The United Nations Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the United Nations system through first-hand observation and study. The Graduate Study Programme is held at the United Nations Office at Geneva each year during the month of July.

Application Deadline: 5th March 2021

Eligible Countries: All

To Be Taken At (Country): Geneva, Switzerland

About the Award: The 59th Graduate Study Programme will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from Monday, 28 June to Friday, 9 July 2021. It will comprise lectures given by representatives of the United Nations and other Geneva-based organizations, visits to institutions, and daily work in working groups under the guidance of expert moderators. The GSP theme for 2021 will be:

“Post-COVID World: Reset, Resilience, Recovery”

NB: While the organizers expect that the pandemic situation will improve sufficiently by summer 2021 to allow that the 59th GSP take place physically in Geneva, final decision in this regard will be made in the spring. Applicants should bear in mind that, depending on the conditions, the programme might need to take place virtually. All updates will be published on this page.

Type: Conference

Eligibility: The majority of the sessions will be held in English, therefore absolute fluency in English is essential. As several sessions will be held in French, solid working knowledge of French is also required.

Selection and Criteria: The Selection Committee is guided by the following criteria:
• Academic background
• Extracurricular activities
• Geographical balance
• Gender balance
• Knowledge of the two working languages of the Programme (English and French)
• Usefulness of the Programme for the career of the applicant

In order to give the largest number of students the possibility to participate in the Programme, applicants who have already participated in previous editions of the Graduate Study Programme will not be considered by the Committee.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. The Selection Committee does not disclose the motivation of its choices. Decisions of the Selection Committee are final and cannot be appealed.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: Participation in the programme is free. The United Nations does not make any financial contribution towards the travel costs and residential expenses of participants. Governments or universities may offer grants to selected candidates. Candidates should seek advice from their universities on this point.

Duration of Program: 29 June to 10 July 2020.

How to Apply: 

• The application form is to be completed on our website, accompanied by a copy of the applicant’s passport, a letter of recommendation (in English or French only) from a university or a governmental authority, a proof of current enrolment (at the time of application) in a master’s degree programme or a postgraduate degree programme, and university diplomas obtained.It is important to go through all application requirements on the Programme Webpage see link below) before applying
• GOODLUCK!

Visit the Program Webpage for Details

Important Notes: Please note that incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.