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Why should I choose the Geneva Academy?
Why should I apply for the LLM?
What Distinguishes the LLM from the two other master programmes offered at the Geneva Academy?
What career opportunities are available after I complete the LLM?
Can I do a PhD after I complete the LLM?
Does the LLM offer distance-learning courses?
Which degree will I receive after successfully completing the LLM?
Can I get in touch with current students?
What are the criteria for admission to the LLM?
I don’t have a law degree, can I still apply for the LLM?
If my application is not successful, can I reapply next year?
I have been admitted to the programme. Can I defer my offer to next year?
Can the admission fee be waived for me?
Is it possible for me to be exempt from the English test?
Do I need to have a C1 level of English before the application deadline?
What do you mean by a full degree of law?
What does a strong candidate look like?
Do both recommendation letters need to be academic?
How competitive is the application process?
What are the advantages of living and studying in Geneva?
What is the cost of living in Geneva?
Is it possible to work while I study?
Do you offer scholarships for the LLM?
I am applying for a scholarship, do I have to pay the application fee?
If I get admitted as a scholarship student, when do I receive the scholarship?
Can I apply for the scholarship track and the regular track simultaneously?
The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, established in 2007 as a joint centre of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, has acquired a global reputation for excellent teaching and research, attracting exceptional students to its master’s programmes.
Located in the heart of Geneva, an international city and humanitarian hub, we are able to interact closely with international organisations, NGOs, experts, governments and the private sector. We also actively participate in global discussions on international humanitarian law, human rights, international criminal law and transitional justice.
This one-year full-time LLM – Master of Advanced Studies (60 ECTS) – in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is one of the most innovative and intellectually challenging programmes in armed conflict offered today.
With a focus on armed conflicts, this Master in Advanced Studies is designed for law students seeking to deepen their expertise in the intersection of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and conflict-related legal issues. It combines rigorous theoretical frameworks with practical training, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex legal challenges in both conflict and post-conflict settings.
The programme allows students to tailor their studies according to their particular interests, with core courses providing a firm grounding in public international law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, international refugee law and international criminal law, and optional courses allowing students to explore cutting-edge issues.
Students will gain access to world-renowned professors and leading experts in their respective fields. Through extracurricular activities, they also will benefit from direct connections with leading actors such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The main distinction between the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is that the LLM focuses on armed conflicts, while the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is dedicated to post-conflict human rights violations. Students enrolled in either of the programmes have common optional courses and can participate in the Jean-Pictet Competition.
The Executive Master, on the other hand, is designed for high-level professionals and provides them with practical tools to apply international legal frameworks in contemporary conflicts.
Our alumni can be found globally, working in humanitarian or human rights hubs such as Geneva, in the field or working for organisations in their countries of origin. Their initial roles typically include positions in law, human rights, research. They typically work for:
The Geneva Academy does not offer PhD programmes. However, the LLM is recognised by the Law Faculty of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies as diplomas accepted to enter the PhD programmes. A number of graduates have been accepted in PhD programmes at other universities. In such cases, you may need an additional master’s degree beyond the LLM or Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) from the Geneva Academy.
This is a full-time programme and no distance-learning courses are offered.
An LLM/Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) (60 ECTS credits), awarded by the Faculty of Law, University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.
While core courses provide a firm grounding in International Humanitarian Law and human rights, as well as the interplay between them, optional courses allow students to explore cutting-edge issues. The programme therefore enables students to tailor their studies according to their particular interests.
Through this master's programme, students will also gain access to world-renowned professors and leading experts in their respective fields. They will also benefit from direct connections with leading actors in fields related to the programme through the various extracurricular activities that we offer.
The Spring Term (February to June) is dedicated to furthering students' advanced comprehension of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law in armed conflict, as well as International Criminal Law, through core courses and practical/professionalising activities, including a compulsory internship. This term will put students on the right professional path, equipping them with the necessary tools to distinguish themselves in the job market and set them on the right career right career path.
