To ensure a high-quality learning experience, each course session is limited to a maximum of 60 participants. Applicants are encouraged to submit a strong and complete application.

Participants are selected by the PVAC Scientific Committee based on their educational background, professional experience, level of responsibility in immunization or vaccinology, and the potential impact of the course at individual, institutional, and national levels. Each application is reviewed individually by at least six members of the Scientific Committee.

The course is intended for professionals working in immunization, vaccinology, or public health who wish to strengthen their knowledge of polio eradication, vaccination strategies, and program implementation. Applicants should have a minimum of three years of professional experience.

Prior experience in polio is not required, and applicants without direct experience are encouraged to apply. The selection process aims to create a balanced cohort, including participants with no prior experience as well as those with some experience who wish to further strengthen their skills.

To complete your application, please gather the following documents and information:

• Personal information: You will need to indicate your last and first name as they appear on your passport and provide up to date contact details
• Identity Document:  To attend the course and arrange your travel, a valid passport is required. If selected, you will be asked to provide a scanned copy of your passport valid through the course dates. Please ensure your passport is up to date to complete administrative and travel documentation.
• Education: In this section, please provide details of your academic background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant training. For each education entry, you will need to include the following information:
  • University / Institution Name (Name of the university, school, or training organization)
  • Dates (From: Start date – To: End date)
  • Degree or Certification Name (Example: Bachelor’s in Biology)
  • Field of Study / Description (Special mention, specialization, important project completed, etc. – up to 30 words)
• Work Experience: This section should reflect your professional background. For each work experience entry, you will need to include the following information:
  • Company/Organization Name
  • Location (Country)
  • Dates (Start date – End date or indicate if ongoing position)
  • Function / Job Title (Example: Project Management Intern)

• Polio Experience: This course is intended for professionals working in immunization, vaccinology, or public health who wish to strengthen their knowledge of polio eradication, vaccination strategies, and program implementation. Prior experience in polio is not required, and applicants without direct experience are encouraged to apply. The selection committee aims to maintain a balance between participants with no experience and those who already have some experience but wish to strengthen their skills, in order to foster a well-balanced learning cohort. We therefore invite you to indicate whether or not you have experience in the field of polio.

• Short Biography: Provide a concise summary (up to 300 words) to present your background, most relevant experiences and current activities.

• Cover Letter: Outline your reasons for participating in the PVAC course and explain how it will contribute to your professional development. Discuss the impact you expect the program to have on your career, your institution, and vaccination strategies. This section is crucial for the selection committee. Maximum length: 450 words

• Letters of Recommendation: Please submit two signed and recently dated letters of recommendation on official letterhead:
  1. One letter from a senior authority at your current institution, confirming that your participation is supported (including the time you will be away for the course) and detailing your present and expected future responsibilities.
  2. One letter from an external expert with whom you have collaborated in the past.
     Note: If your institution is recommending more than one applicant, each applicant must submit a separate letter.
     Action: Scan the letters and attach them as PDF files to your application.

Application Form Template: Please find here the template of the application form for your information.

ATTENTION: If you are applying for the English session, you must submit your application in English. If you are applying for the French session, you must submit your application in French. 

Course participation, accommodation, and travel costs are covered by a fellowship for selected participants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

What services are included by the fellowship?

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Candidates from UN Institutions and International NGOs of LMICs may apply for funding; however, priority will be given to applicants from eligible countries, and funding is not guaranteed.
Please note that, unfortunately, fellowships are only for LMICs and that candidates from Industry are not eligible for fellowships. A total of 50 fellowships are available.
We generally do not accept applicants which cover the costs on their own, we encourage engagement of their employers. Therefore, candidates who are not eligible for fellowships are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from their employers.

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For selected participants WITHOUT A FELLOWSHIP, the following fees apply:

 For the English Course in Doha (25 – 29 October 2026)

• Registration Fees:
  • Qatar Residents and International Participants from academic/governmental institutions & NGOs benefit from reduced fees: USD 1,500 (VAT included)
  • Participants from industry and biotech companies: USD 4,500(VAT included)

These fees cover tuition and course materials for the full duration of the course. These fees also cover lunches and coffee breaks services and participation to social events. 

• Accommodation Fees: USD 2,000(VAT included)
  The accommodation fees include both food( breakfast and diners) and lodging for the entire course period. Please note that these fees are provided as a fixed package and cannot be separated. No reductions can be made for days when accommodation is not used.

• Travel: Participants not receiving a fellowship are responsible for booking their own travel to and from Doha and covering all related travel expenses

Participants who are selected and not supported by a fellowship will be required to pay all applicable fees two months before the course start date to confirm their participation.

• Please note that only complete applications will be reviewed. If you encounter any issues or need assistance for your Application, please email poliocourse@unige.ch
• Deadline for application submission: April 27, 2027
• If selected, you will receive a confirmation of participation and be asked to complete the administrative registration of official documents. Notification of the selection outcome will be sent by end of July 2026.
• Travel Planning: Once administrative registration of official documents is complete you will be contacted for the booking of your travel