MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: University Meets Microfinance (UMM) Offers Scholarship Opportunities for Microfinance Studies

The University Meets Microfinance (UMM) is offering scholarships for future and ongoing field research operated under the umbrella of a Bachelors, Masters or equivalent program by students in universities in the European Union. A scholar may receive up to 1500 EUR contingent upon the research proposal. Eligible candidates must be able to create a provisional budget, be responsible for on-the-field reporting, and draft a tentative timetable among other administrative responsibilities. It is preferable the application be written in English [1]. Application deadline: November 15, 2010. More details.

Background on UMM: University Meets Microfinance (UMM) is one of several programs co-financed by the European Commission (EC), Freie Universitat Berlin (FUB) and PlaNet Finance, an international non-profit organization established in 1998 aiming to alleviate poverty through microfinance development work [2]. The program functions under PlaNet Finance’s microfinance training center, PlaNet University. UMM is meant to serve as a forum where university students in Europe can connect with microfinance professionals via seminars, lectures, scholarship and award opportunities, workshops, mentorship, and research topics [3]. PlaNet Finance is headquartered in Paris with satellite activities occurring in almost 80 countries around the world. There is no more financial information about PlaNet Finance’s annual budget as it does not report to The MIX, the microfinance information clearinghouse. More information on UMM.

Background on FUB: Freie Universitat Berlin (FUB) helped initiate this program with PlaNet Finance. For over 30 years, FUB’s Department of Economics and Business Administration and the interdisciplinary University Center Lateinamerika-Institut have been conducting research and teaching the subject that has now become recognized under the title “microfinance” to their students [4]. Their research in the microfinance field has helped many of their students follow a path of activism and practice in microfinance. Through working with PlaNet Finance, FUB aims to help nurture a context for knowledge exchange and cooperation among students and professionals [5]. More information on FUB.

UMM Scholarships Website: http://www.planetuniversity.eu/site/scholarships.html

Bibliography:

[1] Application for the UMM Scholarships 2010–Terms and Conditions http://www.planetuniversity.eu/site/fileadmin/planetUniversity/PDF_UMM/Application_Form_-_Proposals_-_BA_MA.pdf

[2] University Meets Microfinance: About UMM http://www.planetuniversity.eu/site/aboutumm.html

[3] Ibid

[4] UMM Letter of Recommendation February 2009 http://deutschland.planetfinancegroup.org/site/fileadmin/planetUniversity/PDF_UMM/UMM_Letter_of_Recommendation_Feb09__3_.pdf

[5] Ibid