Information

September 2025 - August 2026
Study Mode Full-time
Application start 4 November 2024
Application end 15 January 2025
Application end (with scholarship) 15 January 2025

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Entry Requirements

  

LLM student taking notes during a course on his laptop LLM student taking notes during a course on his laptop

Candidates must have:

  • A full degree in law (received by June at the latest) enabling the applicant to sit the bar exam in the relevant country; or another degree if the applicant has a significant amount of training in public international law and courses related to our programme (e.g. international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law)
  • A strong academic record
  • A demonstrable interest in the subject matter of the programme (e.g. professional experience, internships, summer school, conferences attended, publications, etc.)
  • A sound command of English (level C1). You must be able to show, via a recognized test, that your English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete your course at the Geneva Academy. This requirement does not apply if (1) your mother tongue is English; (2) you have taken an English-taught bachelor’s or master’s degree; (3) you have at least two years’ professional or academic experience in an English-speaking environment

A Comprehensive Assessment

Each application is considered in its entirety, including transcripts, extracurricular and voluntary activities, work experience, personal background, letters of recommendation, cover letter and language skills.

In considering each individual, the Admissions Committee seeks not only to identify characteristics that are important to academic success in the programme, but also other qualities that promote diversity and excellence in the student body.

It is the reponsibilty of each applicant to make sure that their application is complete. If any of the required documents are missing, the application will not be considered.

Note for Native French Speakers

Most courses are taught in English. Some exams can be taken in French and questions in class may be asked in either language. The LLM paper can be written in French.

Why Choose the Geneva Academy?

We are a leading education and research institution in international humanitarian law, human rights and transitional justice.

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Internships

Our LLM students acquire first-hand professional experience via internships with Geneva-based humanitarian and human rights actors

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Scholarships

We offer scholarships to outstanding students who are unable to secure the funding required to cover tuition fees and/or the cost of living in Geneva.

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Our Students

We attract some of the most experienced and academically qualified students from around the world who are taught by leading academics and practitioners in the field.

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Everyone goes through crucial junctures in life. The LLM programme at the Geneva Academy was one for me. I moved from the student phase of my life to its professional stage. The LLM and, more generally, the time spent in such an international, multicultural and stimulating city provided me with all necessary professional means to face the challenges of my early career.

Niccolò Pons

Associate Legal Officer, Trial Chamber, Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia