• Create a common approach on microfinance between the future entrepreneurs
• Enable practical research for students
• Promote innovation in the domain of microfinance
• Encourage dialogue and sharing of knowledge and experience between developed and developing countries

The UMM project, co-financed by the European Commission, has been launched in 2009 in partnership with the Freie Universität Berlin. UMM aims at fostering the cooperation between microfinance practitioners and students from European universities. The general objectives of the project are to increase awareness among European (future) decision-makers on microfinance, to support field research experience of students in Europe and  to contribute to microfinance innovation.

The expected results for the next 3 years are the direct participation of 400 students and 5 European universities in the project, the award of 15 Scholarships/ Best Research Prizes and the mentorship of 60 students.  Regular workshops and seminars are also proposed in collaboration with the partner universities. UMM’s research priorities in 2009 include topics like mobile banking & ICT, rural microfinance, money transfers and microinsurance.

Scholarships and Awards for students’ research on microfinance

The programme invites 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.

About PlaNet Finance

PlaNet Finance is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that aims to alleviate poverty worldwide through the development of microfinance.