The Graduate Study Programme (GSP) at United Nations Office at Geneva is the longest-running educational initiative of the United Nations. For more than 63 years, nearly 3,500 young people from over 120 countries have successfully completed this prestigious programme.
This intensive two-week summer seminar helps participants deepen their understanding of the United Nations and International Geneva through:
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Expert lectures and presentations
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Academic research and group work
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Visits to international institutions
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High-level networking opportunities
64th Graduate Study Programme 2026 Overview
The 64th Graduate Study Programme will take place at the Palais des Nations from 29 June to 10 July 2026.
Theme for 2026:
AI and Emerging Technologies: Realities, Risks and Opportunities
The programme will focus on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping:
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Global governance
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Human rights
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Development
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Peace and security
Participants will take part in:
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Lectures and expert presentations
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Collaborative group projects
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Institutional visits across the UN system
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Networking with UN officials, diplomats, and global experts
Who Can Apply for the UN Graduate Study Programme 2026
The seminar is open to currently enrolled graduate students who meet the following criteria:
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Age between 22 and 32 years at the time of application
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Completion of a Bachelor’s degree
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Current enrolment in a graduate programme
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Fluency in written and spoken English
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Not employed full time
Applicants are assessed based on:
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Academic performance
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Extracurricular and professional experience
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Motivation statement
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Recommendation letter
The programme also ensures equitable gender and regional representation. All decisions by the Selection Committee are final, and individual feedback is not provided.
UN Graduate Study Programme 2026 Application Timeline
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Applications open: 5 December 2025
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Application deadline: 20 February 2026 at 12 noon Geneva time
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Results announced: First week of April 2026
Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be considered.
Is the UN Graduate Study Programme Free
Participation in the programme is free of charge. However, participants must cover their own expenses, including:
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International travel
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Visa fees
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Daily living expenses
The United Nations does not provide scholarships, sponsorships, or financial aid. Some past participants have received external funding from:
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Universities
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National governments
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Foundations
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Alumni organizations
Required Documents for the UN GSP Application
Applicants must upload the following documents through the online application system:
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CV (maximum one page)
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Motivation video (maximum 60 seconds)
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Recommendation letter (maximum one page)
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Copy of a valid passport
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National ID card for EU and EFTA nationals (accepted instead of passport)
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Bachelor’s degree certificate
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Proof of current graduate enrolment
If any document is not in English, an official English translation must be submitted alongside the original version.
All documents must be uploaded by the applicant. Referees cannot submit documents separately.
Apply for the 64th Graduate Study Programme (GSP)
Before starting your application, make sure that all required files are fully prepared. Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered.
Important Application Instructions
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Respond carefully and truthfully to all questions in the application form
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Attach all required documents before submitting
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Ensure that your CV and recommendation letter are each no longer than one page
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Both the CV and recommendation letter must be written in English
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Your video statement must not exceed 60 seconds
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The video must be:
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Recorded in English
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In vertical format
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With a plain background
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Without additional editing or AI enhancement
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The video must be uploaded to one of the following platforms:
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YouTube
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Vimeo
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Dropbox
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OneDrive
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Google Drive
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The video link must be included in the application form
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Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered
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You can apply only once
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The final deadline to apply is 20 February 2026 at 12 noon Geneva time (CET)
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All candidates will be informed of the outcome in the first week of April 2026
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The programme team will not provide individual status updates before results are released
Application Rules and Technical Guidelines
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Applications submitted by email are not accepted
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Only applications completed through the official online system before the deadline are valid
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No confirmation email is sent after submission
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If all required fields are completed and the submit button is clicked, the application is considered successfully submitted
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If technical issues occur, applicants should restart the application and confirm all required fields are completed before uploading documents
Career Opportunities After the Graduate Study Programme
The Graduate Study Programme is not a job placement or recruitment scheme. However, the programme offers:
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Direct exposure to United Nations operations
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Insight into international policymaking
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High-level global networking
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Strong academic and professional credibility
Financial Aid and External Support
The United Nations does not provide financial aid for this programme. However, past participants have received support from:
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Universities
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National governments
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Foundations
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Alumni networks
Communication and Follow-Up After Submission
Applicants should ensure that the email address provided in the application form is accurate. Due to the high volume of applications:
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Individual corrections cannot be made after submission
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Selection results are sent only to the email address provided in the application
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If selected, applicants will be contacted directly by the GSP team
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If no response is received by the end of April 2026, the application should be considered unsuccessful
All candidates will be informed of their application outcome in early April 2026. Due to the volume of applications, individual feedback is not provided. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply again in future years.
How to Apply for the UN Geneva Graduate Study Programme 2026
Applicants must submit their application through the official UN Geneva Graduate Study Programme application portal during the open application period.
Contact Information
For additional questions or official inquiries regarding the Graduate Study Programme, applicants should use the official contact form on the programme website.
More Info: https://www.ungeneva.org/en/engage/students-graduates/graduate-study-programme