Duke Global Policy Program in Geneva Frequently Asked Questions

The Duke Global Policy Program in Geneva is a summer academic and professional development program run by Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy. Participants spend one intensive week in Geneva, Switzerland, learning how international organizations, governments, and NGOs address global policy challenges. The week includes lectures and seminars led by track faculty, visits to Geneva-based international organizations, conversations with practitioners, networking events, and group case simulations. Participants choose one of three tracks and can take the course for 2.0 Duke credits or for professional development.

The intensive course week takes place in Geneva each summer. The Summer 2027 course week is June 14–18, 2027. For individuals pursuing course credit, the program begins before you travel: participants start readings, lectures, and discussions with their track faculty and classmates several weeks before the course week. Participants earning credit then submit a final policy memo, due by early August (the end of Duke's Summer II term).

Each participant enrolls in one of three course tracks, each with its own faculty, readings, assignments, and site visits:

• Global Health
• Humanitarian Action: Crises, Refugees, and Human Rights
• International Trade Policy

Expect a full, fast-paced week with activities from early morning into the evening. You'll attend lectures and seminars, visit international organizations and NGOs in your track's field, meet sector experts, receive professional coaching, attend networking and social events, and work in groups on assignments, including a case competition. The week also includes a course reception and special dinner.

Geneva is one of the world's main centers of international cooperation. It hosts the United Nations Office at Geneva, the UN's second-largest office after its New York headquarters, along with the headquarters of organizations tied directly to the program's tracks, including the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

For anyone pursuing a career in global health, humanitarian response, human rights, or international trade, Geneva offers direct access to the institutions shaping those fields.

No, you don't need to be a Duke student. The program is open to graduate and professional students and early-career professionals from any university or organization worldwide, plus a limited number of undergraduates.

Participants come from fields including public policy, international relations, business, medicine, and law. Past participants have attended universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Singapore Management University, and the University of Toronto.

Yes, in limited cases. The program is designed for graduate-level participants but admits a small number of outstanding undergraduates:

• Non-Duke undergraduates must be rising seniors at the time of the program and should have substantial experience interning and/or living abroad.
• Duke undergraduates are not eligible unless they will graduate before the program begins.

Admission is competitive. The admissions committee considers professional background, leadership skills, and commitment to a career in global policy, and gives priority to applicants with a combination of relevant work, academic and volunteer experience. Most participants have lived abroad through study, work or travel. A second language is not required but strengthens an application.

Apply online through Duke OneLink:

1. Create a Duke OneLink account if you don't already have one.
2. Select the "Spring 2027-Fall 2027 Application Cycle," then "Duke Global Policy Program in Geneva."
3. Submit a current résumé or CV (PDF preferred), a 250–500-word essay on your motivations and what you hope to gain from the program, and unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions you've attended.

Recommendation letters and English test scores are not required.

Applications are reviewed in rounds. For Summer 2027:

• Priority Deadline 1: November 2, 2026
• Priority Deadline 2: January 4, 2027
• Final Deadline: March 12, 2027

Applying early is strongly encouraged. After the priority rounds, applications are accepted on a space-available basis. The final deadline is intended for applicants who can't commit earlier or who are on the waitlist.

No. The program is taught entirely in English, and an excellent command of English is essential. English test scores are not required. Basic French is helpful for daily life in Geneva but not required.

Attend an information session to hear from program faculty and ask questions. Information sessions are offered in person on Duke's campus and virtually each fall. You can also join the email interest list for updates and invitations, or email geneva@duke.edu.

The Summer 2027 program fee is:

• $3,915 for non-Duke students
• $2,495 for Duke students
• $1,800 for Duke Sanford MPP and MIDP students (subsidized rate)

The fee does not cover housing, airfare, meals, visa fees, or other living expenses. Geneva is a very expensive city, so participants are encouraged to budget accordingly. We encourage you to inquire with your home institution, program, employer, or sponsor for potential support early in the year.

The program fee covers:

• PubPol 860 coursework and the intensive course week
• Advising and orientation to prepare you to visit and network in Geneva
• Site visits to organizations in your track's field and conversations with sector experts
• Networking and social events in Geneva, including a course reception and special dinner
• A Certificate of Completion (plus 2.0 Duke credits if you complete the credit option)
• Access to a network of more than 700 past participants

The program does not offer its own financial aid. Many participants fund the program through their home school or university, employer or sponsor, or through external scholarships and grants. Participants are encouraged to start considering funding options early, as some funding applications are due up to a year before the program. Visit the funding guidance page to review funding tips and scholarship, fellowship, and grant opportunities.

No. You can choose one of two options:

• For credit: Complete all course requirements to earn 2.0 academic credits from Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy, plus a Certificate of Completion.
• For professional development (non-credit): Fully participate in the course week and receive a Certificate of Completion. You do not complete the final policy memo.

The non-credit option is a good fit for early career professionals who aren't enrolled in a degree program or anyone who wants the Geneva experience without the full coursework.

The course (PubPol 860) runs in three phases, and each track's faculty set their own assignments:

1. Before the course week: Pre-course lectures, readings, discussions, short papers, and podcast briefings, beginning several weeks before you travel
2. During the course week: Assignments and group work, including a case competition
3. After the course week: A final policy memo, due by early August (the end of Duke's Summer II term)

All work must be completed by the deadline to receive credit.

Credits are awarded by Duke University, but whether they count toward your degree is up to your home institution. Check with your academic advisor or registrar's office before you apply.

No. Participants arrange their own housing. The program provides suggestions and resources, including for foyers (a cross between a hostel and a hotel, popular with students and interns from around the world) and apartment sublets. Many participants stay in hotels for the course week.

It depends on your citizenship. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, and short-stay visa requirements vary by passport, so check the Swiss government's official guidance and apply early if you need a visa. Visa fees are not included in the program fee. If you plan to stay in Geneva for an internship, you may need a work visa. 

Yes. Each year a handful of participants bring spouses and sometimes children. Keep in mind that the course week is demanding, with activities from early morning into the evening, so free time is limited.

Yes, but you must arrange an internship yourself. Internships are not part of the Duke Global Policy Program in Geneva. 

For help finding one:

• Duke Sanford MPP and MIDP students should work with the Sanford Career Services team.
• All other participants should work with their own school's career services office.

Non-EU citizens need a Swiss work visa for an internship. 

For internships shorter than 12 weeks, you typically must apply in person at the Swiss consulate serving your area, which may require travel. 

For internships of 12 weeks or longer, you can typically apply by mail.