In order to develop the necessary skills and gain practical experience, we offer students the following:
We are unable to put you in direct contact with our students, but you can read some of their testimonials on our website here.
Candidates should have:
• A full degree in law (received by June at the latest) of 4 years minium and enabling the applicant to sit the bar exam in the relevant country
• A strong academic record
• An interest in the subject areas of the programme
• Proven proficiency in English (level C1)
Professional experience in a field related to the programme is an asset.
Candidates with degrees other than law, but with training and experience in public international law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law, may be accepted to the programme upon examination of their application.
Previously unsuccessful candidates can reapply for the LLM. This will not have a negative influence on the selection process.
Deferrals are possible in exceptional cases and may be granted solely for the next academic year following the original admission offer.
You may apply during the final year of your degree, but you must receive your diploma by June 2025 at the latest. We will consider and assess your application based on your current transcript and grades obtained so far. Note that admission will be conditional in this case.
We do not offer waivers for the admission fee. However, in cases of financial hardship, you may contact us to arrange payment in instalments. If you choose to pay in instalments, the full amount must be paid by 15 January 2025.
Yes, if (1) your mother tongue is English, (2) you have completed an English-taught bachelor's or master's degree, or (3) you have at least two years of professional or academic experience in an English-speaking environment. Please upload proof of this with your application form.
Yes, during your application, you need to provide us with proof of your level of English. This cannot be sent after the deadline.
You need at least 4 years of studies. Your degree should also enable you to sit the bar exam in the relevant country.
All applications are different, and there is no bespoke model for strong applications. All requested documents are carefully examined.
One academic reference letter is required. The second can be professional.
The application process is competitive, and we only admit 40 students per programme. This creates an exceptional learning environment where some of the most experienced and academically qualified students from around the world can meet.
Geneva offers an outstanding quality of life, consistently ranked among the top ten cities worldwide in international quality of life indices.
As the European headquarters of the United Nations (UN) and a global hub for multilateral diplomacy, Geneva hosts dozens of international organisations, over 250 NGOs, and 174 state representations, employing more than 29,000 people in this sector.
Each week, events organised by the Geneva Academy, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, the University of Geneva, international organisations, and NGOs feature leading experts in international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights (HR). These events often directly address topics covered in the LLM.
The city is clean, safe, and benefits from high-quality public facilities. Getting around is straightforward, whether by bicycle or public transport.
A multicultural city with more than 180 nationalities, Geneva boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a wide array of music concerts, festivals, dance performances, opera, films, art galleries, theatres, and museums. Many of these cultural activities are accessible to English speakers.
Students of the Geneva Academy have access to the University of Geneva’s sports and cultural facilities.
To meet living costs, students will need a minimum of about 1,600–2,000 Swiss Francs per month if they live in a student's residence and 1,900–2,100 Swiss Francs per month if they live in a private residence.
Our students receive a residence permit on arrival, which allows nationals from the EU to work up to 15 hours a week. It is possible to work full-time (40 hours a week) during official holidays.
Non-EU students, however, are not allowed to undertake paid work for the first six months of their stay. After six months, they can work up to 15 hours a week, except during official holidays when it is possible to work full-time (40 hours a week).
As this is a full-time intensive programme, we would not advise our students to find intensive employment that might interfere with their academic performance.
We offer a limited number of full scholarships (covering tuition fees and the cost of living) and one partial scholarship (tuition fees only) for citizens from specific countries.
Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates. We consider the application in its entirety, and we refer to our donors for the final decision. The donors select the recipient(s) of the scholarships based on merit and their own specific criteria.
Yes, the application fee also applies to scholarship applicants.
The tuition fee will be paid directly to the Geneva Academy. Starting September, you will receive a monthly payment for ten months to support your cost of living. Please note that you need to pay for your own transportation to Geneva and other costs you might have before September.
No, you must choose one of the two options. If you apply for the scholarship track, you cannot be considered for the regular track at a later stage.
