The UNU-MERIT Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) is now accepting scholarship applications for its 2027 programme in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
The programme is designed for government officials and practitioners working in migration management, asylum and related areas. It brings together professionals from different countries to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in migration management while providing opportunities to exchange experiences and perspectives from different national contexts.
The 2027 programme will take place from 5 April to 24 June 2027 in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) |
| Institution | UNU-MERIT |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Location | Maastricht |
| Opportunity Type | Diploma Programme / Scholarship |
| Field | Migration Management |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Programme Dates | 5 April – 24 June 2027 |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Government officials and practitioners |
| Relevant Areas | Migration, asylum and related fields |
| Application Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 23:59 CEST |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Programme
The Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) is designed to strengthen the professional knowledge and skills of people working in migration management.
The programme brings together participants from different countries and professional backgrounds, allowing them to study migration-related issues while sharing experiences from their respective countries and institutions.
Participants will explore subjects including Migration Studies, Migration and Development, and Migration Policy.
The programme also provides exposure to institutions involved in migration governance and international cooperation.
What Does the Programme Offer?
The MMDP is a fully funded opportunity for selected participants.
The scholarship support includes:
- International flight
- Accommodation
- Visa fees
- Meals
- Daily living expenses
- Health insurance
- Field trip expenses
Participants will also have opportunities to visit and learn from institutions such as:
- Dutch government ministries
- European Union institutions in Brussels
- United Nations and intergovernmental organisations in Geneva
What Will Participants Study?
The programme covers important areas of migration management, including:
- Migration Studies
- Migration and Development
- Migration Policy
- Migration Management
- Migration and asylum-related issues
- International migration governance
The programme combines academic learning with practical exposure and professional exchange.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is particularly suitable for:
- Government officials
- Civil servants
- Migration management practitioners
- Professionals working in asylum-related fields
- Officials whose responsibilities are directly connected to migration policy and management
Applicants from Somalia and Somaliland may be eligible, provided they meet the programme's requirements and are working as government officials or civil servants in a relevant migration or asylum-related role.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the programme's requirements, including relevant professional experience in migration management or related areas.
A key requirement is that applicants should be government officials or civil servants whose current work is related to migration, asylum or another relevant field.
Applicants should also be able to demonstrate:
- Relevant professional responsibilities
- Appropriate academic qualifications
- English language proficiency
- Support from their employer
- Ability to participate in the programme on a full-time basis
The employer must confirm that the applicant:
- Can dedicate their full time to the MMDP.
- Will not be required to perform their normal duties during the programme.
- Will retain their employment.
- Will continue receiving their salary during the programme.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Valid passport copy
- Passport-size or portrait photograph
- Two reference letters from current or former employers and/or professors
- English proficiency certificate
- Bachelor's degree certificate(s)
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Evidence that the applicant works for the government in migration, asylum or a related field
- Employer support letter
The employer support letter should confirm the applicant's ability to participate full-time and should address the employment and salary arrangements during the programme.
How to Apply
Applicants should carefully review the official MMDP application requirements before beginning their application.
The application process generally involves:
- Confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Preparing your CV and academic documents.
- Preparing the required reference letters.
- Obtaining evidence of your government employment in a relevant field.
- Obtaining the required employer support letter.
- Preparing a clear motivation letter.
- Preparing proof of English proficiency.
- Completing the online application.
- Submitting all required documents before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that their employer support documentation clearly confirms their ability to attend the programme full-time.
How to Increase Your Chances
Applicants should make sure that their application clearly demonstrates the connection between their current professional responsibilities and migration management.
A strong application should:
- Clearly explain your current role and responsibilities.
- Demonstrate relevant experience in migration or asylum.
- Explain why the programme is relevant to your professional work.
- Provide a focused and convincing motivation letter.
- Ensure that all academic and employment documents are complete.
- Obtain a detailed employer support letter.
- Clearly demonstrate your ability to participate throughout the full programme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Applying without relevant government or civil-service experience.
- Failing to demonstrate a connection to migration or asylum.
- Submitting an incomplete employer support letter.
- Forgetting the English proficiency certificate.
- Submitting incomplete academic documents.
- Providing unclear evidence of government employment.
- Failing to confirm full-time availability for the programme.
- Waiting until the final day to submit the application.
Programme Dates
5 April 2027 – 24 June 2027
The programme will take place in Maastricht, the Netherlands and will run for approximately three months.
Application Deadline
1 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST
Applicants should submit their complete application and all required supporting documents before the stated deadline.
APPLY NOW
The MMDP is co-funded by the European Commission and contracted by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) through the Migration Partnership Facility.
