History
The Graduate Institute’s creation in 1927 was prompted by the establishment of the League of Nations in Geneva following World War I, and from the desire to avoid a new global catastrophe by making diplomacy more transparent and by better training citizens on international issues. It was the first institution in the world to be entirely devoted to the study of international relations.
Education
The Graduate Institute offers seven Master of Arts programmes:
- The two interdisciplinary master programmes (Master in International Affairs, Master in Development Studies) provide you with an in-depth academic background and hands-on experience in the professional field of your choice.
- Our five disciplinary master programmes (Master in Anthropology and Sociology, Master in International Economics, Master in International History, Master in International Law, Master in International Relations/Political Science) give you a solid foundation on which you can deepen your existing knowledge but also gain new expertise.
Research
The Graduate Institute's research mission is to produce knowledge that fosters a better understanding of global problems. As a community of scholars in the academy we are committed to advancing insight and debate in the social sciences and humanities. As a community of publicly engaged scholars, we also seek to enrich policy debates at the international and local level, in particular those involving international actors.
Career
Career Services is dedicated to supporting them with our three pillars:
- Professional development: we create tailor-made counselling sessions and workshops to foster students' employability
- Internships and jobs: we offer networking events to connect with different employers and publish internship and job offers on our online career portal
- Administrative support: we assist students with any question concerning the work permit process or other recruitment matters
Short Courses
Social Sciences (3)
- Certificate Diversity, Inclusion, and the Issue of Racism
- Short Course Summer Programme
Business & Management (2)
- Advanced Diploma Innovative Financing for Education
- Certificate Strategic Project Management for Development
Medicine & Health (1)
- Certificate Current Perspectives on Drug Policy
Housing services
Our residences provide occupants with a turnkey solution. The accommodations are equipped with all the necessary comforts and modern conveniences to provide the highest level of hospitality.
Each accommodation:
- includes a study space, a sleeping area, a bathroom (except in some shared accommodation) and a kitchen (except in smaller accommodation equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and sink)
- is furnished (bed, desk, etc)
- is equipped (wifi, linen, kitchenware, etc)
- is cleaned and linen are changed every two weeks
Library services
The Library gives access today to:
- 350 000 volumes
- 650 specialised journals
- 685 specialised monographic series
- 3 500 films
- Online resources (databases, electronic periodicals, e-books, etc.)
Medical services
Students have the possibility to meet with a psychologist (member of the Geneva Association of Psychologists, AGPsy) at the Graduate Institute for an orientation session of 45 minutes, which aims to asses the student's concern(s) and facilitate further access to psychological support in "Pôle Sante Social" or another institution according to your needs.
Campus life
We are a cosmopolitan community located in the heart of Geneva, an international city and a centre of global governance. By intensely engaging with international organisations, NGO’s, governments and multinational companies, we participate in global discussions and prepare future policy-makers to lead tomorrow’s world.
Sports facilities
Geneva is an ideal city for amateurs of sports. Walk into the train station early on a Sunday morning and you will be surprised by the number of people with back-packs on their shoulders, ready for a long day hike. In the winter, Geneva offers some of the best skiing in the Alps as close as 45 minutes away.
Local buses bring skiers to the nearby slopes of Chamonix, Flaine, Les Portes du Soleil, Zermatt, Verbier and other such renowned ski areas. Alternatively, Lake Geneva the largest lake in Europe is an inviting environment for water sports.
Student clubs
Our students are represented by two associations:
- The Graduate Institute Student Association (GISA)
The principal mission of the association is to ensure that all students pass enriching years at the Institute. Every student is a member of the association and is welcome to participate in all of its activities.
- Association of Assistants of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (ADAEID)
The Assistant’s Association represents students who work as teaching or research assistants at the Institute.
The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is accredited by the Conférence Universitaire Suisse.