STUDY INTERNATIONAL LAW IN THE PLACE WHERE INTERNATIONAL LAW IS MADE


The International Law department at the Geneva Graduate Institute teaches students not just how to do law, but also how to think about law. Its faculty believes that in order to effectively tackle real-world issues, one needs not just technical knowledge and practical skills, but a deep understanding of what international law is and how it works. The Institute's strategic location in the heart of International Geneva enables students to regularly hear from professionals at the heart of the international scene and to build strong personal and professional networks with legal practitioners, preparing them for successful international careers.

The International Law department offers a two-year master and a four-year PhD in International Lawas well as a one-year professional LLM with the Executive Education Programme of the Graduate Institute.

Studying International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute will give students: 

  • A dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, with a richly diverse faculty and student body;
  • Access to up to 50 specialised courses on different international law topics taught each year;
  • An unrivalled teacher-student ratio allowing for close interaction and real engagement with the faculty;
  • A base in International Geneva and the ability to build strong personal and professional networks with legal practitioners crucial to the international law scene;
  • Access to a wide range of study-abroad options through exclusive exchange programmes.

In addition to its exclusive programmes, the International Law department at the Geneva Graduate Institute offers specialised joint degrees with the University of Geneva:

And with Georgetown Law School:

BUILDING A CAREER


90% of our students find work within four months of graduation. An international law degree from the Geneva Graduate Institute opens the door for students to embark upon a career not only in the field of international law, but also in political affairs, diplomacy and a variety of other fields, both in the public and private sector. Students will have the opportunity to garner valuable legal writing and research skills that are highly sought after in the job market.


Where our Master's programme alumni (2019-2022 cohort) are employed one year after graduation:

A cosmopolitan ENVIRONMENT


With roughly 1,000 students from 100 countries are enrolled in our various programmes, the Geneva Graduate Institute is home to students from all over the world. We are serving a very diverse community in the heart of International Geneva: nearly 20-25% of people in the Swiss city are connected to an international institution. The Institute’s close ties with the international community are reflected in the five social science disciplines taught here, all imbued with a global perspective. 

MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

120 ECTS

  • Two-year programme providing in-depth training in international law as well as the tools and approaches necessary for rigorous legal analysis
  • Rich, diverse faculty
  • Comprises compulsory courses, optional seminars and an original research dissertation in the second year
  • Includes complementary courses in other disciplines (economics, history, political science, anthropology and sociology) 
  • Aimed at those who wish to pursue either a PhD or a career in research.
  • Offers an additional one-year LL.M. with the Executive Education Programme and specialised joint degrees with the University of Geneva and Georgetown Law School


HOW TO APPLY   LEARN MORE

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

 

  • Designed for outstanding students with a strong commitment to international law and a proven ability to carry out independent research.
  • A highly stimulating, intellectual environment.
  • Research supervision covers a wide range of topics.
  • Students receive extensive intellectual support throughout their research, via formal supervision, specialised doctoral seminars and a wide range of events.
  • Access to Digital Skills workshops for comprehensive training in relevant technological tools and methodologies.


HOW TO APPLY   LEARN MORE

TUITION FEES


MASTER PROGRAMME 

  • Swiss residents: CHF 5,000 per year 
  • Non-residents: CHF 8,000 per year
  • Possibility to apply to scholarships

PHD PROGRAMME TUITION FEES

  • First year: CHF 3,000 
  • Subsequent years: CHF 1,000
  • All PhD admission offers come with a four-year financial support package.
  • PhD students who obtain full funding from an externally funded research project led by one of our faculty members, may also be admitted. Externally funded research projects usually refer to those supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. They are announced and administered by our research centres. 

The Graduate Institute strives to support talented scholars from around the world with financial aid to enable our MA and PhD students to complete their studies with less pressure.
 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES