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:

• a solid theoretical foundation, taught by professors from three European universities in Belgium (Université libre de Bruxelles; Université de Mons) and France (Université Paris Dauphine);
  
• insights into the latest techniques used by international microfinance institutions, provided by practitioners from the NGO partners ADA, BRS, CERISE, PlaNet Finance and SOS Faim;
  
• opportunities to participate in seminars and conferences addressed to microfinance experts;
  
• a compulsory two-to-fourth-month internship in a developing country to obtain the necessary knowledge of daily realities of micro-finance on the field.
  

With more than 50% of students coming from the South, 26 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.

I. APPLICATION DEADLINE  

EMP deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2015
ARES-CCD deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2015

• To have a Master's degree (or "Licence") issued by a Belgian University
  
• To have a Master's degree (second cycle diploma, 5 years), i.e., a diploma equivalent to 300 ECTS
  

• Native speakers: (USA, UK, AUS, NZL, IRL, CAN (Engl)): no proof needed
  
  
• Applicants from anglophone countries: candidates having completed their studies in English must provide a confirmation by their University.
  
  
• All other candidates:
  
  
  
  • TOEFL: paper-based 550, computer-based 213, internet-based 79-80
    
  • IELTS: min. score of 6.5
    
  • Cambridge First Certificate (FCE): pass at grade C or above
    
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): pass at grade C or above
    
  
  
  

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 online DIALANG test, available on the website of Lancaster University http://www.lancs.ac.uk/researchenterprise/dialang/about.
  
• the online VEC English Grammar Test, available on Vancouver English Center's website https://secure.vec.bc.ca/vec/online-test.cfm.
  

The results obtained by the candidate must be mentioned in the EMP Application Form 2014-15, section II. Otherwise, the application cannot be taken into account.

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STEP 1: Submit EMP Application Form 2015-16
All candidates must introduce an EMP Application form:
Two possibilities

• Fill out the online application form and upload scans of the required documents directly onto the website
  

• No need for any software other than your web browser
  
• No information loss: start filling in now, save online, and continue/make changes later
  
• Upload required documents (scans) as you go
  
• Confirm the final submission when you are ready (within the deadlines)
  

OR

• Download and fill the EMP Application Form 2015-2016:
  
  Word 2003 file (DOC)
  

THEN (for Word applications)

• Attach copies of all your diplomas and transcript of records.
  
• Attach a copy of your language certificate / proof of English skills.
  
• Attach a copy of your ID or passport.
  
• Attach any recommendation letters, or work certificates or confirmations to complete your application.
  

STEP 2: EMP Selection Meeting
The EMP Jury will pre-examine all candidates's applications during a Selection Meeting. The results of this meeting will be communicated shortly after.
If a candidate has been pre-selected by the EMP Jury, the candidate will be asked to continue the application process with STEP 3 (Submission of the official ULB Admission Request to the ULB Admission Service, see below).
Important: the final submission to the European Microfinance Programme is subject to:

• the verification of the candidate's ULB Admission Request by the Admission Services of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (STEP 3, see below).
  
• the agreement of the government's delegate.
  

STEP 3: Submit ULB Admission Request online
Candidates, who have been pre-selected by the EMP Jury, will receive an e-mail by the EMP Coordination with instructions how to proceed with introducing an online ULB Admission Request.
The ULB Admission Service will communicate its final decision to the candidate by e-mail and by post-mail. Only if you have received an official "Admission Letter" from the ULB Admission Service, you are entitled to register for the European Microfinance Programme 2014-15.

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IV. FEES & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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.
[b]General information on financial assistance[/b]

• DGCD :     www.dgcd.be/fr/dgcd/bourses_etude
  
• CTB :        http://www.btcctb.org/ (see directly with the  CTB office based in your country)
  

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