Program Overview

---

Master of Specialization in Microfinance

The Master of Specialization in Microfinance is a one-year program designed to train professionals in the field of microfinance. The program is taught in English and is organized in a staggered schedule.

Objectives

The objective of the program is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of microfinance and its applications in development contexts. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to work in microfinance institutions, international aid organizations, and research institutions.

Methodology

The program combines theoretical foundations with practical knowledge and on-field internships. The curriculum includes courses on contextual issues in social finance, management of social finance institutions, topics in financial inclusion and microfinance, financial management in social finance, social banking, assessment of social finance, and digital finance.

International Dimension

The program has a strong international dimension, with partnerships with universities and non-governmental organizations from around the world. The program is taught by professors from three European universities: Université Libre de Bruxelles, Université de Mons, and Université Paris-Dauphine.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is based on a candidate's academic background, professional experience, and language proficiency. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as development cooperation, economics, agronomy, management, or finance. Field experience in developing countries is desirable, and good academic grades, relevant professional experience, and field experience in developing countries are highly valued.

Conditions of Access

The conditions of access to the program are as follows:

• Access with Full Rights: There is no direct access to the program with full rights.
• Access via a File Submitted to the Jury: Candidates must submit a file to the jury, which will evaluate their application based on their academic background, professional experience, and language proficiency.
• Validation of Acquired Experience: The jury may validate acquired experience and give access to the program to candidates who do not meet the traditional admission criteria.

Program Structure

The program is structured into three periods:

1. First Period (September-January): Introductory studies
2. Second Period (February-April): Specialization
3. Third Period (May-August): Internship and Master's thesis

Courses

The program includes the following courses:

• Contextual issues in social finance
• Management of social finance institutions
• Topics in financial inclusion and microfinance
• Financial management in social finance
• Social banking
• Assessment of social finance
• Digital finance
• Master's thesis
• Internship

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• NGOs working in microfinance
• International aid organizations
• MFI rating agencies
• Investment funds
• Research institutions

Additional Information

The program is organized by the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management and the Université de Mons. The language of instruction is English, and the program is taught in a staggered schedule. The program director is Marek Hudon, and the secretary of the jury is Marc Labie.