General Information

Is the programme free of charge?
Yes. Participation is free, but participants are responsible for their own expenses, including travel, visa, accommodation, and meals. The UN is not in a position to provide scholarships or sponsorships, or to provide advise on this matter.

Where can I find information about the 2026 edition?
All details — including eligibility, deadlines, programme structure, and application instructions — will be available on this page in December 2025. 

Eligibility & Academic Requirements

How old do I need to be in order to apply?

All candidates must be between 22 and 32 years old at the time of application.

Do I need to have a Bachelor’s degree to apply?
Yes. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree and you must also be enrolled in a graduate programme at the time of application.

What languages can I submit my documents in?
English or French are both accepted for all application documents.

My proof of enrollment is not in English or French. What should I do?
You must submit an official translation into English or French, in addition to the original document.

What other eligibility criteria do I have to meet ?

You must be fluent in English (written and spoken) and not be employed full time.

Application Process

How do I submit my reference letter?
You must upload it yourself with the rest of your application. We do not contact referees directly.

Can my referee submit the letter separately for confidentiality reasons?
No. All documents must be submitted through the application portal at the same time.

Is there a word limit for the motivation letter and recommendation?
While there is no strict word limit, each document must fit on one page.

What documents do I need to upload?
You’ll be asked to upload:

• CV (maximum one page)
• Motivation letter (maximum one page)
• Recommendation letter (maximum one page)
• Copy of your passport (or national ID for EU/EFTA nationals)
• Bachelor's diploma
• Proof of current graduate enrolment

Can I apply with just a national ID instead of a passport?
Only EU/EFTA nationals may submit their national identity card instead of a passport.

Technical & Submission Issues

I submitted my application but did not get a confirmation email. What now?
No confirmation email is sent. If you completed all fields, attached your documents, and clicked submit, your application was received.

I had technical issues just before the deadline. Can I submit by email?
Unfortunately, we do not accept any applications or documents by email. Only submissions completed through the online system before the deadline are valid.

I can’t upload one of the documents. What should I do?
Try restarting the application. If the issue persists, ensure all required fields are completed before uploading.

Outcomes & Opportunities

Are there other similar programmes or job prospects after GSP?
We are only responsible for the Graduate Study Programme in Geneva and we cannot advise on other programmes. While GSP is not a job placement scheme, it offers valuable exposure and networking opportunities. 

Is financial aid available?
No, financial aid is provided by the UN. However, some past participants in the past have received support from their universities, national governments, foundations, or alumni groups.

Communication & Follow-up

I may have submitted my application with the wrong email address. What should I do?
Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications received, we are not able to confirm or correct individual submissions. If you have submitted your application, please note that selection results are only sent to the email address provided in the application form. If selected, you will be contacted by the GSP team. If you do not receive any news by the end of April, you can assume your application was not successful.

Will I receive feedback if I am not selected?
Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback. However, if you remain eligible next year, we encourage you to apply again.