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 ICM?No, you don't. Since courses are held on three modules over 3 to 5 days each, there is no need to live in Geneva to attend the programme.
I am currently unemployed, can I attend ICM?Yes, you can. We take into consideration all motivated individuals with past working experience and a professional project related to international and public affairs.
Will I have time to manage my regular job responsibilities during ICM?Yes, you will. The Executive Certificate ICM is designed for working professionals. Aside from the three modules when attendance in classes is compulsory, participants will be expected to integrate their training with their professional responsibilities. Participants are expected to participate in least 80% of the full programme in order to be awarded the certificate.
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's or a Master's degree.
When do I have to apply?You can start applying from June 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 30 September.
How is my application assessed?Once your application is received, an email will be sent to you confirming receipt of your application form. Once complete, it will then be considered for approval by our academic committee. Your application will be assessed within four weeks, unless we contact you for further information. Once accepted, you will receive a letter of admission along with a tuition invoice.
Tuition feesDoes the Graduate Institute offer any financial aid for ICM participants?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 3'000.- is due upon receipt of your formal admission letter and invoice. The total tuition fees are due before end of 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 ICM a full-time programme?No, it isn't. The Executive Certificate ICM uses an executive format. Our participants meet three times over four months for intensive courses and seminars. ICM is designed for professionals and does not lead to a doctoral programme.
Why does the Graduate Institute partner with LEIDAR in the Executive Certificate ICM?We aim to create a unique and bespoke educational programme which combines global-level professional expertise from the LEIDAR team with the academic credentials of the Graduate Institute. This unique partnership has an international scope with local relevance and is co-managed by two Swiss-based partners.
I have 15 years of professional experience, is ICM still for me?Yes, it is. Because ICM 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 curriculum to succeed and be awarded the Executive Certificate in International Crisis Management.
What will my timetable look like?Classes will take place over three modules of 3 to 5 days each from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Will I have full access to the library and IT facilities?All participants are encouraged to make full use of Graduate Institute's facilities. You will be given access to the library once they register. You 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 Certificate degree?An Executive Certificate 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 "Certificate of advanced studies" but does not lead to a Ph.D. programme. It is oriented towards enhancing participants' careers and skills in their working environment. It is oriented towards enhancing participants' careers and skills in their working environment. The Executive Certificate ICM is equivalent to 10 ECTS (European standard credit system).
Do I need to take examinations during the Programme?Yes, you do. Three types of assessment are required to successfully achieve the Executive Certificate.
Do I get a diploma at the end of the Programme?Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an Executive Certificate in International Crisis Management by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. The diploma will specify the modules you successfully attended. The Executive Certificate ICM is worth 10 European credits (ECTS), it is equivalent to a "Certificate of Advanced Studies" in the Swiss system.
I am a current graduate student, can I attend ICM?Graduate Institute students with a strong interest in crisis management 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 session of the Programme is accompanied by a syllabus indicating topics covered, discussion questions, learning outcomes as well as required reading. For each session, 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.
For any further question please don't hesitate to contact the programme officer: icm@graduateinstitute.ch
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