Admission

Formal requirements

A Master’s degree or equivalent level of education as recognized by ETH. In exceptional cases, applicants without a Master’s degree may be admitted if proof of special qualifications is provided.

At least two years of work experience in international cooperation or a related field, including sustainable development, development cooperation, corporate social responsibility or migration. Upon review of the application dossier, relevant work experience of lesser duration may be accepted in exceptional cases.

Admission is also open to doctoral students conducting empirical research in low- or middle-income countries.

CAS application

Registration for all continuing education programs is made via the ETH School for Continuing Education. Here you can find more information on how to apply.

For the application, the following documents are required:

Curriculum vitae
Motivation letter
Testimonial of 2 years of relevant professional experience
Diploma certificate and transcript (of records) of the highest or most relevant degree
Passport copy or identity card
Declaration of consent

Incomplete registration dossiers will not be considered.

Before the start of the CAS with NADEL, applicants are invited for a personal interview with a NADEL team member to discuss appropriate course selection for the individualized program of study.

Apply here for the CAS ETH GCSD

Course registration

Applications for courses in 2024 will be accepted starting on 30 October 2023.

Please register here. If you have already registered for a NADEL course in the past, please use the login details sent to you by e-mail.
We recommend registering as soon as possible because class size for each course is limited to a maximum of 24 participants. Once a course is full, additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list. The application for the CAS and registration for courses can be done simultaneously.

Language of instruction

Courses are either offered in English or German.

Exams

For each course, students must take a written exam at the end of the semester OR prepare a written assignment. The required performance assessment as well as the exact exam dates will be published on the NADEL website.

Written assignments and exams are graded pass/fail. Failed examinations can be repeated once. Due to ETH regulations, the exams cannot be taken online.

Completion

Students must complete a minimum of 15 ECTS points to earn a diploma. This corresponds to a minimum of six three- or five-day courses. The CAS must be completed within three years, beginning with the matriculation. Upon successful completion, the diploma CAS ETH in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development is awarded.

Costs

For the online CAS registration, applicants holding a degree from a Swiss university pay 50 CHF, applicants holding a degree from another university pay 150 CHF. Payment of course fees must be made by credit card upon registration. An invoice will not be sent. Two and three-day courses (1-2 ECTS points) cost 570 CHF; four- or five-day courses (3 ECTS points) cost 950 CHF.

In addition, there is a one-time ETH tuition fee of 730 CHF. The School for Continuing Education will send an invoice.

Regulation of absences

ETH Zurich’s principles of education quality management require regular attendance. Moreover, the courses are designed to be participatory, requiring active student engagement in class. During five-day courses, in case of sickness, a one-day absence is allowed. Absences due to work commitments cannot be excused except for unpostponable job interviews. During three-day courses, no absences will be excused.

Cancellation terms

Cancellations are possible up to four weeks prior to the start of a course. Students cancelling less than four weeks before the start of a course must pay the full course fee.