Paper
Global Masters in Microfinance: An International Survey Report
Establishing the need for Masters-level microfinance courses
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52 pages
This paper presents results of a survey conducted by Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC) on the need for a Global Masters in Microfinance (GMM) qualification. The survey also aimed to guide program design and development.
Despite growth in the microfinance industry, there are few university programs that include courses on microfinance. Currently, most training needs for the microfinance industry are met by short courses. As the sector continues to grow, however, it will need increased levels of specialist skills that cannot be met by short courses.
The survey involved 688 participants from all five continents. Findings indicate that:
- Overwhelming demand exists for a GMM that provides university and field-based training and education which is uniform, world-class quality, universally accepted and research-informed;
- Preferred duration of the GMM ranged from 12 months to 18 months;
- More than half of respondents felt that the GMM program should be conducted via distance education with an on-campus residential component;
- Respondents from developing countries were more reliant on scholarships than those from developed countries;
- Some respondents from developed and developing countries indicated that their employers may be willing to pay all or part of their fees.
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