The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies:
Located in the cosmopolitan city of Geneva, Switzerland, The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is a leading institution of research and higher education dedicated to the study of world affairs, with a particular emphasis on the fields of international relations and development issues. The Graduate Institute offers a range of master's degree courses and PhD programs in the fields of international affairs, development studies, international economics, political science, international law, international economics and international history. We provide a bilingual English-French working environment and are home to a diverse and vibrant group of students and faculty from all over the world.

Each year the Graduate Institute awards a significant number of scholarships to Master and PhD students for its study programs in the fields of international relations and development issues. We provide substantial financial support for our students and 24% are scholarship holders.

Quality International Education:
The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is a new Institute generated by the fusion of the Graduate Institute of International Studies (HEI) and the Graduate Institute of Development Studies (IUED). The Institute, keen to draw on the synergies offered by its two fields of specialisation, offers independent and rigorous analyses of current and emerging global issues with a view to promoting international cooperation and making a contribution to the development of less fortunate societies.

Located in the heart of Geneva, next to a host of international organizations, NGO's, diplomatic missions and multinational firms, the Graduate Institute represents a unique interface between the theory and practice of international relations and offers its students unique employment and internship opportunities. The Institute has a long-standing reputation of excellence and shares strong ties with the international and non-governmental organisations in Geneva.

The Graduate Institute owes its reputation to its historical legacy and renowned alumni, the quality of its cosmopolitan faculty, the strength of its core disciplines (economics, history, law, political science, development studies) and its policy-relevant approach to international affairs.

Master's Degree Courses (2 years):
- International Affairs (Interdisciplinary Course)
- Development Studies (Interdisciplinary Course)
- Anthropology and Sociology of Development
- International Law
- International Economics
- International History
- International Relations / Political Science

PhD Degree Courses (4 years):
- Anthropology and Sociology of Development
- International Law
- Development Economics
- International Economics
- International History
- International Relations / Political Science

Fast Track Option:
A fast track gives students the opportunity to complete their Master and PhD in five years instead of six.

Executive Education for Working Professionals:
Executive Education at the Graduate Institute offers professionals degree-granting and short programs as well as tailor-made programs that develop a deep understanding of world affairs and development issues.

Geneva offers significant advantages and attracts a constant flow of visitors, students, artists, companies, workers, ideas, specialty foods and capital. It offers very high quality of life, as the city is clean, safe, small enough for getting around by bike, boasts an extensive public transportation network, enjoys an easily accessible international airport and is well connected by train to most other major European cities (approximate travel time to some major cities: Milan – 4 hours, Paris – 3.5 hours, Frankfurt – 5 hours).

Geneva is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and hosts over 20 international organisations as well as over 250 non-governmental organisations and a growing number of important multinational companies. Consequently, the city’s population is extremely diverse, uniting cultures, traditions, cuisine and languages from all parts of the world. Approximately 40% of Geneva’s inhabitants are foreigners.

Geneva is an ideal city for sport lovers. In the winter, Geneva offers some of the best skiing in the Alps as close as 45 minutes away. Alternatively, Lake Geneva – one of Europe's largest – is an inviting environment for water sports.