United Nations Information Service Graduate Study Programme 2023 for Graduates Worldwide

 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: 3rd March 2023

Eligible Countries: All

To Be Taken At (Country): Geneva, Switzerland

About the Award: The jubilee 61^st Graduate Study Programme will consist of lectures given by representatives of the United Nations, other international organizations and NGOs, visits to institutions, and working on group projects.

The first week of the Programme will provide an overview of some of the main themes addressed by “International Geneva”, such as sustainable development, humanitarian action, disarmament, peace and security, trade, climate, health, gender equality, education, refugees and migrants. In the second week, the focus will switch to human rights, part of the year-long initiative to mark the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Type: Conference

Eligibility: 

• Fluency in spoken and written English is necessary. As some discussions may be held in French, knowledge of French is also recommended.
• Applicants must be between 22 and 32 years of age at the time of application.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s degree, a postgraduate degree, or a doctorate programme at the time of application. Proof of enrolment will be required.
• Those who are already employed full-time are not eligible to apply.
• Those who have participated in previous editions of the Graduate Study Programme are not eligible to apply.

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 Graduate Study Programme is free of charge. At the same time, please bear in mind that the United Nations does not make any financial contribution towards visa, travel, board and lodging costs of participants. Governments, universities, private foundations, companies, or charities may offer grants to selected candidates.

Duration of Program: 3 – 14 July 2023

How to Apply: 

• The application form shall be completed on our website, accompanied by the following documents:
• a copy of the applicant’s passport;
• a letter of recommendation (in English or in French) from a university or a governmental authority;
• a proof of current enrolment (at the time of application) in a master’s degree, a postgraduate degree, or a doctorate programme;
• copies of previous university diplomas obtained
• a curriculum vitae;
• a short motivation letter (300 words maximum).
• Please note that incomplete applications, or submitted without the documents mentioned above, will be automatically eliminated.Z
• Once selected, successful candidates will be asked ahead of time to provide a medical certificate attesting their good health and a proof of medical insurance coverage in Switzerland for the duration of the GSP. These two documents will be accepted in English or French only.
• GOODLUCK!

Visit the Program Webpage for Details