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Start Your Study Adventure in Switzerland: Geneva Academy Scholarship

Table of Content

  1. Overview of Geneva Academy Scholarship
  2. Scholarship Coverage
  3. Courses Offered
  4. Eligibility Criteria
  5. Application Process and Important Dates

The Geneva Academy Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded master's scholarship aimed at international students. It is specifically for those interested in pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (IHL and IHRL) at the Geneva Academy in Switzerland. This one-year postgraduate degree program is renowned for providing in-depth, practical training in the fields of IHL, international human rights law, international refugee law, and international criminal law. The Geneva Academy is one of the leading institutions in Europe for these disciplines, offering a truly innovative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Scholarship Coverage

The Geneva Academy Scholarship provides significant financial support to recipients, including:

  1. Full Scholarship (for non-western countries):

    • Tuition fees
    • Living expenses in Geneva for ten months

  2. Partial Scholarship:

    • Covers tuition fees only.

Important Note: Full scholarships are exclusively available for citizens from non-western countries. Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and Western Europe are only eligible for the partial scholarship.

Courses Offered

The LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights provides a well-rounded education, including core courses and optional modules. The program includes:

  • Core Courses:

    • Public International Law
    • International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
    • International Human Rights Law (IHRL)
    • International Refugee Law
    • International Criminal Law

  • Optional Courses:

    • Conduct of Hostilities
    • Enforced Disappearances in International Law
    • Islamic Law of Armed Conflict

These courses are designed to provide a deep understanding of the interplay between various legal frameworks, offering students flexibility to tailor their studies based on their particular interests.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Geneva Academy Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required. French is an asset, but not mandatory.

    • Applicants must demonstrate a high standard of English through recognized tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
    • If you have taken an English-taught degree or have at least two years of professional or academic experience in an English-speaking environment, you may be exempt from the language test requirement.
    • A passive knowledge of French is encouraged as some classes and conferences may be in French.

  • Academic Qualifications:

    • A full law degree (must be completed by June 2025 at the latest) that qualifies you to sit the bar exam in your country, or another degree with significant training in public international law.
    • A strong academic record.

  • Professional and Academic Experience:

    • Demonstrated interest in the program’s subject matter through professional experience, internships, conferences, publications, etc.

  • Eligible Countries: Open to students from all countries. However, full scholarships are limited to non-western countries.

Application Process

To apply for the Geneva Academy Scholarship, follow these steps:

  1. Choose Your Scholarship Type:

    • Decide whether to apply for a full scholarship, partial scholarship, or without scholarship.

  2. Complete the Online Application:

    • Visit the Geneva Academy’s official website to fill out the application form.

  3. Prepare and Submit Documents:

    • Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English.
    • A personal statement (no longer than two pages) explaining your interest in the program.
    • Two letters of recommendation in English.
    • Certified copies of your degrees, diplomas, and transcripts (with translations, if necessary).
    • A language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, DALF).
    • A copy of your passport.

  4. Provide Financial Documents (for scholarship applicants):

    • Proof of current income (e.g., salary statement, bank statement, tax declaration).
    • Proof of your family’s financial situation (e.g., bank statements).
    • Proof of any financial support (if applicable).

  5. Submit Your Application:

    • Double-check all documents and submit your application before the deadline.

Important Dates

  • Application Start: 4 November 2024
  • Application Deadline: 15 January 2025
  • Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 January 2025

Make sure to submit your application and all required documents by the deadline to be considered for this amazing opportunity.