Geneva Institute of Humanitarian & Development Studies
Accessible Humanitarian and Development Education for Global Professionals
The Geneva Institute of Humanitarian & Development Studies provides flexible online professional education in humanitarian action, development practice, project and program management, leadership, research, and applied professional skills.
Designed for learners across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
100% Online Learning
Flexible study from anywhere.
Scholarship-Supported Access
Tuition support for eligible Afro-Asia learners.
Professional Programs
Humanitarian, development, project management, and doctoral-level pathways.
Practical Skills
Programs designed around real humanitarian and development work.
Global Reach
Active learners across Africa and Asia
Our online programs support committed professionals and practitioners from 20 countries — building a growing network of humanitarian and development leaders across the Global South.
About the Institute
Who We Are
The Geneva Institute of Humanitarian & Development Studies is an independent online professional education institute dedicated to advancing accessible, practice-informed, and globally relevant learning in humanitarian action, development, project and program management, leadership, research, policy, and applied professional practice.
GIHDS supports learners seeking to strengthen their knowledge, professional judgment, and practical capacity to contribute effectively in humanitarian, development, NGO, public sector, and social impact settings.
Learn More About GIHDSOur Programs
Explore Our Programs
Structured online programs for learners seeking professional growth in humanitarian action, development practice, project and program management, leadership, and applied research.
Master of Humanitarian Action & Development
Duration
1 Year
Mode
100% Online
Full Fee
USD 2,000
Structure
9 Courses + Capstone Field Project
* 90% scholarship available for eligible Afro-Asia students
A professionally oriented program covering humanitarian principles, international law, NGO program management, MEAL, emergency response, donor systems, protection, logistics, and humanitarian leadership.
View ProgramMaster of Development Project & Program Management
Duration
9 Months
Mode
100% Online
Full Fee
USD 3,500
Structure
5 Courses + Capstone Field Project
* 90% scholarship available for eligible Afro-Asia students
A practical development-sector program focused on project management, program management, MEAL, project finance, Theory of Change, donor requirements, and applied development practice.
View ProgramDoctor of Humanitarian Action & Development
Duration
3 Years
Mode
100% Online
Full Fee
USD 10,800
Structure
8 Courses + Doctoral Dissertation
* 90% scholarship available for eligible Afro-Asia students
An advanced doctoral-level pathway for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen research, policy, leadership, ethics, and knowledge contribution in humanitarian and development contexts.
View ProgramScholarship Opportunity
GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative
Expanding access to humanitarian and development education for qualified learners from Africa, Asia, and resource-constrained contexts.
Through the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative, eligible applicants may receive substantial institutional tuition support for selected programs. The initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers and support committed learners seeking to strengthen their professional capacity in humanitarian action, development practice, project and program management, leadership, research, and social impact.
Program Tuition
| Program | Full Fee |
|---|---|
| Master of Humanitarian Action & Development | USD 2,000 |
| Master of Development Project & Program Management | USD 3,500 |
| Doctor of Humanitarian Action & Development | USD 10,800 |
90% Scholarship available for eligible students from Africa and Asia. See scholarship page for eligibility.
AI in Humanitarian Action & Development
Develop practical skills to use AI tools across the full humanitarian and development program cycle—from needs assessment and project design to donor mapping, implementation, MEAL, reporting, and professional productivity.
Includes a Humanitarian & Development AI Prompt Bank with more than 200 reusable prompts.
Explore the CourseCourse Highlights
Duration
4 Weeks
Mode
100% Online
Standard Fee
USD 99
GIHDS Students
USD 59
Our Advantages
Why Choose GIHDS
Accessible Learning
Online programs designed for learners across diverse geographic and professional contexts.
Afro-Asia Focus
Scholarship-supported access for eligible learners from Africa and Asia.
Practical Relevance
Curricula connected to humanitarian, development, NGO, donor-funded, and social impact work.
Flexible Study
Online learning designed for working professionals, field staff, and learners with competing responsibilities.
Professional Growth
Programs support development of knowledge, confidence, leadership, and applied professional capacity.
Global Perspective
Learning informed by international humanitarian and development debates, standards, and field realities.
Areas of Focus
Our Learning Areas
Application Process
How to Apply
Our streamlined application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient. Follow these steps to begin your learning journey with GIHDS.
Start ApplicationChoose Your Program
Review available programs or short courses.
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application or enrollment form.
Application Review
The Admissions Team reviews your eligibility and submitted information.
Admission & Tuition Confirmation
Successful applicants receive admission and payment guidance.
Begin Learning Online
Confirmed students receive access instructions and begin their learning journey.
Learning Experience
Designed for Online Learners
GIHDS programs are designed to support flexible online learning. Students access structured materials, downloadable resources, video-based lessons, assignments, and academic guidance according to the requirements of each program.
Online Learning Access
Structured materials and video-based lessons.
Downloadable PDFs
Resources available for offline study.
Practical Assignments
Applied exercises for real-world skills.
Academic Review
Feedback and guidance from faculty.
Professional Pathways
Prepare for Meaningful Professional Pathways
GIHDS programs are designed to support learners seeking roles or advancement in humanitarian, development, NGO, public sector, research, project management, MEAL, grants, operations, policy, and social impact settings.
Career outcomes depend on each learner's prior education, experience, professional context, and labour market conditions. GIHDS does not guarantee employment, but its programs are designed to strengthen professional readiness and sector-relevant capacity.
Start Your Learning Journey with GIHDS
Explore flexible online programs and professional short courses designed for humanitarian, development, NGO, public sector, and social impact professionals.