Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Energy for Sustainable Development Online Course?
The target audience for the course encompasses a broad range of development specialists from governments, NGOs, multilateral and bilateral agencies, and the private sector, as well as academic and research institutes who are engaged in energy and development activities in developing countries. Envisioned participants of the course are foremost decision-makers and advisers to decision-makers in developing countries who work in areas related to energy supply and demand, environmental protection, infrastructure and economic development, city and land-use planning, agriculture and rural development, public health, and gender equity issues.

The target audience for Session 1 (Foundation Session) of the course is expected to be mid-level professionals and development specialists from a range of institutions and agencies including governmental, non-governmental, private sector and the academic community. The target audience for Session 2 (Advanced Session) of the course is expected to be senior professionals and specialists and those who have already participated in Session 1.

Formal admission requirements include a completed higher secondary certificate/ diploma that gives access to universities in the applicant’s home country and a minimum of two years work experience. More details on how to apply for admission can be found here.

When does the next course start?
The next Foundation Session of the E4SD-Course is scheduled for 26 January – 8 March 2009.

The concept of the Advanced Session is currently under revision and the next session will be offered in early 2009. If you wish to be informed of the detailed session dates when announced, please register here for the course newsletter.

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the next Foundation Session is 15 December 2008.

When do I get notified whether I have been accepted to the course?
We plan to inform applicants whether they have been admitted to the course about three weeks after the application deadline.

I cannot attend the upcoming course sessions. Will there be additional course sessions later this year or next year?
We plan to offer the Energy for Sustainable Development course on a regular scheme with 2-3 sessions per year. In 2009 we plan to offer at least two full course packages, each comprising of a Foundation Session and an Advanced Session.

How many participants will attend the course?
For the upcoming Foundation Session and Advanced Session of the course there are about 50 places each.

What type of Internet connection do I need to participate in the course?
Any type of Internet connection should work fine. The course has been designed in a way that even users with limited bandwidth (e.g. modem dial-up) can participate. Also, for participants who prefer to work offline, all compulsory reading materials can be downloaded and saved as pdf-files.

Do I have to be online at certain times in order to participate in the online discussion forums?
No. Due to time constrains and multiple time zones, the forum (interactions) will not take place in real time, but as a sporadic building of virtual exchanges over one week in the designated online forum of the distance education platform.

Are there scholarships available for applicants who have been accepted to the course?
No, there are no scholarships available for this course.

Is there a tuition fee?
The next E4SD Foundation Session from 26 January – 8 March 2009 will be offered at no charge to accepted participants.