Organization: United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) / OHCHR Programs:
- Graduate Study Programme (GSP): Summer 2026 (June/July)
- OHCHR Minorities Fellowship: Late 2026 (Deadline Closing Soon) Location: Geneva, Switzerland (Palais des Nations) Deadlines:
- Minorities Fellowship: 31 January 2026
- Graduate Study Programme: 20 February 2026
For students and human rights defenders looking to spend 2026 in the heart of international diplomacy, the United Nations has officially opened applications for two of its most prestigious Geneva-based programs.
Whether you are a graduate student seeking a high-intensity summer school inside the Palais des Nations, or a human rights activist from a minority group seeking a fully funded fellowship, these opportunities offer unparalleled access to the UN human rights mechanisms.
This guide covers both the 64th UN Graduate Study Programme (Summer) and the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship.
Also check UNFPA Global Internship Roster 2026: Paid Opportunities in SRHR & Development
Table of Contents
Opportunity 1: UN Graduate Study Programme (GSP) 2026
“The 64th Summer Session at the Palais des Nations”
The Graduate Study Programme (GSP) is the longest-running educational initiative of the United Nations. Held every summer in Geneva, it brings together outstanding graduate students from around the world to analyze global challenges directly with UN experts.
Theme for 2026: “AI and Emerging Technologies: Human Rights, Risks, and Opportunities” (Subject to confirmation). The program will focus on how the UN governs digital rights, AI ethics, and the future of multilateralism.
Program Details
- Dates: 29 June – 10 July 2026 (2 Weeks).
- Format: Intensive seminar with lectures, working groups, and visits to Geneva-based institutions (Red Cross, WHO, WTO).
- Certification: Participants receive a UN Certificate of Completion.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 22 to 32 years old at the time of application.
- Education: Must be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme (or equivalent graduate degree). Note: You must have already completed your Bachelor’s.
- Language: Fluency in English is mandatory (French is an asset).
- Status: Must not be employed full-time.
Financial Information
- Tuition: Free. There is no fee to attend the program.
- Expenses: This is a Self-Funded opportunity. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and visa costs in Geneva. (Approx. budget required: $2,000 – $3,000 depending on travel).
UN Human Rights & Graduate Study Programme 2026: Geneva Summer Session (Applications Open)
Opportunity 2: OHCHR Minorities Fellowship 2026
“Fully Funded Human Rights Training”
If you belong to a national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority group, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) offers a Fully Funded fellowship. This is the most comprehensive training program for minority rights defenders in the UN system.
Program Details
- Duration: Approx. 1 month (usually November 2026).
- Focus: Learning how to use the UN treaty bodies and Human Rights Council to advocate for the rights of your community.
- Funding: Fully Funded (Covers flights to Geneva, health insurance, and a monthly stipend for living expenses).
Eligibility Criteria
- Minority Status: Must belong to a national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minority. (Note: Indigenous peoples should apply to the separate Indigenous Fellowship).
- Nomination: Must be nominated by an organization or community group working on minority issues.
- Language: Fluency in English, Arabic, or Russian (depending on the language stream).
How to Apply
For the Graduate Study Programme (GSP)
- Prepare:
- CV (1 Page).
- Motivation Video (60 Seconds).
- Letter of Recommendation (from university or professor).
- Proof of Enrollment (Master’s/PhD transcript).
- Apply: Visit the UN Geneva GSP Page.
- Deadline: 20 February 2026.
For the OHCHR Minorities Fellowship
- Prepare:
- Application Form (Part I & II).
- Official Recommendation Letter from your nominating organization.
- Apply: Email specific documents to the OHCHR Fellowship Secretariat (check official site for current email).
- Deadline: 31 January 2026 (Closing Immediately).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for the GSP if I have already graduated? A: Generally, no. You must be enrolled in a graduate programme at the time of application. Recent graduates are sometimes considered if they are between degrees, but current students are prioritized.
Q: Does the UN help with Visas? A: Yes. Selected candidates receive an official Letter of Invitation to support their Swiss Schengen Visa application.
Q: Is the GSP a job interview? A: No, it is an educational program. However, it is an incredible networking opportunity. Many GSP alumni go on to secure internships or consultancy roles within the UN system later.
Suggested Focus Keywords
UN Internship Geneva 2026, Human Rights Fellowship, OHCHR Minorities Fellowship, UN Graduate Study Programme, Summer School Geneva, Fully Funded UN Opportunities, International Law Careers
