UN Geneva offers a range of activities for students and graduates of various backgrounds. You can apply to participate in one of our calendar activities or request an organized group visit during which you can learn and discuss about a variety of topics related to the United Nations that are relevant for your field.
You need information about the United Nations, the League of Nations or the history of international cooperation? Browse our resources for your research project. In addition to the content available online, our library and archives staff are available to assist you.
The UN offers different programmes for students and young professionals who are interested in joining its work force. To find out more about prospective careers at the United Nations, please visit our dedicated careers page.
This page offers an overview of several educational programmes offered at UN Geneva which may complement your studies in the following fields:
The UN and multilateralism
Graduate Study Programme
The United Nations Information Service’s Graduate Study Programme provides an opportunity for young postgraduate students 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.
Advanced Training Program for university students
The Advanced Training Program, offered by the World Federation of United Nations Associations, targets university students in undergraduate or graduate programs. It provides universities with a unique chance to offer their current and prospective students a program at the United Nations headquarters in New York and in Geneva. In addition to offering students a rare and intimate view into the workings of the UN, participating universities and our education partners are aiding in the career development and future of the next generation of leaders.
Human rights
Human Rights Moot Court
The Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court is a competition between students taking place annually at UN Geneva. Students from across the world meet at the Palais des Nations to debate a hypothetical human rights case from a victim’s versus a state’s perspective. The World Moot Court is the largest gathering of students, academics and judges around the theme of human rights in the world. It is co-organized by the Human Rights Council Branch in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria.
Human Rights Council Training Programme
This course offered by UNITAR runs in parallel to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and aims at providing participants with in-depth knowledge on human rights and the functioning of the UN's key body to promote them.
In line with UNITAR's mandate, this programme aspires to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in the areas of human rights and international affairs.
Security and Disarmament
Youth Disarmament Orientation Course (online)
The UNIDIR Youth Disarmament Orientation Course allows you to explore and understand the key concepts in disarmament and arms control and to get the latest insights into key topics in the area, including weapons of mass destruction, small arms and light weapons, security in outer space, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Geneva offers an opportunity for emerging biosecurity leaders from the Global South to:
- Learn & Lead: Deepen your expertise on biosecurity and disarmament to build confidence and leadership.
- Think & Act: Discuss perspectives with senior experts and develop practical proposals to strengthen biosecurity.
- Engage & Connect: Network with young experts from across disciplines and regions within an international community.
Law
International Law Seminar
The Seminar takes place on an annual basis and aims to enable postgraduate students or young university teachers specialised in international law, as well as young lawyers working in the international law field, to widen their knowledge of both the work of the International Law Commission and of the codification and progressive development of international law. It also provides an opportunity for lawyers coming from different legal systems and cultures to exchange views regarding items on the agenda of the Commission.
International Property Law
Joint Master's Programme
The WIPO Academy offers Joint Master’s Programs in intellectual property (including LL.M. programs) in cooperation with prestigious universities and IP offices across the world. The programs run for a year to a year and a half, and the curricula are jointly developed by the WIPO Academy and respective partner institutions.
Summer School
The WIPO Academy Summer Schools provide an opportunity for university students and young professionals to acquire a deeper knowledge of intellectual property (IP) law, and how it can be used as a tool for economic empowerment, as well as the role of WIPO in the administration and the provision of global IP services.
Sciences
WHO Briefing Centre
The WHO Briefing Centre provides an educational service to students and young professionals from a variety of disciplines through interactive briefing sessions (face-to-face or virtual) on public health topics. WHO experts engage with thousands of young people each year to not only help them understand the unique role and mandate of WHO but also to interact with them in a meaningful way about important issues that affect them, as well as opportunities and challenges related to global health. We seek to include diverse disciplines, geographical regions, genders and income groups in our work.
Young Earth System Scientists Community
YESS, the Young Earth System Scientists community, which works in close partnership with the World Meteorological Organization, strives to help shape the future of Earth system science, by fostering international and transdisciplinary leaders of tomorrow who pioneer the development and delivery of research and knowledge, which provide solutions to benefit society, towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
The community is geared at early career researchers (Master student, PhD candidate, Postdoc, or researcher within 7 years of highest obtained degree) in the Earth system sciences.