United Nations 2021 Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme (GSP) Geneva, Switzerland

The United Nations Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme (GSP) is the longest-running educational programme of the United Nations. Now in its 59th year, over the decades the GSP has trained thousands of youth from over 100 countries. 

The seminar provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the United Nations System and the International Geneva through first-hand observations, lectures, research, group work, and visits to Geneva-based institutions.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations
• UN Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme
• Requirements for UN Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UN Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations

The English language component of the Indigenous Fellowship Programme (IFP) was established in 1997. It takes place at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland and lasts for 4 weeks, usually coinciding with the annual meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). The objective of this training programme is to enhance the knowledge of indigenous peoples on existing international human rights instruments and mechanisms, so they can use them to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities ...... continue reading

UN Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme

Requirements for UN Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme Qualification

1. Fluency in English is essential.
2. As several sessions and discussions may be held in French, working knowledge of French is also needed.
3. Applicants must be between 22 and 32 years of age at the time of application.
4. Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s degree programme or a postgraduate degree programme at the time of application.
5. Applicants who have already participated in previous editions of the Graduate Study Programme will not be able to apply again.

Interview date, Process and Venue for UN Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme

Participants in the Graduate Study Programme are selected by a Selection Committee composed of officials of the United Nations Office at Geneva with various backgrounds and professional experiences.

The Selection Committee is guided by the following criteria:

1. Academic background
2. Extracurricular activities
3. Geographical balance
4. Gender balance
5. Knowledge of the two working languages of the Programme (English and French)
6. Usefulness of the Programme for the career of the applicant

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.

Candidates will be notified of the Selection Committee's decision via email by Monday, 19 April 2021.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

1. Students interested in participating in the 2021 Graduate Study Programme must submit their application online until Friday, 5 March 2021. No applications will be accepted after this date.
2. 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.
3. Please note that incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

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. Applications from candidates who are already employed full time will not be considered.

Participation in this programme is free of charge. The United Nations does not make any financial contribution towards visa, travel, board and lodging costs of participants. Governments, universities or foundations may offer grants to selected candidates. Candidates should seek advice from their universities in this regard.

For more details, visit UN website