Each year, as part of the educational outreach programmes undertaken by the United Nations, the Information Service at Geneva organizes a Graduate Study Programme. This seminar provides an opportunity for outstanding young postgraduate students from all over the world to deepen their understanding of the principles, purposes and activities of the United Nations and its related agencies through first-hand observation and study at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

50^th Geneva Graduate Study Programme, 2012

"Opportunities and challenges in a world of 7 billion”

The 50th Graduate Study Programme will be held at the Palais des Nations from 2 to 13 July 2012. It will comprise lectures given by senior members of the United Nations and the Geneva-based specialized agencies. Participants will also form working groups to study issues related to the work of international organizations on the subject of the year, under the guidance of United Nations experts. They will be provided with selected documents and publications on the theme under discussion. Please note that the Programme will be conducted in English and French without interpretation.

The postgraduate students invited to attend this Study Programme will be selected on the basis of their academic experience and motivation, with due regard to equitable geographical and gender distribution. Candidates must be between 23-35 years of age. As this is a bilingual programme, candidates must have a good knowledge of English and French.

Interested postgraduate students interested in the 2012 Graduate Study Programme must submit their application by POST before the deadline date of 2 March 2012. No applications will be accepted after this date.

The application form is to be filled in on our website. It can also be obtained from the nearest United Nations office.

The completed forms, accompanied by a letter of recommendation (in English or French only) from a university or governmental authority, proof of enrolment in a Masters degree programme (or equivalent), university diplomas obtained should be sent by POST directly to:

Information Service,
Press and External Relations Section,
United Nations Office at Geneva,
Office C.333,
Palais des Nations,
CH-1211 Geneva 10,
Switzerland.

Candidates will be notified of the selection committee's decision by mid-April 2012. Participation in the programme is free. The United Nations does not make any financial contribution towards the travel costs and residential expenses of participants. Governments or universities may offer grants to selected candidates. Candidates should seek advice from their universities on this point.