Entry Requirements

Entry requirements at the Geneva School of Diplomacy (GSD) are defined to ensure that applicants possess the academic preparation or professional background necessary to engage successfully with the academic or educational demands of their chosen programme.

Requirements vary by programme and level of study. Applicants must consult the relevant programme page for authoritative and programme-specific criteria.

General Academic Requirements

Admission to programmes at the Geneva School of Diplomacy is subject to meeting minimum academic or professional eligibility criteria.

Undergraduate Studies

For admission to the Bachelor of International Relations, applicants must hold a baccalaureate or an equivalent prior qualification that provides access to tertiary A higher education. Foreign upper-secondary school-leaving qualifications are assessed through a documented equivalence review to determine whether they provide access to first-cycle study in a university-type higher education institution in Switzerland, in accordance with the applicable Swiss legal framework and GSD’s approved admissions rules. 

• Completion of secondary educationnnn or equivalent qualification
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the programme

Graduate Studies

• Completion of a recognised Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programmes
• Completion of a recognised Master’s degree for our doctoral programme
• Academic background relevant to the programme’s academic scope

Professional Development and Executive Education

• Academic qualifications and/or professional experience relevant to the programme
• Requirements are defined on a programme-by-programme basis

English Language Proficiency

All programmes are delivered in English.

Applicants whose prior education was not conducted in English may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted qualifications and minimum scores are specified on individual programme pages.

Applicants who have completed prior education entirely in English or who are native English speakers may be exempt, subject to verification.

Additional Programme-Specific Requirements

Additional Programme-Specific Requirements

Depending on the programme, applicants may be required to submit:

• A motivation letter or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A research proposal and statement of purpose (doctoral applicants)
• Evidence of professional experience (executive programmes)
• Participation in an admissions interview

Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience

Relevant academic qualifications or professional experience may be considered in accordance with the School’s academic regulations.

Recognition of prior learning or experience is assessed on a case-by-case basis and does not guarantee admission.

Important Notice: Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Final admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of the application, in accordance with programme-specific criteria and institutional policies.