• Fluency in spoken and written English is necessary. As some discussions may be held in French, knowledge of French is also recommended.
• Applicants must be between 22 and 32 years of age at the time of application.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s degree, a postgraduate degree, or a doctorate programme at the time of application. Proof of enrolment will be required.
• Those who are already employed full-time are not eligible to apply.
• Those who have participated in previous editions of the Graduate Study Programme are not eligible to apply.

Students who wish to participate in the 2023 Graduate Study Programme must submit their application online by Friday, 3 March 2023, 12 noon Geneva time. No applications will be accepted after this time.

The application form shall be completed on our websiteOpens in new window, accompanied by the following documents:

1. a copy of the applicant’s passport;
2. a letter of recommendation (in English or in French) from a university or a governmental authority;
3. a proof of current enrolment (at the time of application) in a master’s degree, a postgraduate degree, or a doctorate programme;
4. copies of previous university diplomas obtained;
5.  a curriculum vitae;
6.  a short motivation letter (300 words maximum).

Please note that incomplete applications, or submitted without the documents mentioned above, will be automatically eliminated.

Participants in the Graduate Study Programme will be selected by a Selection Committee composed of UN Geneva officials with various backgrounds and professional experiences.

The Selection Committee is guided by the following criteria:
• Academic background and achievements
• Extracurricular activities
• Geographical balance
• Gender balance
• Knowledge of the two working languages of the Programme (fluency in English, knowledge of French)
• Usefulness of the Programme for a prospective 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 Friday, 21 April 2023.

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.

Participation in the Graduate Study Programme is free of charge. At the same time, please bear in mind that the United Nations does not make any financial contribution towards visa, travel, board and lodging costs of participants. Governments, universities, private foundations, companies, or charities may offer grants to selected candidates.