Who can apply?
Our programs are designed for lawyers, in-house counsel, and other professionals interested in international dispute resolution, including non-lawyers. No prior experience in international arbitration is necessary. The first module is mandatory for applicants with no prior experience in arbitration – exceptions will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the SAA Admissions Committee.
Certificates offered by the SAA?
Participants who successfully conclude Module 2, 3 and 4 will be awarded the Arbitration Practitioner Diploma of the Swiss Arbitration Academy (ArbP). In addition, a participant may qualify for the internationally accredited Certificate of Advanced Studies in Arbitration – Joint Degree of the Universities of Lucerne and Neuchâtel upon a successful oral exam after module 1 and an academic paper of about 25 pages.
What is a CAS Degree?
The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Arbitration consists of 20 days of training on international arbitration. It is a Joint Post-Graduate Program offered jointly by the University of Lucerne and the University of Neuchâtel in cooperation with the Swiss Arbitration Academy. It corresponds to an internationally accredited degree and 10 ECTS credits are issued.
No, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. You can start the CAS or ArbP Program in any module (four times per year, ordinarily in February, April/May, June/July, and November). Applications at the beginning of the year (before March) are entitled to receive an early-bird discount on the tuition fee. Please submit your application here and you will receive a response within two weeks.
Is there a fixed deadline to apply for the CAS or ArbP
Program?
Yes, you can. The SAA accepts individual inscriptions for individual modules. Apply here. The fee for an individual module is CHF 1,800.
Can I apply for just one module?
Where do the courses take place?
The Swiss Arbitration Academy offers Modules 1, 2 and 4 online. Module 3 will be held in person, in Switzerland.
All programs will be in English.
In what language the courses are taught?
The SAA does not require any certificate of proficiency in English. Advanced knowledge of English is expected of the participants to follow the course and participate in oral exercises.
Is it necessary to provide a proof of English proficiency?
The SAA has a flexible policy in this regard. The SAA offers “self-contained” courses and it is possible to attend a module in the next year. Frequently, participants start the program in a given year and graduate in the next cycle.
I cannot attend one of the modules. What can I do?
Yes, it is. The SAA Academic Council recommends you attend all modules in one to two years, but from the moment you are enrolled, you have the right to complete the modules as you see fit and as it best suits your needs (provided the module takes place in that given year). Once you attend a module, you do not need to take it again. You can pass the exam and submit the research paper anytime to qualify for the CAS Degree.
Is it possible to take the modules in different years and to still qualify for the CAS?
No – to obtain the ArbP title, you need to attend Module 2, 3 and 4. Learn more about the requirements here.
After I complete a module, can I get
the ArbP title?
The SAA courses gather many experienced professionals and excellent scholars – no acceleration is possible.
Can my previous studies be qualified
as an accelerated route
to obtain the ArbP title?
Yes, you may apply for Module 1 separately and obtain the ArbP title by attending Module 2, 3 and 4. You will not need to take the exam and to submit a research paper if you are not enrolled in the CAS Program.
Is it possible to take all four modules without completing the CAS?
Yes, participants have the possibility to upgrade to the ArbP Program or the CAS in Arbitration Program at any time during the academic year. The additional assessments that must be completed for this (e.g., attending one or multiple modules, submitting the research paper, and/or passing the SAA examination) can be completed over the course of several years. When a participant decides to upgrade, previously paid tuition payments will be deducted from the total tuition fee of the ArbP or CAS in Arbitration Program. For further information, please contact the Director of Studies here.
Is it possible to upgrade to ArbP or CAS?
No, all (readings) materials are designed for active participation in the programs offered by the SAA and cannot be transmitted otherwise.
Can I have access to the reading materials if
I am not a participant of
that module?
No, the SAA is not responsible for providing accommodation to participants but the Director of Studies can assist and recommend places to stay in Switzerland. There are hotel discounts available for SAA participants.
Does the SAA provide student accommodation?
The SAA reserves complete and full discretion to award the 2020 grant to applicants who fulfill the below criteria: (i) Admitted to practice in his/her jurisdiction; (ii) Excellent academic qualifications; (iii) Outstanding Curriculum Vitae (CV). Besides filling the online application, the applicant also needs to submit the following documents in the system: Proof showing lack of financial means to finance the standard tuition fees (e.g. taxation statement); Confirmation of ability to finance the travel and accommodation costs for the four modules (e.g. statement of employer; personal payment plan); A letter of recommendation outlining the applicant's qualification; A short outline (1-2 pages) about the applicant's interest and experience in international arbitration. Please submit your grant application here. The Admissions Committee will no longer accept grant applications by email or post.
What is the grant criteria?
The grant covers up to 50% of the tuition fee (for the CAS Program or ArbP Program). The grant recipient is responsible for arranging and paying for accommodation, breakfast and dinner during the modules as well as for transportation to the course venues. Morning and afternoon snacks as well as lunch are included in the grant.
What does the grant cover?
The SAA receives applications from excellent scholars from around the world. The opportunity to join the growing network of SAA participants comes in recognition of professional and academic achievements. The Admissions Committee prioritizes diverse backgrounds (i.e. developing countries, minorities, etc.) and early career professionals that do not have the means to cover the tuition fee.
What is the profile of the grant recipient?
No, unfortunately the SAA Admissions Committee reviews grant applications for the new academic year in February.
Can I be awarded with a grant after the application
deadline?
Yes, some of the SAA participants are sponsored by their companies and law firms.
Can my employer pay for the course?
If you come from Africa or Latin America, please apply at least 3 months in advance the module you want to follow. Upon receipt of the Acceptance Letter and signing of the enrolment agreement, the SAA will provide the necessary documents. The SAA cannot guarantee that your visa application will be granted at all and/or in a timely fashion.
