Launched in 2005, the EMP (Master Complémentaire Conjoint en microfinance) has been designed by microfinance experts to offer a unique blend of theory and practice. Since 2007, students graduating from the EMP obtain a full Master degree (European Master in microfinance).
The purpose of the programme is to develop future professionals in microfinance who will contribute to the strengthening of microfinance institutions worldwide, in accordance with the highest international standards.
The EMP provides students with a professional, multi-disciplinary approach to the challenges the microfinance sector is facing today, through:
With more than 60% of students coming from the South, 27 nationalities and experts from all parts of the world, the EMP is a particularly international Masters programme, which allows to create and keep new (professional) networks.
Candidates applying for the EMP via the Académie Universitaire Wallonie-Bruxelles (Master Complémentaire Conjoint en Microfinance), should read the General information document (PDF file, 68 KB).
All candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Academic degree
Diploma should have been obtained at recognized academic insitutions in the disciplines of development cooperation, economics, agronomy, management or finance. Exceptionally, other qualifications may be accepted. Good academic grades, relevant professional experience and field experience in developing countries are highly valued.
English language proficiency
As the EMP is taught in English, candidates must prove their spoken and written command of English. Qualifications accepted as evidence of English proficiency are:
If candidates from developing countries fulfill all admission requirements but can only provide a B1 English level (according to the CEFR), the EMP Jury will take these applications into account.
If a candidate is not able to provide any official language proof:
In this case the EMP Jury asks the candidate to complete either:
The results obtained by the candidate must be mentioned in the EMP Application Form 2013-14, section II. Otherwise, the application cannot be taken into account.
The EMP delivers a professional education that combines academic excellence and real-world experience and aims at broadening our understanding of development and the role that microfinance can play in fighting poverty.
Topics covered by the European Microfinance Programme:
Accessibility through three different Master programmes:
Please be aware that the internship on the field is compulsory, as part of the programme, and that the EMP does not provide any financial support for the expenses related to that internship. However, students have the possibility to look for grants and financial support from foundations, associations, etc.
Level | University |
Incompany | No |
Open enrolment | Yes |
Costs (indication) | No entry |
Titles | No title |
Required language skills | English |
Country | Belgium |
Completion | Diploma |