The microfinance sector is developing at a rapid pace, creating a need for experienced professionals within microfinance and credit institutions, banks and development investment funds, both in Europe and abroad.

The European Microfinance Programme was launched in 2005, by the three universities Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Paris Dauphine and Wageningen and by PlaNet Finance, an NGO specialised in microfinance, in response to this growing demand for training in development activities, particularly in microfinance. In 2007, the Université de Mons, as well as the three NGOs ADA, CERISE and SOS Faim joined the EMP as partners.

Main objectives pursued by the European Microfinance Programme:

• to create a pool of highly qualified microfinance professionals who will ensure the future development of microfinance institutions worldwide;
  
  
• to train future professionals from both the North and the South, through a multidisciplinary academic approach;
  
  
• to analyse and rationalise the different perspectives on development issues in the microfinance sector.

Career prospects for graduates from the European Microfinance Programme:

• NGOs working in Microfinance
  
  
• International Aid Organisations
  
  
• MFI Rating Agencies
  
  
• Investment Funds
  
  
• Research