Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
Switzerland • Founded 1927 • World Rank #2841
Overview
Founded 1927 at the heyday of the League of Nations, when it became the first institution in the world entirely dedicated to the study of international affairs.
An independent organization established as a private foundation, the Graduate Institute receives funding from the Swiss federal state and the state of Geneva. Acquired present status 2008
Location & Contact
Below are Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.
Academic Details
The basic academic profile of Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Degrees
Also Masters in collaboration with the University of Geneva; LL.M in collaboration with Georgetown University; Dual Master with Harvard Kennedy School; Executive Masters programmes; Certificate and summer courses
Master's 9 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Anthropology
- Development Studies
- History
- International Business
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Doctoral 8 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anthropology
- Economics
- History
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Faculties & Divisions
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies's departmental layout. Some institutions use 'school' for what others call 'department' — terminology varies but the function (subject area management) is similar.
Development Studies (Course/Programme) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Development Studies
- History
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
International Affairs (Course/Programme) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- History
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Sociology
Anthropology and Sociology of Development (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Economics (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- International Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International History (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
International Law (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Relations and Political Sciences (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
Master's Degree
6 programmes
These 6 programmes form Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Master in International and Development Studies Area Studies
Master in Anthropology and Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Master in International Economics Economics
Master in International History and Politics History
Master in International Law International Law
Master in International Relations and Political Science Politics & International Relations
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
5 programmes
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies lists 5 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
PhD in Anthropology and Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
PhD in International Economics Economics
PhD in International History and Politics History
PhD in International Law International Law
PhD in International Relations and Political Science Politics & International Relations
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
Five steps that capture how most applications to Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Research programmes at Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies runs 11 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Switzerland.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.graduateinstitute.ch). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 41 22 908 57 00. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies founded?
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies was established in 1927 (approximately 99 years ago).
What city is Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in?
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies operates from Genève, Switzerland.
Is Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies public or private?
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies operates as a public institution.
How big is Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies's student body?
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies serves approximately 692 students.
How is Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies ranked?
It ranks #2841 globally and #18 in Switzerland.
What degrees does Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies offer?
Programmes at Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies cover master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies officially recognised?
Yes, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is recognised by Swiss Ministry of Education.
How do I find Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies online?
The institution's website is www.graduateinstitute.ch.
Top-Ranked Universities in Switzerland
Top Switzerland universities often run international branch campuses. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Social & Cultural Studies is taught at multiple universities across Switzerland — these alternatives to Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Often Compared with Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
When students choose Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
