The DAS is designed for:

• Professionals working in humanitarian action or in an international organisation, who, after a number of years in the field, would like to review their competences and reflect on their work in an academic setting;
  
• Professionals working in the social domain wishing to move into the humanitarian aid sector;
  
• Professionals from a variety of backgrounds, who hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university degree of three year’s of study, and have a minimum of five years work experience, who wish to move into the humanitarian aid sector.

Admission requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent, university degree requiring three year’s of study, plus a minimum of two years work experience in the humanitarian, social or development sector.
  
  Or
  
• At least five years work experience in the humanitarian, social or development sector
  
  And
  
• Good level of English language skills: proof of level of competence through a TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS certificate or the equivalent

To apply, please provide the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Completed grant application form (for the eligible party)
• 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)

Admissions process

The DAS is open to 20 students per year. Admission is based on the overall quality of the application, including academic achievement, quality of application documents, relevance of previous work experience and English language skills.

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.

Financing your studies

You should draw up a budget before coming to Geneva for your course. CERAH can offer only a very limited number of education grants and subsidies for living expenses, and these are only available to MAS and DAS students (under certain conditions). This is why we urge you to look for financial support yourself.

Registration and course fees

The cost of the DAS is CHF 8,000. This sum includes teaching materials and the university fee. If you are accepted for the course, you should send a deposit of CHF 1,000 as soon as possible. Reception of the deposit acts as confirmation of your participation. Then the remainder, that is CHF 7,000, should be paid before 30 September 2012.

Candidates who have paid income tax in the canton of Geneva for at least one year may be eligible to apply for an annual "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 CHF 1000 deposit is not reimbursed in case of cancellation of your application or abandonment of your studies.

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

Living expenses

Living expenses for a student in Geneva are estimated at about CHF 2,000 per month. This sum includes accommodation, health insurance, local transport and meals (this list is not exhaustive). The sum does not include travel to and from Geneva or the costs of obtaining a visa.

Candidates, who cannot pay the total cost of the course and/or their living expenses for the whole period of the course, must attach a request for a grant on the form here.

On the form you should mention how much (in Swiss francs) you can contribute yourself (including third-party contributions) to the course costs and/or living expenses in Geneva. Grants are limited and are awarded under certain conditions. The Selection Committee takes into account individuals' financial contribution.

Application deadlines

For candidates who have applied for a grant and/or who need an entry visa for Switzerland, applications are open from 15 December 2011 to 20 April 2012. Candidates will be notified of the decision at the end of April 2012.

For all other candidates, applications are open from 15 December 2011 to 1 June 2012. Candidates will be notified of the decision at the end of June 2012.

The application dossier must be sent electronically to the following address :