Master of Advanced Studies in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development
If you are passionate about addressing global inequality, tackling climate change, and fostering inclusive societies, this master in international cooperation and development is for you!
The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) ETH in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development is a unique master program in sustainability that prepares the next generation of change-makers for careers in international cooperation, sustainable management, and global development.
This sustainable development master equips you with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to navigate complexity with clarity, connect across cultures with purpose, and design solutions for a livable planet with inclusive societies. Whether you are aiming for a career in an international organization, NGO, government, or the private sector, the program provides a strong foundation in education in sustainable development.
The application window is now closed. The next application period will open in February 2028.
Why choose this MAS at ETH Zurich?
- Interdisciplinary curriculum – Courses cover the five dimensions of sustainable development:
- Cultural and Social Aspects of Development
- Development Economics
- Politics and Governance
- History and Forms of International Cooperation
- Environment and Resources
- Electives allow you to specialize in areas such as food security, water and sanitation, global health, or policy evaluation.
- Immersive practice – An eight-month on-the-job training abroad with one of NADEL’s 30+ partner organizations (e.g. external page SDC, external page Helvetas, external page the United Nations, external page the World Bank, external page Caritas, external page Swisscontact) provides practical experience as a Junior Professional Officer. Travel and living expenses are financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
- Outstanding career prospects – More than 80% of graduates work in positions related to global sustainable development. Alumni are employed in bilateral and multilateral organizations, civil society, academia, and industry. To find out more about potential career paths, listen to our "1.90 pro Tag" podcast with our MAS alumni.
- Individual mentoring and global network – Small classes (4 students per lecturer), personal supervision, and access to NADEL’s worldwide alumni community of 1500+ professionals in sustainable management masterroles.
Key facts
- Degree: Master of Advanced Studies (MAS ETH in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development)
- Credits: 70 ECTS
- Duration: 14 months full-time + 8 weeks part-time
- Location: At ETH Zürich and an 8-month work assignment abroad
- Language: English
- Target group: Graduates from all disciplines (social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, humanities)
- Next programme cycle: September 2026 – February 2028
- Application period: 1 – 28 February 2026
- Tuition fee: CHF 6,260 (living costs in Zurich not included; work assignment abroad financed by SDC)
- Scholarships: Limited scholarships available for students from least, low and lower-middle-income countries (OECD classification). Find out more here.
For all MAS-related inquiries please contact .