Frequently Asked Questions
LogisticsDoes the Graduate Institute offer any on-campus housing?The Graduate Institute cannot provide participants with accommodation. We can advise on particular residences and hotels according to your wishes and budget. Do not hesitate to contact our office for help.
I am a non-Swiss resident, can I apply?Yes, the Graduate Institute welcomes all nationalities in its programmes.
I do not speak French, is it a problem?Classes are taught in English, and there are plenty of English-speaking activities and services in Geneva. However, Geneva can also become the place for you to discover or improve your knowledge of French!
Can I bring my laptop?There is wireless network access for laptops in most parts of the Graduate Institute. Full details of IT services will be provided upon your arrival. Please do not forget to bring a power adapter from your country to be able to plug in your laptop.
Do I have to live in Geneva to attend ASIA?No, you don't. Since courses are held on Fridays and Saturdays twice a month over a period of nine months, there is no need to live in Geneva to attend the programme.
I am currently unemployed, can I attend ASIA?Yes, you can. We take into consideration all motivated individuals with past working experience and a professional project related to Asian Affairs.
Will I have time to manage my regular job responsibilities during ASIA?Yes, you will. The Executive Master ASIA is designed for working professionals. Aside from 4 days per month when attendance at classes is compulsory, participants will be expected to integrate their training with their professional responsibilities (observation of the working place, research for their final thesis). Approximately 6 hours of personal homework per week are expected during the programme. Participants are expected to participate in least 80% of the full programme in order to be awarded the diploma.
Can I participate through distance-learning courses?No, you can't. You need to attend courses in person.
ApplicationWhat do I need to support my application?The application file is quite simple. Fill in the application form online and submit it online, along with your motivation letter, two professional letters of recommendation and copies of your academic diplomas.
Do I need to provide with English Proficiency test results?Since the programme is taught in English, applicants are expected to be proficient in the use of this language. No certificate is required, but they must fully understand courses in English and be able to write short essays.
Do I need to include a letter of reference with my application?Yes, you need to include two letters of reference from academic or professional referees.
Are there prerequisites for the courses?There are generally no prerequisites. Participants are expected to have a good command of English and to hold a Bachelor or a Master degree.
When do I have to apply?You can start applying from 1 April. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 1 April to 1 October.
How is my application assessed?Once your application is received, an email will be sent to you confirming receipt of your application form. It will then be considered for approval by our academic committee. Your application will be assessed within 4 weeks, unless we contact you for further information. Once accepted, you will receive a letter of admission along with a tuition fees invoice.
Tuition feesDoes the Graduate Institute offer any financial aid for ASIA participants?Unfortunately the programme is not able to provide any financial assistance to candidates. However, we can send a letter of recommendation directly to your sponsors and/or scholarship committee upon request.
Can my employer cover part - or all - of my tuition fees?Yes. We strongly encourage candidates to enquire with their Human Resources Department whether executive education can be sponsored. We would be pleased to send reference letters in support of your fundraising.
When do I pay the tuition fees?A confirmation deposit of CHF 4'400.- is due upon receipt of your formal admission letter and invoice. The total tuition fees are due before March each year. Can I pay by bank transfer?Once accepted on the Programme, you will receive an invoice with a reference number. Payments may be made online through our online electronic system or by bank transfer to: UBS SA, Rue du Rhône 8, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland. IBAN: CH080024024048494300D Please note payments can only be received in Swiss Francs.
Will I get a refund if I withdraw from the Programme?If you withdraw
How do I withdraw from the Programme?You should immediately inform the Programme Director of your withdrawal by email. It is important that you do so as soon as possible so that we can attribute your seat to another candidate.
ProgrammeIs ASIA a full-time Master programme?No, it isn't. The Executive Master ASIA uses an executive format. Our participants meet 4 days a month for intensive courses and seminars. ASIA is designed for professionals and does not lead to a doctoral programme.
Is ASIA comparable to an MBA?Although ASIA is dedicated to enhancing professional leadership and qualifications, it is not an MBA. Topics included in ASIA are focused on global understanding and analytical thinking rather than business.
I have 15 years of professional experience, is ASIA still for me?Yes, it is. Because ASIA aims to help you analyse current global issues and practice your soft skills, it seeks to improve your qualifications, depending on your current professional challenges. Moreover, its aim is to bring together participants of all ages and experiences from both the public and private sectors.
Can I attend only parts of the Programme?No, you cannot choose separate modules but need to attend at least 80% of the full nine-month curriculum to succeed and be awarded the Executive Master in Asian Affairs.
What will my timetable look like?Classes will take place on Fridays and Saturdays twice a month from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Will I have full access to the library and IT facilities?All ASIA participants are encouraged to make full use of Graduate Institute's facilities. They will be given access to the library once they register. They will also be given a personal IT account and internet access in the Graduate Institute's computer rooms. There is wireless network access for laptop computers in most parts of the Graduate Institute.
What is an Executive Master degree?An Executive Master is a part-time and degree-granting programme designed for professionals which aims to combine sharp theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented courses. It is an internationally-recognised "Diploma of advanced studies" but does not lead to a Ph.D. programme. It is equivalent to 30 ECTS (Europen standard credit system). It is oriented towards enhancing participants' careers and skills in their working environment.
Do I need to take examinations during the Programme?Yes, you do. Four types of assessment are required to successfully achieve the Executive Master in Asian Affairs.
When will examinations take place?Each module will be evaluated on a separate basis. They are on site exam, take-home essay questions and oral presentation or simulation.
When will the final paper be due?Our faculty will help you prepare your research paper from the beginning of your programme. The 6000- 8000 words paper will be due at the end of the programme.
Do I get a diploma at the end of the Programme?Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an Executive Master in Asian Affairs by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. The diploma will specify the modules you successfully attended. The Executive Master in Asian Affairs is worth 30 European credits (ECTS), it is equivalent to a "Diploma of Advanced Studies" in the Swiss system.
I am a current graduate student, can I attend ASIA?Graduate Institute students with a strong interest in Asian affairs and some significant work experience can apply to the programme. Is there any dress code for the Programme?Dress code at the Graduate Institute is usually informal.
How much reading will I be expected to do before the course? During the course?Each teaching week of the Programme is accompanied by a syllabus indicating topics covered, discussion questions, learning outcomes as well as required reading. Each week, required reading will be approximately 100 pages, and will be tailored to closely fit the needs of the course. Supplementary reading will be provided as well, and participants will be strongly encouraged to explore them in an effort to enhance their learning. All reading requirements will be posted in electronic form on the password-protected section of the website. Participants should expect an approximate weekly workload of 6 hours in addition to the taught courses.
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