64th GRADUATE STUDY PROGRAMME
The 64th Graduate Study Programme (GSP) will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from 29 June to 10 July 2026, under the theme “AI and Emerging Technologies: Realities, Risks and Opportunities”. This intensive two-week summer seminar will consist of lectures, presentations, work in groups, and visits to institutions, with the objective of providing students with insights into the work of the United Nations and "International Geneva" in the rapidly evolving field of AI and new technologies.
The seminar is open to all currently enrolled graduate students, age 22-32, who are not employed full time and who are fluent in both written and spoken English. The applicants will be screened on the basis of their academic success, extracurricular or professional activities, motivation statements, and recommendation letters. Every effort will be made to ensure equitable gender and regional representation. Decisions by the Selection Committee are final, and no individual feedback will be provided, given the large volume of applications.
The application process is open from 5 December 2025 until 20 February 2026 (12 noon Geneva time). Applications by candidates who do not meet the criteria, late or incomplete applications will not be considered. All applicants will be informed of the results in the first week of April 2026.
To apply, click here.
FAQ
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 advice on this matter.
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.
My proof of enrollment is not in English. What should I do?
You must submit a translation into English, 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 video (maximum 60 seconds)
- 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?
All candidates will be informed of the results in early April 2026. 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.
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