UN Geneva Graduate Study Programme 2026: Elite AI and Technology Summer School for Graduate Students

If you are a grad student obsessed with AI, tech policy, or global governance and you secretly want “United Nations – Geneva” on your CV, this is the kind of opportunity you rearrange your life for.

The United Nations 64th Geneva Graduate Study Programme (GSP) 2026 is a two‑week, in‑person summer seminar held at the iconic Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. It runs from 29 June to 10 July 2026, it’s free to attend, and it brings together a small, highly selected group of young people from around the world to spend their days debating “AI and Emerging Technologies: Realities, Risks and Opportunities” with UN staff, diplomats, and experts.

You pay for your own travel and living costs, but the tuition itself is zero. In exchange, you get two intense weeks inside what people call “International Geneva”: UN agencies, missions, NGOs, and policy think tanks that actually shape global discussions on AI, digital rights, and tech governance.

This is not a casual summer school. It’s one of the longest‑running education programmes in UN history, with more than 3,500 alumni from over 120 countries. Think future ambassadors, policy analysts, UN staff, and researchers. If you’re serious about an international career, GSP is the kind of thing that moves your CV out of the “maybe later” pile and into the “let’s interview them” pile.

The catch: it’s competitive and you must already be in graduate school, aged 22–32, and not employed full time. You’ll also need to pull together a tight application package, including a 60‑second motivation video and a one‑page CV. In other words, you have to be concise, clear, and convincing.

Below is your full guide to what the programme offers, who it’s for, and how to submit an application that doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

Programme At a Glance

What This UN Graduate Study Programme Really Offers

Think of GSP as a two‑week crash course in how the UN actually operates, with a special focus in 2026 on AI and emerging technologies.

You’re not just sitting in a lecture hall while people read slides at you. The programme mixes expert talks, group work, presentations, and visits to different institutions in Geneva. The idea is to let you see how discussions about AI safety, digital inequality, algorithmic governance, and data rights are moving from theory to policy.

During the two weeks, you can expect:

• Lectures and briefings by UN staff and experts: These might cover topics like AI and human rights, the use of AI in humanitarian response, digital surveillance, bias in algorithms, or how multilateral negotiations try to keep up with technological change. You get to hear directly from the people sitting in the meeting rooms you read about in the news.

• Group work on real‑world problems: You won’t just consume content; you’ll be asked to produce. Participants are typically divided into working groups around sub‑themes (for example, AI in peace and security, AI and sustainable development, AI governance structures, or ethical frameworks). You’ll research, debate, and present your findings and recommendations.

• Institutional visits: One of the unique perks of being in Geneva is proximity. You may visit missions, specialized UN agencies, or international organizations working on tech, trade, development, or human rights. It’s one thing to read a policy brief about AI; it’s another to hear from the people who negotiated it.

• Networking with an exceptionally international cohort: With applicants from over 120 countries historically, your classmates will probably come from law, computer science, international relations, public policy, engineering, philosophy, and more. The informal conversations during coffee breaks and tram rides may be as valuable as the official agenda.

• A credential that signals seriousness: When employers or PhD committees see “UN Geneva Graduate Study Programme” on your CV, they know you’ve survived a competitive selection process and engaged with global policy at more than a superficial level.

This programme is intense, short, and very focused. Think of it as twelve working days where your only job is to think deeply about AI and emerging tech in a global context, surrounded by people who care about the same questions you do.

Who Should Apply (And Who Probably Should Not)

This programme is designed for graduate students, not undergraduates, and not mid‑career professionals looking for executive training.

You’re a strong fit if:

• You’re between 22 and 32 years old when you apply.
• You’ve already finished a Bachelor degree.
• You’re currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master, LLM, PhD, or equivalent).
• You’re not employed full time. Part‑time work, internships, or teaching assistant roles are usually fine; a full‑time contract is not.
• You can function easily in English, speaking and writing. You don’t have to sound like a native speaker, but you must be able to follow discussions and present your ideas.
• You’re genuinely interested in AI and emerging technologies in a global, policy, or ethical context, not just the technical side.

Concrete examples of good candidates:

• A Master student in public policy in Nairobi researching how AI can shape social protection systems.
• A PhD candidate in computer science in Berlin exploring fairness in machine learning, curious how their work translates into regulation.
• A law student in Lagos focusing on tech regulation, privacy law, or digital rights.
• An international relations student in Accra analyzing global governance of AI standards.
• A graduate student in philosophy or ethics in Cape Town working on algorithmic accountability.

