We invite students writing or finalizing a Thesis on a microfinance-related topic to participate in our Scholarships & Awards Programme:
8 Scholarships of up to 1500 EUR will be granted this year to allow students conduct on-the-field research on microfinance. Participating students may get additional assistance in organizing the field research. The Scholarships will be granted to cover travel and / or accomodation expenses during the field research.
4 Awards will be granted for students having completed their final thesis in a Master or equivalent programme and presenting an outstanding research in the microfinance field. The Final Thesis will be published and the 1st Prize will receive EUR 500.
Students will be invited to share and discuss their findings with academics, other students and practitioners.
Students are welcomed to submit their research prposal or final thesis to umm@planetfinance.org by the following dates: April 30th, July 15th and October 31th. Selected participants for the Scholarship Programmes will be informed three weeks after submission deadline. The winners of the Awards will be announced in November 2009.
For the applications please refer to the guidelines described in the application form available at:
1. Application Form Scholarships:
2. Application Form Awards:
“University Meets Microfinance” (UMM) is a programme which aims at fostering cooperation between university students in Europe and microfinance practitioners. UMM has been launched by PlaNet Finance and the Freie Universität Berlin and is co-funded by the European Commission within the frame of its Education for Development Programme.
Contact UMM
PlaNet Finance Deutschland e.V
Axel Springer Str 54B
D- 10117 Berlin
Tel / Fax :+49 30 47 989 818
umm@planetfinance.org
In 2008, in association with the American Conference Institute, PlaNet Finance launched a series of professional conferences for investors in the microfinance sector, called « Global Microfinance Investment Congress. Last year’s event welcomed over 250 attendees from 40 countries. This year’s Congress will take place on May, 19 and 20, 2009 in New-York.
The need for microfinance investment remains a top priority – especially given the current financial turmoil. Many of us believe that the potential long-term benefits for microfinance, as MFIs and investors implement more conservative policies, will ultimately encourage a more sustainable and robust business model for the future.The need for a single international forum bringing together the leading players from MFI’s, International Banks, NGO’s and other stakeholders has never been greater.
Over the course of three days, industry leaders from investment banks, microfinance funds, microfinance institutions and nonprofit organizations will provide expert advice and strategic insights on different microfinance investment’s issues. The Global Microfinance Investment Congress stands apart as the meeting place for industry stakeholders from around the world.