholarship

The European Graduate School offers a Matching Scholarship program. It is intended exclusively for students who are unable to finance their studies themselves. The EGS offers a Matching Scholarship program, in which the Higher Education Institution matches money raised by the student up to a limit of $2,000/CHF 1700 per student per year. The money to be matched may be raised from public institutions, employers and any scholarship-providing organization – bank and government loans are not eligible for matching funds.

Students interested in the Matching Scholarship Program must have a confirmed Application for the Summer Session with a deposit of 50% of the Tuition fees and meet all requirements mentioned in the Application.

To apply for a Matching Scholarship, please fill out the Application form and send it together with the relevant documents by e-mail directly to the EGS office of the European Graduate School.

The Application Deadline is on April 30, 2024.

All further information and conditions can be found in the policy: “Scholarship and Work Study Policy at the European Graduate School”. In order to apply for a Matching Scholarship please fill out the application form and send it by E-Mail along with the appropriate documentation directly to the EGS office of the European Graduate School.

1. You will first receive a Confirmation of Receipt
2. Within two weeks, the student will receive feedback on whether or not they will receive the position.
   a. If the position has been awarded, you will directly receive a new balance sheet with the amount deducted.
   b. If documents were missing, the student has 7 more days to submit the documents.

Only complete Applications are considered.

• Applications with collected money that do not come from public institutions, will not be considered.
• If you have already paid the full tuition fee for Summer Session, the Application will not be taken into consideration.
• With Application: The amount to be matched that has been collected from sponsors must be transferred to the EGS bank account as a down-payment towards the student’s annual tuition

You can find the Application Form (as well as the template of the “Worksheet Budget and Property”) in the Downloads under “Application & Registration” / Financial Aid.
(Downloads is the green button in the right upper corner of our website)

The items mentioned below must be submitted by the student when applying for a Matching Scholarship:

1. Filled-in and signed „Matching Scholarship“ form
2. A copy of your tax returns for the last two years (or if you have not paid taxes, a confirmation about it)
3. A budget-plan of the academic year the scholarship is being requested (template available on our website)
4. A list of real estate and other property, including vehicles (template available on our website

Workstudy for Summer Sessions at EGS

The EGS is looking for student support during the two Summer School sessions. EGS offers a Workstudy Program designed for students able to demonstrate financial need who are willing to take on responsibility for certain tasks during their Summer School session.

EGS offers the following work- study positions: class contact, art material, musical instruments, bookstore, student lounge, technical assistance, and social media. The EGS office reviews the applications and the committee of Financial Aid distributes the positions on a first-come first-served basis.

The work-study handouts are available in the Downloads under “Application & Registration – Financial Aid – EGS Descriptions Workstudy”.

This program offers financial compensation appropriate to the specific task demands, currently CHF 600.  Students interested in participating in the EGS Workstudy Program are required to have a confirmed registration with a down payment of 50% of tuition. The Office will let the student know which exact Workstudy position the student will be assigned to at least one week prior to the start of Summer Session 1. They distribute the positions according the student competences.

Application deadline is April 30th. All Workstudy positions are on a first come first-served basis available.
Applications should be sent by email directly to the EGS office of the European Graduate School. You can find the document in the Downloads under “Application & Registration – Financial Aid – “Application Workstudy Summer Session 2024”.

Paolo Knill Scholarship Fund

For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and designated as protected persons, it is possible to obtain loans for the full cost oft attendance. Students from Canada who want to apply for a Canadian loan have full time status and study all residencies on Campus Saas Fee.
You must also have already been admitted to one of the Masters or Doctoral Programs of AHS.
Notice when applying that the AHS programs are full time programs. For details of your eligibility please visit www.canlearn.ca

Rotary Clubs Scholarship

For Graduate students and pursuing vocational studies from various countries. Application deadline varies according to country. Please note, rotary clubs around the world have their own criteria. For more details, check your local rotary club.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visa Requirements for European Countries – Courses Steinmatte/Saas-Fee (CH)

(Schengen Agreement): If you are not a resident of the United States, Canada or Europe, please inquire at the Swiss Embassy about current Visitor Visa regulations for Switzerland (Schengen agreement) at least one month prior to departure!

Visa Requirements for Courses in Valletta/Malta

Students should give attention to the indications offered in an official statement from Malta’s Central Visa Unit. This information can be found here.

Please check with the EGS office for further details.

ROOM AND BOARD

The Hotel Allalin, our exclusive accommodations partner, provides all of the room and board for EGS students during their studies in Saas-Fee.

1-room-, 2-room and 3-room apartments are available in residence buildings, neighboring hotels and there is a limited number of rooms at the Hotel Allalin. The rates for full room and board correspond to low cost dormitories in Switzerland.

Students must book their room and board directly with the Hotel Allalin. The hotel also offers reduced rates for family members or friends visiting during the summer programs. All meals (three daily) are served at the Allalin Hotel. The hotel provides meals for vegetarians and vegans, but is not able to address individual allergies like gluten.

The Allalin Hotel is obligated by contract to provide our students exceptional rates for lodging, meals and Internet access. The accrediting state and the town of Saas-Fee has built the EGS campus buildings in 2001 and the Hotel Allalin has committed to rent and run the Steinmatte Campus for at least 10 years and is in charge for maintenance of the buildings and for lodging of students. This arrangement helps keep students costs reasonable. The use of the campus is included in the Allalin rates.

Sabrina and Eva Zurbriggen are the 4th generation owners/managers of the Hotel Allalin and the Zurbriggen family guarantees a quality, warm and pleasant atmosphere.

For more information please contact:
Hotel Allalin
Sabrina and Eva Zurbriggen
Lomattenstrasse 7
3906 Saas-Fee
Switzerland
Tel. +41 27 958 1000
Fax +41 27 958 1001
Website
Reservation Room and Board