Who might not be a match right now:

• Someone still in a Bachelor programme with no graduate enrolment.
• A full‑time professional hoping for a short UN training without current academic involvement.
• Applicants with very weak English skills who’d struggle to follow fast discussions and group work.
• People whose only interest is “visiting Switzerland” and who are not actually engaged with AI, tech policy, or international affairs.

The programme is open globally, and the call explicitly tags Africa, which signals that applications from African countries and other underrepresented regions are strongly welcomed. If you come from a context where such opportunities are rare, say that clearly in your motivation – and show how you’ll bring the experience back home.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

You’ll be competing with sharp, motivated students from across the world. A bland “I like the UN and AI is interesting” application will sink fast. Here’s how to stand out.

1. Treat the one‑page CV as a design challenge

You only get one page. That means no sprawling list of everything you have ever done.

Prioritize:

• Current degree and field.
• Previous degree(s) with key achievements.
• Relevant coursework or thesis topics related to AI, tech, law, development, or global governance.
• Select experiences: research assistantships, internships, conferences, hackathons, NGO or policy work.
• Languages and relevant technical skills if they support your AI/tech angle.

If an item doesn’t strengthen your case for this specific programme, cut it. This is not your master CV; it’s a targeted pitch.

2. Use the 60‑second motivation video to show personality, not perfection

A one‑minute video is short. You don’t have time to read an essay on camera.

Plan for:

• A single clear message: “Here is who I am, what I’m working on, and why this programme is the logical next step.”
• One or two specific links to the theme: a project you’re doing, a policy question you’re obsessed with, a gap you see in how AI is handled in your country.
• Natural delivery. No need for cinematic production. A quiet room, stable phone or laptop, clear audio, decent light, and you speaking directly to the camera is enough.

They are not choosing filmmakers. They want to see how you think and how you communicate.

3. Make the recommendation letter do real work

You need one recommendation letter (max one page). Choose someone who:

• Actually knows your work (supervisor, PI, programme director, internship supervisor).
• Can speak in concrete terms: “They led this project,” “They wrote the best paper in my course,” “They handled complex interdisciplinary work.”

Do not just ask them to “write something.” Give them:

• Your one‑page CV.
• A short summary of why you want to attend and how it fits your plans.
• A reminder of specific work you did with them that’s relevant.

You’re making it easier for them to write a strong, detailed letter instead of vague praise.

4. Show a genuine link to AI and emerging tech – at your level

You don’t have to be building large models in a lab. But you do need to show that this theme is not random for you.

For example:

• A political science student might talk about AI’s role in elections, disinformation, or surveillance.
• A public health student could focus on data systems, predictive models, or ethical use of health data.
• A law student might explore algorithmic decision‑making in courts or migration systems.

The trick is to connect what you already do with what the programme is about, instead of reciting buzzwords.

5. Tie the programme to concrete next steps

Reviewers want to know why this programme now.

Spell out:

• How the two weeks in Geneva will feed into your thesis, dissertation, or a specific research project.
• How you’ll use what you learn in your country, institution, or community (teaching, workshops, policy engagement, NGO work).
• What kind of career path you’re pursuing (UN, government, research, civil society, tech company policy roles) and how GSP fits into that trajectory.

Vague lines like “it will broaden my horizons” are not persuasive. Specificity is.

6. Check consistency across all documents

Your CV, video, recommendation letter, and uploaded documents should tell one coherent story about you: your academic path, your interest in AI/tech, and your global engagement.

If your CV says you’re focused on environmental policy, your video claims you’re all about quantum computing, and your referee calls you a trade law specialist, reviewers will be confused. Align the message.

Application Timeline: Working Backward from February 20, 2026

You might be tempted to throw this together a week before the deadline. Don’t. There are moving parts: recommendation letters, enrolment proof, video recording.

Here’s a realistic schedule.

By mid December 2025

• Decide that you’re applying.
• Read the official description and note the exact questions in the form.
• Identify your referee and ask them early, especially if they’re busy or away in January.

Early January 2026

• Draft your one‑page CV and refine it with a friend or mentor.
• Sketch talking points for your motivation video. Practice them a few times without recording.

