Our scholarship programme for the Master of Advanced Studies in Humanitarian Action (MAS) aims to provide access to our training for humanitarian professionals by removing barriers. Through these scholarships, we foster a diverse classroom environment that reflects the various working environments our students come from. This diversity creates valuable opportunities to enhance essential skills such as negotiation and listening, which are crucial for successful project and people management.

Each year, we offer full and partial scholarships for our Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Humanitarian Action, made possible by the financial support of by the financial support of a Geneva private foundation.

Our MAS scholarships are open only to citizens from countries classified as ‘least developed’, ‘low income’ and ‘lower-middle income’, as per the DAC list of ODA Recipients. Applicants must live and be employed in one of the countries listed. 

Please note that all scholarships are allocated and administered by the Centre. We expect all students to contribute towards the cost of their education. The scholarship selection committee considers individuals’ financial contributions. Hence, we strongly advise candidates to explore other financial support options.

The application period for MAS programme scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year is open until 30 June 2026 if you apply for the scholarship (until 31 July 2026 if you don’t apply for the scholarship). Please check your eligibility before applying. 

The scholarship covers CHF 14,000 of the tuition fees and also includes living expenses during the Geneva immersive sessions (each year in February). For a duration of 2 weeks, students will receive CHF 3’000.

Please note that all scholarship recipients of the MAS programme are required to contribute to the tuition fees. The minimum payment required is CHF 1,000 deposit.

• CV (Resume)
• Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career)
• Highest educational qualification obtained
• Work certificates/official documents from your current job position and the previous one
• Two recent letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional) signed and with direct reference to the programme of your choice
• Portrait photo (ID format)
• Scanned copy of passport
• Proof of English language competence dated within the last two years (minimum C1 level)
• MAS scholarship application form

1. Check your eligibility for a scholarship in ‘Who can apply‘ tab
2. Download and fill in the MAS scholarship application sheet
3. Prepare all the mandatory documents (see the tab ‘Docs/info to provide‘)
4. Go to the application portal
5. Fill in the online MAS application form
6. Tick the box “I would like to apply for a scholarship”
7. Submit your application

The Selection Committee will pronounce its decision by the end of July 2026. You will be notified about the result via email.

Candidates who are unable to pay the deposit, or who cannot start the MAS programme according to the scheduled start in September 2026, will have their scholarship withdrawn. The scholarship will then be awarded to the next candidates on a waiting list.

☐ I am eligible for the MAS programme

☐ I am aware of the registration deadlines (see the tab ‘Dates‘)

☐ I am a citizen of one of the countries on the DAC List of ODA Recipients (columns 1 – 3 only)

☐ I work in one of the countries on the DAC List of ODA Recipients (columns 1 – 3 only)

☐ I am aware that the scholarship might not cover all the course fees and living expenses. I am prepared to contribute a minimum of CHF 2000 if I am selected as a successful applicant

☐ I have filled in the MAS scholarship application form completely and accurately

☐ I selected the appropriate length of stay in Geneva based on the options provided: 4 or 7 months

If you have successfully checked all the items on the checklist and meet the eligibility criteria, you are ready to proceed with your application. Follow the application process guidelines, submit all the required documents, and make sure to meet the registration deadlines.

Best of luck with your application!