Apply to the FIFA Master

Application Instructions

Preparing yourself

  • You will be required to provide certain supporting documentation (copies of your degree certificate, passport, etc.). You have the option of  either uploading these documents (the preferred method) or sending by regular post. If you choose to upload your supporting documentation you must do so in .pdf format. To create .pdf files, we recommend that you use 'PDF Maker' (it is free) since this programme produces PDFs which are compatible with the FIFA Master Online Application form (http://pdf-maker.softonic.fr/).  Also please download and read carefully the Guidelines to upload files.

Completing the application form

  • You do not have to complete the online application in one sitting or from one computer. You may access your application and change your answers as many times as you like before submitting it from any computer with Internet access. There is an option for you to "Preview" a draft .pdf version of your application.  This allows you to view what you have written (please note that this .pdf version of your application is for your own personal use only and should not be posted to CIES under any circumstances!).
  • Be sure to complete all sections (1 to 6) of the FIFA Master Online Application. Please note that all fields marked with a * are mandatory fields which must be completed.
  • For the essay questions, please be sure to adhere to the word limit, the point of the exercise is to be succinct!
  • When you are satisfied with your application, you must “submit” it (instructions are given on how to do this in step 6 of the online form). Please note that once you decide to submit your application, this is the "point of no return”, so be sure you are completely happy with the content and presentation before submitting. We will not receive your application at CIES until you click submit. Once you have submitted you will receive an email confirmation. 

Specifics concerning the supporting documentation

The documents below are an integral part of your application.  Please note that your Curriculum Vitae/Résumé must be in English. Other documents, while still preferred in English, can be accepted in French, German, Italian or Spanish. Documents in any other language must be accompanied by a certified English translation (e.g. not a translation by you the applicant, but an approved translation stamped by a notary or a similar person).

  • Your University Degree & University Transcripts
    The former should show your final degree qualification. The latter should show all details of examinations you undertook during the course of your studies. These documents can be submitted in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. If they are in any other language they must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Please note that you must present the originals of these documents when you arrive at the Université de Neuchâtel, a mandatory step for you to complete your matriculation as a postgraduate.
  • Your High School or Secondary School Certificate & Transcripts
    Depending on the country where you went to secondary school, you may have one single certificate (e.g. A-Level results or baccalauréat) or a diploma and a transcript with your marks (e.g. High School diploma and your grades separately on a transcript).  These documents can be submitted in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. If they are in any other language they must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Please note that, like your degree certificate, you must also present the original of your single certificate (e.g. A-Levels...) or diploma (High School graduation certificate) when you arrive at the Université de Neuchâtel, a mandatory step for you to complete your matriculation as a postgraduate.
  • Proof of English 
    If English is not your mother tongue, then we ask you to provide certification of English proficiency. The TOEFL test,  the most widely respected English-language test in the world, is the only certification recommended. We request a minimum of 600 points on the paper-based exam which equates to 250 on the computer-based test and to 100 on the internet-based test. If you provide other English certification (for example IELTS or the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)), then please be sure that your level is equal to the aforementioned minimum TOEFL requirements. The score conversion tables are available here – https://www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/scores/compare/#cefr. Scores on IELTS should be at least 7.5 and for CEFR you should have at least a C1 level. If your score is not sufficient, then your application may not be taken into consideration or you may be required to re-sit an English test.
      
    Please note that you should plan well ahead since obtaining the results takes time in addition to taking the test.   
       
    However, an exception can be made to this rule in the following circumstances:   
    - You have studied your university degree at an English-speaking university;   
    - You are currently working, or have worked, in an English-speaking company or organisation and have done so for a number of years;   
    - Your spouse/partner is English mother tongue and you communicate on a daily basis in English;   
       
    If you fulfil one of the above criteria, then please state so on your application form, uploading a letter  explaining this instead of the TOEFL certificate (Section 2 FIFA Master Online Application). This way we know that the missing certificate of proficiency is not an omission on your part, and we can consider your file as otherwise complete. Nevertheless, even in the case of these exceptions, and given that there is an ever-increasing number of applications for what is a fixed number of places, we do recommend that you obtain official proof of your English level through English proficiency certification. More information at www.toefl.org. Please also have a look at the EUROPEAN LEVELS - self assessment grid
  • Letters of Reference
    Letters of reference are an important aspect of the application.  These are letters written by someone else testifying to your academic and professional competencies.  Ideally, these should explain how and why you are a perfect candidate for the FIFA Master.  If the referee is not familiar with the FIFA Master, then you should explain the course to him/her in order for them to write the best letter for your application.      
        
    One reference should be a professional reference, ie. from your current employer or someone who knows you well in a professional capacity, and the other should be an academic reference, ie. from someone, eg. a former professor, who can vouch for your academic capabilities and potential. If you are unable to obtain both sorts of reference, then it is acceptable to provide either two academic or two professional references.    
       
    Your references can be in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. References in any other language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.  The references should be as detailed as possible, ie. not just one or two lines, and in the format preferred by your referee. Your referees should provide their full contact details (telephone, e-mail address) on the reference in case we wish to contact them for further information.   
       
    Please ask your referees to submit their reference to you – not to us - for you to then include with your application.   
           
  • Passport/ID card
    This should show validity to the end of the course programme. If it doesn’t and you are accepted on the programme, you will need to ensure it has been extended by the time the programme starts since otherwise it could affect administrative regulations in the countries of study.
     
  • Curriculum vitae / résumé
    This document must be in English only and be concise on one or two pages.
     
  • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) / GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
    The GMAT or GRE are optional. If you have one, we ask you attach a copy of your score along with the other supporting documents. 
     
  • Submitting Supporting Documentation
    In order to include/send these documents, you have two options:

    If you have all the documents in electronic format or the possibility of creating electronic documents (access to a scanner), you can upload them. You should note that the files should be in .pdf format only. This is by far the best way of sending your documents since it means that you have total control of your application which comes to us in one big file, and you don’t risk delays or documents being lost in the post. We therefore strongly encourage you to apply in this manner! Also please download and read carefully the Guidelines to upload files.

    If you do not have access to a scanner and/or the possibility to upload some or all of the documents required, you can choose to send some or all of these documents by post  in one envelope. In this case, on the application form you must insert the courier reference number.  The only exceptions are for your references and the English proficiency certification which can be sent separately, should your referees and the English proficiency provider prefer to send these documents directly to us rather than giving them to you for sending, in which case, please provide him/her with the CIES mailing address. Please note, however, that we very much prefer receiving all documents together in one envelope and all documents, however they come to us, should be received at our offices no later than the deadline. Send your documents to the following address:

    CIES (Centre International d’Etude du Sport)
    For the attention of : The Admissions Team
    Hôtel DuPeyrou
    Avenue DuPeyrou 1
    CH – 2000 Neuchâtel

    As soon as your documents – including references if these are being sent directly by your referee(s) - are received by CIES, the administrator will mark that the documents have been received in your account. Please note, the CIES administrator will not answer e-mails from you asking if your documents have been received, it is therefore your responsibility to keep an eye on your account at all times. Since many applications are received in the last few days before the deadline, and in order to avoid you undue stress, we strongly encourage you to submit your application early so that there is ample time to be sure that everything has been processed correctly and that your application is complete.

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