Institutional Scholarship Program
GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative
Expanding access to humanitarian and development education for qualified learners from Africa, Asia, and resource-constrained contexts.
About the Initiative
Expanding Access to Humanitarian and Development Education
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative is an institutional tuition scholarship program established by the Geneva Institute of Humanitarian & Development Studies to make professional humanitarian and development education more accessible to qualified learners from Africa, Asia, and other resource-constrained contexts.
The initiative reflects a simple belief: access to high-quality, professionally relevant education should not be limited by geography, income level, or economic circumstance.
Through this initiative, eligible applicants may receive substantial tuition support toward selected GIHDS programs, helping them pursue advanced learning in humanitarian action, development practice, project and program management, leadership, research, policy, and applied professional skills.
The Challenge
Why the Scholarship Initiative Exists
Humanitarian and development challenges are increasingly complex. Crises are becoming more interconnected, development needs are expanding, and organizations require professionals who can think critically, lead responsibly, manage programs effectively, and respond to communities with competence and integrity.
Yet many capable professionals and emerging leaders across Africa and Asia face financial barriers that limit their access to professional education.
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative was created to reduce this barrier. The initiative supports learners who demonstrate commitment to humanitarian service, development work, public service, NGO practice, social impact, research, leadership, or community-centered change.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative is to:
- Expand access to humanitarian and development education
- Support professionals from developing and resource-constrained contexts
- Strengthen local and regional leadership capacity
- Help learners build practical, policy, research, and management skills
- Support professionals working across NGOs, public institutions, civil society, and social impact organizations
- Promote cross-regional learning across the Afro-Asia corridor
The Afro-Asia Learning Corridor
A growing community of professionals, practitioners, and emerging leaders committed to humanitarian action, development practice, public service, NGO management, research, and social impact.
Regional Focus
A Scholarship for the Afro-Asia Learning Corridor
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative gives particular attention to learners from Africa and Asia, where many humanitarian and development professionals work in complex environments but often face limited access to affordable postgraduate and professional education.
GIHDS recognizes that many of the world's humanitarian and development challenges are experienced most directly in these regions. The Institute also recognizes that many of the most committed professionals working in these contexts need access to flexible, affordable, and professionally relevant education.
Scholarship Value
What the Scholarship Covers
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative provides a tuition reduction for eligible applicants. It is applied directly to the program tuition fee. It is not a cash payment, living allowance, travel grant, stipend, or external financial aid award.
90%
Maximum Tuition Reduction
3
Programs Supported
$14K+
Total Potential Savings
Important: The scholarship does not reduce the seriousness of the program. Scholarship recipients are expected to participate responsibly, complete academic requirements, and uphold the standards of the Institute.
Eligible Programs
Current Scholarship-Supported Programs
Master of Humanitarian Action & Development
1 Year
Master of Development Project & Program Management
9 Months
Doctor of Humanitarian Action & Development
3 Years
Tuition Comparison Table
← Swipe to see all columns →
| Program | Full Program Fee | Scholarship Tuition | Tuition Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Humanitarian Action & Development | USD 2,000 | USD 200 | USD 1,800 |
| Master of Development Project & Program Management | USD 3,500 | USD 350 | USD 3,150 |
| Doctor of Humanitarian Action & Development | USD 10,800 | USD 1,080 | USD 9,720 |
Target Audience
Who the Scholarship Is For
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative is intended for applicants who demonstrate academic readiness, professional interest, and commitment to humanitarian or development work.
Eligible applicants may include:
Requirements
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may be considered for the scholarship based on the following criteria. Scholarship approval is not automatic. Each application is reviewed by the Institute.
Country or region of residence or citizenship
Professional or academic interest in humanitarian or development work
Commitment to public service, social impact, NGO work, research, or community development
Academic readiness for the selected program
Ability to study online
English language proficiency
Completion of the application process
Submission of required documents
Availability of scholarship places for the relevant program or intake
How It Works
Scholarship Review Process
The scholarship review is integrated into the admissions process.
Application Submission
Applicants complete the online application form and provide the required information.
Eligibility Review
The Admissions Team reviews the applicant's academic background, professional profile, motivation, country or regional context, and program suitability.
Scholarship Assessment
Eligible applicants are considered for the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative based on the scholarship criteria and available places.
Admission and Scholarship Decision
Successful applicants may receive an admissions offer confirming the scholarship-adjusted tuition.
Tuition Payment and Enrollment
Applicants complete the required tuition payment to confirm enrollment and receive access to the program.
Assessment Criteria
Selection Considerations
GIHDS may consider the following during scholarship review:
Terms & Conditions
Scholarship Conditions
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative is subject to the following conditions:
Our Impact
Why This Initiative Matters
The humanitarian and development sectors need capable professionals who can lead programs, manage resources, analyze complex problems, support affected communities, design effective interventions, and make responsible decisions.
Many professionals across Africa and Asia already carry this responsibility in demanding environments. What they often lack is affordable access to structured, flexible, and professionally relevant education.
The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative seeks to close part of that gap.
It is not charity. It is an investment in human capacity.
Access-Oriented
The initiative is designed to reduce tuition barriers for learners who may otherwise be unable to access professional humanitarian and development education.
Professionally Relevant
Scholarship-supported programs focus on knowledge and skills connected to real humanitarian and development practice.
Flexible and Online
Programs are delivered online, allowing learners to study from different locations while balancing work and professional responsibilities.
Afro-Asia Focus
The initiative gives particular attention to learners from Africa and Asia, supporting capacity development across regions where humanitarian and development needs are significant.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for the GIHDS Global
Scholarship Initiative
Advance your knowledge. Strengthen your professional capacity. Join a global learning community committed to humanitarian action, development practice, leadership, and social impact.
Eligible applicants from Africa and Asia may receive substantial tuition support through the GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative.
Professional Disclaimer: The GIHDS Global Scholarship Initiative is an institutional tuition scholarship provided by GIHDS. It is not a cash award, external grant, or government scholarship. Scholarship approval is subject to admission review, eligibility assessment, and availability of scholarship-supported places.
Contact: admissions@gihds.org | www.gihds.org