Is it possible to attend only individual modules?

The program has been designed as a comprehensive curriculum, to cover the whole value chain and highlight interconnection and the holistic nature of coffee. It is therefore strongly recommended to enroll in the full program. However, it is possible to enroll in individual modules; please specify in the comments section which module you wish to attend.

How does the application process work?

1. Online application: Complete the application form, upload the required supporting documents and submit it on time.
2. Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail once you have submitted your online application.
3. Application screening: If your application is complete and received by the deadline, it will be reviewed by the course management.
4. Information about admission decision: Admission or rejection.
5. Registration fee: A processing fee of CHF 600 is charged for participants who have been approved to the CAS program. Payment of the fee is only possible by credit card (Visa, MasterCard) or PostFinance Card.  

What is the payment schedule?

1. Registration fee: CHF 600.- upon admission by credit card (non-refundable).  
2. Tuition fee for each module: CHF 2400.- Payment due upon start of the module. Payment by credit card. Discount of 5% on module fees if full course fee is payed at once before the course start.

I can't start studying this October, when does the next class start?

This CAS starts every year in calendar week 40.

When is the programme completed?

The program is completed after 15 months. Graduates will be awarded their diplomas once all modules are successfully completed, and the final assessments have been passed. Students who only complete a module need to pass the module assessment and will receive a module confirmation.

What is the CHF 600 registration fee for?

This program requires a one-time registration payment of CHF 600. This non-refundable fee should be paid prior to the start of the course.

I work full time. How flexible is the study?

This programme is specially designed for working professionals. The workload per week is approximately 5 - 9 hours, depending on your previous knowledge; and you can plan your studying to fit with your schedule. The 3 online learning modules are divided into 6 sessions, each containing 4 to 6 lessons. Students have 2 to 4 weeks to complete each session. The only fixed appoints in the courses are the "Virtual Classroom" and "Virtual Lab" meetings. These take place once per session every 2 weeks (usually on Thursdays 15:00 Switzerland time) for 1.5 hours. These meetings are also recorded and posted to our learning platform, Moodle, so that students can watch them later.

Can I have unrestricted access to the learning material, so that I can study the material at whatever time of day I want?

We work with the e-learning platform Moodle, where you have access anytime. You will be able to download the learning material and you'll have access to the plattform until 1 month after the course is completed.

What is the difference between the CAS in Coffee Excellence and the SCA Skills Programme?

The postgraduate CAS in Coffee Excellence is an online learning programme offered by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, and designed at the highest level of the coffee training path. It extends and complements the SCA Skills Programme by providing a science-based curriculum which delves deeper into many topics.

Is this programme accredited by SCA?

We collaborate directly with SCA, however this programme is independent of the SCA courses, and is designed to compliment them. While the SCA training courses focus mostly on practical skills, the CAS in Coffee Excellence provides students with a deeper, science-based curriculum which focuses on the entire coffee value chain, from crop to cup. However, we recommend that you have completed some of the SCA courses or even the SCA Diploma before participating in CAS. For example, some of our students have attained the SCA Professional Level or are Q-graders.

I started studying with a previous cohort, but had to discontinue for personal or professional reasons. Am I able to continue studying where I left off with a new cohort?

Yes, this is possible. Due to course curriculum changes implemented in 2022, there are some new changes to the course material and structure. Please contact us at coffee.lsfm@zhaw.ch to determine your new course plan.

I have registered but cannot start studying after all. Can I get the tuition fees back?

Withdrawal, failure to attend and discontinuation
Requests to withdraw from a continuing education course must be made in writing and may incur costs. The costs associated with withdrawals are governed in detail as follows:

• Up to 60 days prior to the start of the course or study programme: no costs incurred. The Schools may charge a processing fee.
• Fewer than 60 days prior to the start of the course of study programme: 50% of the total tuition fees / course costs
• Fewer than 30 days prior to the start of the course of study programme: 75% of the total tuition fees / course costs

If the participant finds a replacement candidate who meets the admission requirements prior to the start of the continuing education course, the obligation to pay may be waived. In such cases, a processing fee of 5% (min. CHF 100) of the tuition fees / course costs will be due. The head of the continuing education course in question decides on the admission of replacement candidates. Individuals already on the waiting list for the respective continuing education course take precedence as replacements.
Should participants withdraw from, fail to attend or discontinue their participation following the commencement of the continuing education course,100% of the total tuition fees / course costs will be due.

Read here: General terms and conditions for continuing education courses at the ZHAW (GTCs)

Is there no longer a face-to-face module?

The face-to-face module, is no longer a compulsory part of the course. We will be offering workshops and a practical part to the courses in the form of Virtual Lab Sessions where we will be taking you to our lab, virtually. There will be events at the SCA conferences (Expo, WOC) for CAS ALUMNI and current course participants.

Is it possible to have an official university student card?

No, you will not receive a student card for online programmes.

What is the difference between the CAS in "Coffee Excellence" and the CAS in "The Science and Art of Coffee"?

The CAS "The Science and Art of Coffee" is a programme in German and on-site at the ZHAW Wädenswil in Zurich, Switzerland. The CAS Coffee Excellence is an online learning programme in English. The course content is similar, but the CAS Coffee Excellence goes into more depth.