Late January 2026

• Record your 60‑second video. Expect to need multiple takes.
• Request official proof of graduate enrolment from your university if you don’t already have it.
• Ensure your Bachelor diploma scan is accessible and clear.

Early February 2026

• Finalize your online form answers. Avoid leaving text boxes empty; use them to explain your background and motivation concisely.
• Check that your passport or national ID (for EU/EFTA nationals) is valid for the travel period and beyond.

By 15 February 2026

• Confirm your referee has submitted or is about to submit the letter (if the process requires sending it separately) or that you have a signed letter to upload.
• Do a full review of your materials: CV, video file, documents, written answers.

No later than 18 February 2026

• Submit your online application at least 48 hours before the 20 February deadline.
• Double‑check that all uploads are complete and viewable.

Procrastination is the fastest way to sabotage an otherwise strong profile.

Required Materials and How to Prepare Them

You’ll be asked to upload several documents. Treat each as part of a single, cohesive application.

You will need:

• CV (maximum one page)
  Focus on education, relevant courses or projects, research, internships, and activities connected to AI, technology, global governance, law, or development. Strip out irrelevant side jobs unless they show leadership or responsibility.

• Motivation video (maximum 60 seconds)
  Keep it tight. Introduce yourself (name, country, current programme), then clearly state your main academic focus and why this programme matters for your work. Practice until you can say it calmly and clearly within a minute.

• Recommendation letter (maximum one page)
  Ideally on institutional letterhead, signed, and in PDF. Ask your referee to highlight your academic strengths, critical thinking, and ability to contribute to international discussions.

• Copy of passport or national ID (for EU/EFTA nationals)
  Make sure the scan is legible, not cropped, and that the document will remain valid for travel in mid‑2026.

• Bachelor degree diploma
  If it’s not in English or French, consider including a simple translation or a brief explanation in your application form where allowed.

• Proof of current graduate enrolment
  This might be a letter from your institution, an official statement of enrolment, or a current transcript that clearly marks your status.

Before uploading, label files sensibly (e.g., Lastname_CV.pdf, Lastname_Recommendation.pdf) so nothing gets mixed up.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Reviewers are likely looking for a mix of academic ability, relevance to the theme, motivation, and diversity (regional, disciplinary, and experiential).

Here are the elements that usually move an application from “nice” to “we need this person in the cohort”:

Clear academic direction plus curiosity

You don’t have to have your entire career mapped out, but you should be able to explain what you’re studying and what problems you care about. “I like international relations” is not enough. “I’m researching how AI‑driven risk assessments affect migration decisions at the border” is much better.

A concrete link to AI and emerging technologies

The 2026 theme is not optional decoration. The strongest candidates show:

• How their current work intersects with AI/tech (even if indirectly).
• That they understand some of the real tensions in the field: equity, bias, global inequalities in data and compute, power concentration, regulatory gaps.

Ability to contribute, not just consume

GSP is interactive. Reviewers want people who will bring ideas, questions, and perspectives.

Evidence for this can be:

• Leadership in student groups or associations.
• Experience organizing debates, meetups, or events.
• Work with NGOs, research labs, or community organizations.

International or cross‑cultural engagement

You don’t need to have traveled widely. But if you’ve engaged with global topics, worked with international teams, or tackled issues that cross borders, highlight that. This might include regional conferences, Model UN, cross‑border projects, or online collaborations.

Coherence and polish

A standout application has no contradictions across documents, no obvious typos, and a tone that is professional but human. It reads like the work of someone who respects the opportunity enough to give it time and attention.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong candidates can sabotage themselves. Here are frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Treating the motivation video like an afterthought

Mumbling into your laptop for 55 seconds with no structure says “I didn’t really try.” Plan the video. Script bullet points, not every word, so you don’t sound robotic. Practice a few times before hitting record.

2. Sending a generic recommendation letter

If your referee doesn’t know what the programme is about, they’ll write something bland like “X is a hardworking student.” That won’t help much.

Solution: Brief them. Explain the AI/tech theme and why you’re applying so they can tailor their comments accordingly.

3. Ignoring the age, enrolment, or employment rules

Trying to squeeze in if you clearly don’t meet the 22–32 age range, aren’t actually in a graduate programme, or are fully employed is risky. Programmes like this typically do check.

