FAQs

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Who makes the candidate selection /On what basis is my application judged?

The candidate selection is made by the Scientific Committee. This is composed of 6 Scientific Directors, 2 from each university, and the Scientific Committee President, who are:

Prof. Denis Oswald, Scientific Committee President;
Prof. Martin Polley and Dr. Heather Dicheter
 from De Montfort University, Leicester;

Prof. Marco Elefanti and Prof. Dino Ruta from SDA Bocconi – School of Management, Milan;
Prof. Petros Mavroidis, Prof. Sébastien Besson and Prof. Antonio Rigozzi from the University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel.

The Scientific Directors all receive a copy of your full application and consider it from all angles – academic, professional, sporting, motivational, what you can bring to the course and your fellow students, etc. They aim to select the 30 or so best all-round applicants. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

What do I need to have to be eligible for admission?

There are a number of criteria (see under Apply to the FIFA Master) which are taken into account by the Scientific Committee. There are, however, two criteria which are absolutely essential: a previous university degree (4 years of study, exceptionally 3 depending on the country of study) and fluency in English at all levels - written, spoken, reading. In addition to these, a proven interest/involvement in sport, your previous professional experience, your motivation and reasons for doing the course, your "international" outlook, etc. are all other criteria which are closely scrutinised by the Scientific Committee.

Is it obligatory to have a certificate of proficiency in English?

Yes, if English is not your mother tongue and 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.

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 circumstance:   
- You have studied your university degree at an English-speaking university in an English-speaking country.
   
If you fulfil the above criteria, then please state so on your application form, uploading a letter  explaining this instead of the TOEFL certificate (Section 5 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 infomation at www.toefl.org.

Do I need to have GMAT or GRE?

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) / GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
The GMAT or GRE are optional. If you have one, attach a copy of your score along with the other supporting documents.

I have just graduated and have no work experience. Could I be accepted?

While preference is generally given to students with some previous work experience, admission may be granted in exceptional circumstances to candidates with no work experience if they have really excellent academic credentials and can show good management potential through their various interest areas and experiences.

However, in general, the Scientific Committee recommends a minimum of two years of previous professional experience.

Do I need to have my Bachelor degree in one of the three main disciplines - Humanities, Management or Law?

No. No preference is given to students with degrees in one of the three main disciplines.

Will you consider me if I do not have a degree?

No. Unfortunately, even if you have an excellent career record, but no university education, then you will not be considered.

What is the average age of students?

The average age ranges from 25 to 30 although each year some postgraduates are younger and some are older.

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