In-person Humanitarian Training Course
The International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), the flagship program of the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, is designed to equip mid-career professionals with essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of humanitarian aid and to drive the humanitarian sector of the future in a more effective, sustainable, and dignified direction. Students will 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. The IDHA focuses on four core learning objectives that guide students in their professional development:
For over 20 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 people 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 in both the public and private sectors.
IDHA 60 Pretoria , South Africa
May 4 – May 30, 2025
Application deadline for IDHA 60 is April 20, 2025. We recommend submitting your application as far in advance as possible, however, to give yourself time to prepare your trip to the training location. This includes booking flights, Visa process, and accommodations if applicable.
Pricing is listed on our FAQs page.
“Over the course of four intensive weeks, we learned about a wide range of humanitarian assistance issues (UN humanitarian system, IHL, Education, WASH, Health…) from active and former United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC, INGOs, and local NGOs practitioners and independent experts. This comprehensive overview of the humanitarian sectors was complemented by a set of soft skills lectures, focusing on team building and leadership.
If I had to choose which has been the major lesson I learned after this Diploma is the need for the humanitarian sector to be more self-critical. Is the way we operate the most efficient and effective according to the current needs and gaps? How can we better engage with development and peacebuilding actors? How can we ensure sustainability if not by actively involving national and local responders in each humanitarian intervention?”
I had the honor to take part in this intensive, four-week residential training program at the University of Pretoria in South Africa with a wonderful group of students from around the world. We gained extensive insight into the needs of people affected by conflict, disaster, and displacement. I now have an awareness and understanding for effective service in emergency and protracted humanitarian crisis.
IDHA 58, Pretoria, South Africa
She currently works at AHRC New York