If your situation is unusual (e.g., you’re on academic leave but still enrolled), clarify it honestly rather than hoping no one notices.

4. Overstuffing your one‑page CV

Dense blocks of text and 8‑point font are not impressive; they’re annoying. Stick to clean formatting and white space. Show you understand that editing is part of good communication.

5. Focusing solely on “I want to work at the UN”

Lots of applicants declare eternal devotion to the UN. That’s not a differentiator. Instead, explain the problems you want to work on and how this programme is a step towards addressing them, whether inside or outside the UN system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a paid programme or does it include a stipend?

No. Participation is free in terms of tuition, but you pay for your own travel, visa, accommodation, meals, and insurance. The UN for this programme is not offering scholarships or sponsorship and can’t advise you on funding sources.

If cost is an obstacle, consider:

• Checking if your university has mobility grants, internationalization funds, or small travel bursaries.
• Asking relevant departments (law, IR, CS, public policy) if they have support for short academic trips.
• Exploring national or regional scholarships for short‑term international study.

Do I need to be an AI or computer science specialist?

No. The theme is AI and emerging technologies, but that includes policy, ethics, law, governance, development, security, and social impacts.

What matters is that you can show a credible connection between your field and these technologies, and that you’re prepared to engage seriously with those issues.

Is there any priority for certain regions, like Africa?

The listing is tagged Africa, and historically UN programmes try to ensure broad geographic representation. While it’s open to all nationalities, applicants from African countries and other underrepresented regions are very much encouraged to apply.

That said, it’s still competitive. Don’t rely on regional representation alone; submit a strong application.

Do I need perfect English?

You need to be fluent enough to follow lectures, participate actively in group work, and present in English.

If you’re unsure, ask yourself: can you comfortably discuss your thesis or research in English for 10–15 minutes? If yes, you’re probably fine. There’s no mention of standardized test scores.

Can I apply if I’m finishing my Master and planning to start a PhD?

Yes, as long as at the time of application you meet both conditions:

1. You have already completed a Bachelor degree.
2. You are enrolled in some form of graduate programme (your Master, or officially accepted/enrolled in a PhD).

If your status is in transition, collect documentation that shows you’re not just between degrees with no current enrolment.

Can I work full time and still attend?

The programme explicitly states that participants should not be employed full time. If you have a part‑time role or a flexible research contract, that’s usually compatible. Full‑time employment is intended to be excluded.

Will I get a certificate?

While the call doesn’t spell it out in the summary, programmes like this usually issue a certificate of participation at the end. Don’t apply just for a certificate, but yes, you can generally expect formal confirmation that you completed the programme.

What is the selection rate?

The exact acceptance rate isn’t given, but given the global reach and long history, you should assume that competition is serious. Treat this like a competitive scholarship: assume only the top slice of applicants will get a spot, and prepare accordingly.

How to Apply: Concrete Next Steps

Ready to go for it? Here’s how to move from “interested” to “applied” without getting lost.

1. Read the official call carefully
   Start with the official application page. Note all technical details, character limits, and any new requirements not covered in this summary.

2. Block time in your calendar
   Put two or three focused work sessions in your calendar over the coming weeks: one for drafts, one for refining, one for final checks and submission.

3. Assemble your documents early
   Scan your Bachelor diploma and passport/ID. Request enrolment proof from your institution. Ask your referee for the recommendation letter well before February.

4. Craft your narrative
   Decide what your “story” is: your field, the AI/tech angle, and how this fits your future plans. Make sure your CV, video, and any written answers all align with that narrative.

5. Record, review, refine your video
   Do a test recording, watch it critically, and make sure your sound, lighting, and timing are all acceptable. Aim for clarity, not perfection.

6. Submit early and keep copies
   Complete the online form at least two days before the 20 February 2026 deadline. Save confirmation emails and copies of what you submitted.

Get Started

You don’t need anyone’s permission to take the next step. If this programme feels aligned with where you want to go academically and professionally, start preparing now while others are still bookmarking the page “for later”.

Ready to apply? Visit the official opportunity page and online application form here:

Official application and full details:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/656PQFD

Give yourself enough time, treat the application as seriously as you would a competitive scholarship, and you’ll give yourself a real shot at spending two intense weeks in Geneva, talking AI and tech with the people who are trying to steer it – not just study it from afar.