Geneva Academy Scholarships for LLM and Master's in Human Rights

The Geneva Academy provides a limited number of scholarships for its two one-year LLM–Master of Advanced Studies programmes: the LLM – MAS in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and the LLM – MAS in International Crimes, Justice and Human Rights. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need and may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. The tuition fee for the programme is CHF 18,000. The awards are for students who want to study at the Academy in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Host: Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Geneva, Switzerland
• Level: Master's (LLM–Master of Advanced Studies)
• Study destination: Geneva, Switzerland
• Deadline: Admission opens on 17 November 2026
• Course starts: September 2022
• Awards: A limited number of scholarships each year
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, or both
• Tuition fee: CHF 18,000

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a joint centre of the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, and its programmes are jointly awarded by the University of Geneva's Faculty of Law and the Geneva Graduate Institute.

• LLM – MAS in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
• LLM – MAS in International Crimes, Justice and Human Rights

Both are specialized one-year LLM–Master of Advanced Studies programmes (60 ECTS), studied full-time and in person in Geneva. They are not available online or part-time.

Highly motivated candidates from diverse regions and professional backgrounds who demonstrate solid academic potential and a clear commitment to work on issues related to armed conflict, humanitarian protection, and human rights.

A limited number of scholarships are available each year.

Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. The tuition fee for the programme is CHF 18,000. Information on payment modalities and deadlines is provided to admitted candidates together with the offer of admission.

Applicants must hold a degree in law or an equivalent qualification and demonstrate solid academic potential, as well as a clear commitment to work on issues related to armed conflict, humanitarian protection, and human rights. Admission requires a full cycle of legal studies (normally at least four and a half years in European systems) or an equivalent qualification entitling the holder to sit the bar exam. Relevant professional experience is an asset. Candidates without a full law degree may still be considered case-by-case if they can show strong, motivated interest through professional experience, internships, summer schools, or relevant university-level coursework.

You may apply during the final year of your studies, provided you obtain your diploma by June of the admission year at the latest; admission in this case will be conditional upon completion of the degree.

Evidence of C1 (advanced) English is required at application. Exemptions apply if English is your mother tongue, you completed a degree fully taught in English, or you have at least two years of academic or professional experience in an English-speaking environment.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Admission opens on 17 November 2026. The admissions team accompanies prospective candidates throughout the process and offers personalised guidance to help them prepare strong and complete applications.

You need two recommendation letters: at least one must be academic, the second may be professional. Both must be on official letterhead and signed before submission.

The application fee still applies to scholarship applicants. The admission fee cannot be waived, though payment in installments can be arranged in cases of financial hardship (full amount due by mid-January).

Visit the official website (link below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

This scholarship suits you if you hold a degree in law or an equivalent qualification, have a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in the programme's subject area, and plan to pursue the LLM – MAS in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights or the LLM – MAS in International Crimes, Justice and Human Rights at the Geneva Academy. Relevant professional experience is an asset, and proficiency in English at minimum C1 is required.

• Who can apply for these scholarships? Candidates who hold a degree in law or an equivalent qualification, demonstrate solid academic potential and a clear commitment to work on issues related to armed conflict, humanitarian protection, and human rights, and meet the C1 English requirement.
• What does the scholarship cover? Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. The tuition fee for the programme is CHF 18,000.
• What is the application deadline? Admission opens on 17 November 2026.
• How competitive is admission? Highly competitive. Around 35–40 students are admitted per programme each year.
• Do I need C1 English before applying? Yes, evidence of C1 (advanced) English is required at application, unless English is your mother tongue, you completed a degree fully taught in English, or you have at least two years of academic or professional experience in an English-speaking environment.
• Can I apply before completing my current degree? Yes, provided you obtain your diploma by June of the admission year at the latest; admission will be conditional upon completion of the degree.
• Can I defer my admission or reapply later? Deferrals may be granted in exceptional cases, for the following academic year only. Previously unsuccessful candidates may reapply without disadvantage.
• Can the application or tuition fee be waived? The admission fee cannot be waived, though payment in installments can be arranged in cases of financial hardship (full amount due by mid-January).

• Read the official scholarship guidelines and application form carefully before you start.
• Prepare your supporting documents early so you can submit before the deadline.
• Make sure you can provide evidence of C1 English, or check whether an exemption applies to you.
• Request two recommendation letters in time: at least one academic, the second may be professional, both on official letterhead and signed.
• Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records.