The Geneva School of Diplomacy & International Relations

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland,
• Established: 2003,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type: mixed.

The Geneva School of Diplomacy & International Relations (GSD) is an English-language school that provides higher education in the field of international relations and diplomacy. Here, students can get a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, as well as a certificate of a specialized course.

The institution was founded by experienced diplomat Dr. Murphy and recognized entrepreneur Shahenaz Barragan in 2003. In the first year of work, 11 students were admitted to GSD , and after four years their number already numbered 134 people.

The goal of GSD is to prepare future world leaders who are fully prepared to promote human rights at the international level. For this purpose, theoretical lectures and practice, internships are used in the learning process. The teaching staff is represented by well-known professors, ambassadors and statesmen who have not only the highest qualifications, but also many years of experience and transfer of experience to young specialists.

Despite the fact that the educational institution is small, it has many advantages. One of its features is partnership with foreign universities: Georgetown University in the USA, London School of Economics and Political Science in London, Kyung Hee University in South Korea and others that provide students with exchange programs and study abroad.

GSD does not have residential buildings, but offers assistance in finding a suitable option near the campus and other areas of the city. The most affordable housing for students are dormitories in which students live together. Also, a rented apartment can be a fairly economical option if the student has a friend with whom you can share the payment.

Subject list: international relations, Trade and diplomacy

Students are provided with opportunities to expand their professional experience and horizons: from scientific lectures to seminars with guest speakers, all of GSD's activities are aimed at creating a world-class skilled workforce.

• Small classes of 10-15 people,
• Very active international exchange programs with partner universities around the world,
• Program accreditation: Swiss Association of Private Schools, Swiss EDUQUA Certificate, Geneva Association of Private Schools, American Board of Education,
• Education in one of the best countries in the world in terms of economic stability, manufacturability, international relations.

The GSD campus is the embodiment of modern architecture and new technologies. Located in the capital of Switzerland, it offers easy access to both local attractions and scientific, entertainment events of international level.

The educational area has many lecture halls, specialized laboratories and computer classes, recreation and self-study areas. The main building is built in such a way that in its middle - the courtyard - there is a large hall with a screen and places for attending seminars and events. The roof of the building, almost entirely composed of glass, saturates the rooms with light, which creates an atmosphere of lightness. The high-tech campus has the latest equipment for education of the young professionals: interactive whiteboards, projectors, computers and many other installations that allow you to gain qualified knowledge and applied experience.

The academic year lasts from September to the end of May, during the semesters vacations and holidays are organized on the days of international, national holidays. Classes are held from Monday to Friday.

An approximate list of additional costs:

• Accommodation and meals,
• Registration fee,
• Applying
• Books and teaching materials,
• Health insurance,
• Personal expenses: public transport, mobile communications and the Internet, leisure and more.

On average, students spend about 1600-2600 € per month on housing and off-campus services.

The admission process consists of submitting an application and required documents, applying for a visa and passing entrance examinations. The admissions committee accepts applications all year round, registering applicants for one of two entrance stages: September or February. By submitting an application in advance, the prospective student will have enough time to prepare and process the necessary entry documents, search for housing and clarify important information.

During the admission process, it is necessary to pay the registration fee and the deposit for the course, then providing checks to the commission staff. At the final stage of enrollment, the student pays for the first semester and begins education.

GSD graduates achieve career heights: about 15 GSD graduate students work as ambassadors to the UN, ministers, and are Nobel Prize laureates.

The Geneva School of Diplomacy adheres to a system of alternate admission, that is, applications are accepted at any time during the year. GSD conducts two recruitments: in September and February. International applicants from non-EU countries need to apply at least six months before admission, as the visa application process can take up to four months. 

Foreign candidates wishing to study under the undergraduate program must provide:

• Personal documents: passport, medical insurance,
• Certificate of completion of complete secondary education, evaluation transcript,
• Certificate confirming knowledge of the English language: TOEFL (from 90/600), IELTS (from 6.5) or their equivalent.

Future masters and doctoral students must present almost the same documents, with the exception of the school certificate - instead, a bachelor's and master's degree must be attached to the application, respectively. Additionally, resumes, scientific articles and letters of recommendation from supervisors will be required.

GSD provides financial aid to new students who apply for funding along with an application form. Financial payments are offered to those who had good academic performance and were not seen in disciplinary violations. One of the mandatory criteria is constant attendance in the future, as payments are stopped when the attendance level is below 80%.

Each year, GSD offers six students discounts ranging from 10 to 50% to cover tuition fees: they are provided according to the level of financial complexity of the students' lives + based on academic merit.

GSD also offers scholarships that are awarded to students who are particularly successful in their studies.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision