Refund Policy

1. No-Refund Policy

The Geneva Institute of Humanitarian & Development Studies (GIHDS) maintains a strict no-refund policy. Once payment has been made for any of our programs, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances. This policy applies to all programs offered by GIHDS, including:

• Master of Humanitarian Action & Development — full program fee USD 2,000
• Master of Development Project & Program Management — full program fee USD 3,500
• Doctor of Humanitarian Action & Development — full program fee USD 10,800 (USD 3,600 per year)
• AI in Humanitarian Action & Development (Short Course) — USD 99 (Standard) or USD 59 (Current GIHDS students)

Eligible learners from Africa and Asia may apply for the GIHDS 90% scholarship on degree programs; the resulting reduced amount payable is likewise non-refundable once paid.

2. Reasons for This Policy

This policy exists because:

• GIHDS allocates significant resources at the point of enrollment, including LMS access, course materials, dedicated faculty support, cohort administration, and internal grading capacity
• Scholarship funds are specifically committed to learners who intend to complete their program
• Our operational model, cohort planning, and academic delivery depend on predictable enrollment
• The policy protects the integrity of the admissions process and ensures that only serious and committed candidates enroll

3. Before You Pay

Before making any payment, please confirm that:

• You are fully committed to completing your chosen program (4 weeks for the AI in Humanitarian Action & Development short course, 9 months for the Master of Development Project & Program Management, 1 year for the Master of Humanitarian Action & Development, or 3 years for the Doctor of Humanitarian Action & Development)
• You have reviewed the program page in full, including curriculum, requirements, delivery mode, and academic documents awarded upon successful completion
• You have the time and resources to dedicate to online, self-paced study
• You have reliable internet access for the full duration of the program
• You understand that payment is final and non-refundable

4. Situations Where No Refund Will Be Issued

Refunds will not be issued in any situation, including but not limited to:

• Change of mind, personal circumstances, or shifting priorities
• Inability or unwillingness to continue with the program
• Dissatisfaction with the course content, delivery, or platform
• Technical issues on the learner's side (internet, device, or software problems)
• Failure to meet program requirements or academic standards
• Withdrawal from or dismissal from a program for reasons of academic misconduct or breach of these terms
• Any other reason whatsoever

5. Deferral

In exceptional circumstances—such as a serious documented medical emergency—a learner may request a one-time deferral to a future cohort. Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis, are subject to written approval by GIHDS administration, and are not guaranteed. A granted deferral does not constitute a refund and does not entitle the learner to any monetary reimbursement.

6. Chargebacks & Disputes

Because this no-refund policy is disclosed prior to payment and forms part of our Terms of Use, initiating a chargeback or payment dispute contrary to this policy may result in immediate suspension of access, removal from the enrolled program, and legal recovery of costs incurred by GIHDS.

7. Acknowledgment

By submitting your application and making payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this No-Refund Policy. You confirm that you are making an informed decision to enroll and accept full responsibility for that decision.

8. Contact

If you have any questions about this policy before making payment, please contact us: