Admissions

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We consider each application with care.

When reading an application, we get to know the person behind the numbers. We take into consideration your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and life experiences. Just as there is no typical student, there is no ideal applicant. We look forward to learning more about you.

Frequently asked questions about applying

The standard duration is 10 months but it can be 12 months.

No. You’ll need to select which program you’re applying to at the beginning of your application. If you are unsure which is best for you, please contact our recruitment team on admission@humanitarianstudiesinstitute.com.

How to Apply

The online application consists of information about the student, transcripts, and supporting documents from your current university or secondary school.  You will send out the forms requesting the various supporting documents through the online system once you have started the student portion of the application.  For further information about each component of the application, please carefully read through the information below.

  • All applications must be made online through our on-line form system.
  • No print application documents should be submitted unless requested or authorized by IFP-HS.
  • Read through the online application form and prepare all of the information for each section of the form as well as all of the documents that you must attach to your application.
  • Fill in the on-line application form, completing all of the sections as requested.
  • Write a motivation Statement and concern for humanitarian issues.
  • Submit an updated resume or Curriculum Vitae. (One page CV)
  • Submit a copy of your Birth Certificate.
  • Copy of passport (only the main pages including your full name, passport number, date, and place of issue, expiry date).
  • If you are from a French school system, you should send a certified copy of your exam results. For example French Baccalaureate.
  • And If you are from an English school system, you should also send a certified copy of your exam results. For example GCE A/L.

Credentials must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Transcripts will be verified.

Scan of original diploma (if this document is not in English, an official translation should be attached) and, if available, of the Diploma Supplement. If you are offered a place on the programme, you will have to present the original documents, or submit a certified copy of the original documents, when you arrive at IFP-HS.

  • If you have finished your Bachelor’s studies when you apply but have not yet received your degree: please submit an official document confirming that you have successfully completed your studies and that you will be awarded a degree. The document must be issued through and signed by a representative of the Academic Registrar’s Office, the Examinations Office, or equivalent.
  • If you have not completed your Bachelor’s studies when you apply: please submit an official document stating that you are a currently enrolled student and participating in your last year of studies. The document must be issued through and signed by a representative of the Academic Registrar’s Office, the Examinations Office, or equivalent. You can still submit transcripts for all courses you have passed so far.

Credentials must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. You should submit a transcript from all universities you have attended. Transcripts will be verified.

Students whose native language is not English ARE REQUIRED to submit a TOEFL score not more than two years old. Official tests results must be submitted directly

Please upload a soft copy of your score report at the application stage and we will verify your test score during the admissions process.

As soon as you submit your application you will receive a confirmation receipt email. Please check our email regularly.

Application fees are non-refundable. And the cost is 20,000 FCFA.

You need to scan the original of your receipt and send it to us by using the application form.

Please, our office cannot confirm the receipt of supporting documents until your application has been submitted.

What's next

Now that you’ve successfully submitted your application, what happens next?

You must submit all required documents before we can consider your application and it is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete. Your application will be reviewed as is and the decision to take your application to the next stage will be made on the basis of the information submitted.


Once you have submitted your application you will receive an automated email response confirming receipt of your application and instructions on how to pay the application fee.

All decisions are communicated via email by close of business on the deadlines shown in the application calendar.

Please note that We will not discuss your decision over the phone, or with anyone other than you. We will contact you directly should the Admissions Committee require any further information from you. 

Following your review decision, if shortlisted for interview you will be given further information on the interview process. Your interview will be conducted by a member of our alumni community or a member of the Recruitment and Admissions Team.

Currently, we have 2 types of interviews: one interview is held face to face , another one can be done virtually. The Recruitment and Admissions Team and alumni utilize the same interview process – who you interview with will not have any impact on the outcome of your application. The Admissions Committee employs the same assessment criteria regardless of the interviewer (staff or alumni).

After your interview is complete, the Admissions Committee will conduct their final, holistic review of your application and send you a final decision by the deadline indicated in the calendar.

We operate a waitlist system. Following the interview stage, some candidates may be placed on the waitlist. You will receive a decision update at scheduled date(s). Each year, a number of waitlist candidates are successful in getting a place in the program.

What we look For

We seek students who will contribute to our community—and to society throughout their lives.


Academic achievement is important, but it’s only part of what we consider when making decisions. We look for applicants who are curious, determined, and creative. We take into account special talents or successes that might not appear on a transcript. We appreciate unique perspectives formed by personal circumstances. These qualities help prepare students to make the most of their education.

Remember, candidates are chosen on the basis of the following selection criteria:

  • type and level of academic qualifications,
  • type and level of research experience,
  • type and level of professional experience, such as practical experience in the area of humanitarian action in governmental, inter-governmental and/or non-governmental organisations and institutions,
  • motivation and concern for humanitarian issues,
  • level of linguistic abilities
  • results of interviews (if applicable),
  • nationality and gender balance.
 

Learn more about what we look for

Application Tips

Get step-by-step tips on filling out your application. From the application fee to the writing supplement, we've gathered some tips to help you complete your application.

View our application tips

Timeline

The timeline differs for those applying for an In-campus format and those applying as blender students. 

We’ll guide you through our Application system and our admission officer will answer any questions you have along the way.

Quick Links

Admissions Deadlines

April 18

Opening of the call for all applications programs for the 2022-2023 cohort.

Jun 1

Admissions deadline for Term 2.

  • Ineligible candidates will be informed about their status at the beginning of June 2022 and will have 7 days from the moment they receive notification, to submit an appeal.
  • Selected candidates will be notified once the Selection Committee has evaluated all candidatures and the final student list has been adopted, in June.
  • Non-selected candidates and candidates in the reserve list will receive notification once the Selection Committee has evaluated all candidatures and the final student list has been adopted, in June. Rejected candidates may appeal to the Joint Admissions Board within 7 days from the receipt of the decision notice.

Related Topics

New Applicants

Here’s everything you need to know about applying to IFP-HS as a new applicant.

Application Requirements

Here you’ll find a detailed explanation of each requirement of the application, including minimum requirements and test scores.

Guide to Student Employment

Finding an internship or volunteer job in the humanitarian field is simple, and the OCS is here to help.

Helpful Links

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