During the dynamic activities of the Specialty Coffee Expo 2025 in Houston, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), announced that applications are now open for the next intake of the prestigious Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Coffee Excellence program.
Offered entirely online by the ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center, this postgraduate certificate is designed for passionate coffee professionals seeking to master the science behind specialty coffee—from green coffee processing to extraction and sensory analysis.
A Scientific Journey from Crop to Cup
The CAS in Coffee Excellence program offers:
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Virtual laboratories and expert-led interactive sessions.
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Self-directed research projects focused on real-world coffee challenges.
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Multidisciplinary scientific learning integrating the latest industry research.
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Flexible remote learning over three modules, each lasting 21 weeks, totaling 15 ECTS credits.
The curriculum is structured to provide a critical scientific understanding of the coffee value chain. Participants study topics ranging from coffee botany, post-harvest processing, roasting chemistry, extraction science, to sensory evaluation—all guided by leading coffee scientists such as Dr. Sebastian Opitz and Dr. Samo Smrke.
Who Should Apply
The CAS program targets:
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Coffee professionals along the supply chain, including producers, roasters, café managers, sales and marketing specialists, quality managers, and sustainability experts.
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Coffee industry managers and researchers.
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University graduates with at least two years of professional coffee experience.
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Non-degree holders with a minimum of three years of relevant industry experience.
Proficiency in English is required, as all course materials and sessions are conducted in English.
Key Dates and Costs
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Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
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Program Start: September 29, 2025
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Duration: 15 months (three modules)
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Tuition Fee: CHF 7,800 (includes materials, samples for assessment, virtual lessons, and certification)
The course is structured for working professionals, requiring an estimated workload of 6–9 hours per week.
Graduates of the program will receive a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Coffee Excellence, a highly respected qualification within the specialty coffee industry.
Advancing Coffee Knowledge Globally
The CAS in Coffee Excellence reflects the ZHAW’s and SCA’s shared commitment to advancing coffee education worldwide by offering flexible, science-based learning opportunities for professionals who aim to push the boundaries of coffee excellence.
For more information, detailed course content, and to apply, visit the ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center website.