The International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), the flagship program of the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University, equips mid-career professionals to drive the humanitarian sector of the future in a more effective, sustainable, and dignified direction. Students will also develop a holistic perspective on global humanitarian issues to propel them to the next level in their careers, helping them create positive social change both in and out of the field.
For over 28 years, the intensive, four-week residential training of the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) has welcomed thousands of humanitarian workers in cities around the world – from Kathmandu to Amman, New York to Geneva. Unique among other academic training of its kind, the IDHA emphasizes cultural diversity, cooperation, and teamwork. Students join a cohort of diverse and highly qualified aid and development professionals from all over the world.
Directed by alumni practitioners, the IDHA centers around the Ignatian principle of being men and women for others by enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in complex emergency and protracted crisis intervention. Students are also encouraged to critically examine global humanitarian processes to identify necessary reforms.
Learning Goals
Upon completion of the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) program, students will be able to gain:
- extensive insight into the needs of people affected by conflict, disaster, and displacement
- skills in facilitating cooperation and dialogue between international, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies
- awareness and understanding are essential for effective service in emergency and protracted humanitarian crises
- opportunities to collaborate and network with colleagues working for a diverse range of international, governmental, and nongovernmental humanitarian agencies
- the tools to evaluate interventions and identify examples of good practices; and methods for anticipating and preventing humanitarian crises.
Fee information
- Course cost of U.S. $6,121 (without credit) $6,500 (with credit) includes tuition, course materials, lodging, and weekday meals. Transportation costs are not included. Fall, Spring, and Summer for-credit IDHAs are subject to university fees as listed on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.- In order to secure a place in the program, admitted students must pay a nonrefundable deposit of $500 to the university by the deadline date indicated on your admit letter. The deposit is credited toward the student's course cost.
- In order to further the internationally adopted objective of humanitarian localisation for students from the South Africa region:
- Tuition fees US $3,000 (Students from outside the South Africa region is US $6,121 (without credit) or US $6,500 (with credit)).
- For a list of nearby accommodations, please email iiha@fordham.edu
How to register
- Create an IDHA 62 Pretoria, South Africa Application
- Select International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance
- Select an IDHA Session
Application Questions: iiha@fordham.edu and cc m.vanderdoes@fordham.edu