Admission and Fees

The CAS courses are designed for :

• Professionals working in humanitarian action or in an international organisation who, after a number of years in the field, wish to review their competences and reflect on their practice in an academic setting;
  
• Staff of aid organisations or of NGOs in the social sector who wish to embark on a career in the humanitarian field;
  
• Professionals from a range of sectors who would like to explore the humanitarian field before deciding on a career change.

Entrance requirements

• Either a university qualification following three years of study plus at least two years of work experience in the humanitarian, social or development field;
  
• And English mother tongue or proof of level of competence through a TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS certificate or the equivalent.

To apply, please provide the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the certificate for the highest educational qualification obtained
• Proof of English language competence (TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent)
• Copies of work certificates from your last two job positions
• Details of two persons willing to act as referees from your current and previous employment
• A passport photo (.jpg)

Admission process

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Selection Committee examines the quality of the application and aims to reach a balance between the numbers of men and women, educational profile and professional experience, geographical distribution and financial contribution.  20 candidates maximum are selected each year.

Financing your studies

You should draw up a budget before coming to Geneva for your course. No grants are available for CAS applicants.

Fees

The fee for each CAS is CHF5,000. This sum includes teaching materials and the University fee. If you are accepted for a course you should send a deposit of CHF 1,000 as soon as possible. Reception of the deposit confirms your admission to the course. The remainder is paid according to the instructions on the invoice you will receive.

Candidates who have paid Geneva taxes for at least one year may be able to apply for a "chèque de formation" (Education support) which amounts to a maximum of CHF 750 per year. A request should be made at the OFPC before the start of the course.

Payments should be made in Swiss francs. The deposit is not reimbursed if the application is cancelled or if studies are abandoned.

If fees are not paid, access to the course will not be allowed.

Living expenses

Living expenses for a student in Geneva are about CHF 2,000 per month including accommodation, health insurance, local transport and meals (this list is not exhaustive). Travel to and from Geneva and visa costs are not included in this estimate.

Application deadlines

For the following CAS:

• Strategic planning and management of humanitarian programmes
• Communication and advocacy for humanitarian projects
• Disaster management

For candidates who need an entry visa for Switzerland, applications are open from 1st June to 5 November  2012. The decision to will be sent at the beginning of December 2012.

For all other candidates, applications are open from  1^st June to 3 December 2012. The decision will be sent at the of beggining January 2013.

The courses will be held from 4 February to 22 March 2013.
Applications should be sent electronically to 

For the following CAS:

• Rights and humanitarian action
• Human resources management in humanitarian settings
• Health in humanitarian crises

For candidates who need an entry visa for Switzerland, applications are open from 1 September 2012 to 8 January 2013. The decision will be sent at the beginning of February.

For all other candidates, applications are open from 1 September 2012 to 4 February 2013. The decision will be sent at the beggining of March 2013.

The courses will be held from 8 April to 24 May 2013.
Applications should be sent electronically to