The United Nations University Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) is inviting applications for its Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) 2027, a fully funded capacity-building opportunity for government officials and civil servants working in migration management. The three-month, full-time programme will take place in person in Maastricht, the Netherlands, from 5 April to 24 June 2027. The scholarship is designed to support eligible government officials and civil servants from selected countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, the Silk Route and the EU Southern Neighbourhood. For successful scholarship recipients, the funding covers major costs associated with participation, including international flights, accommodation, visa fees, meals, daily living expenses, health insurance and field-trip costs. Applications for the 2027 scholarship programme must be submitted by 1 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST. About the Migration Management Diploma Programme: Fully Funded Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) 2027 at UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands The Migration Management Diploma Programme has been offered by UNU-MERIT since 2013 as a specialised capacity-building programme for professionals working in migration and asylum. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical training. Participants engage in lectures, interactive sessions, practical exercises and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) activities. The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of migration management while developing practical skills in areas such as policy analysis, communication, articulation and presentation. It also provides participants with opportunities to develop professional networks and gain exposure to different approaches to migration governance across Europe. Fully Funded Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) 2027 at UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands: Programme Structure The MMDP is organised around three main courses: Introduction to Migration Studies Migration and Development Migration Policy Each course lasts approximately four weeks and addresses different dimensions of migration management. Topics covered can include: Migration data International migration law Labour migration Diaspora engagement Policy coherence Global migration governance Migration scenario building Participants are expected to dedicate approximately 40 hours per week to the programme. This includes classroom or contact hours as well as self-directed preparation and study. The programme places considerable emphasis on interactive learning, practical workshops and problem-based exercises, allowing participants to connect academic knowledge with real-world migration management challenges. International Field Trips One of the distinctive elements of the Migration Management Diploma Programme is its international exposure. Participants have opportunities to undertake field trips across Europe, including visits to: Dutch Ministries in The Hague European Union institutions in Brussels United Nations and other intergovernmental organisations in Geneva These activities are designed to expose participants to national, regional and international perspectives on migration management. The field visits can also provide opportunities for participants to interact with institutions involved in migration policy, governance and international cooperation. Who Is the Programme For? The MMDP scholarship is specifically targeted at government officials and civil servants working in migration management. The programme is therefore not a general scholarship open to all students or professionals. Applicants should have a professional role connected to migration management and meet the detailed eligibility requirements outlined in the official programme brochure. The programme is funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Fully Funded Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) 2027 at UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands: Eligible Countries Applicants must be nationals or professionals from countries covered by the programme’s eligible regions. Eligible Sub-Saharan African countries include: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Republic), Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Malawi, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Eligible Silk Route countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Eligible Central Asian countries include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The programme also covers selected countries in the EU Southern Neighbourhood, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia. Applicants should consult the official programme information to confirm their eligibility and any country-specific requirements. Fully Funded Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) 2027 at UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands: What the Scholarship Covers The MMDP scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for selected participants for the duration of the training. The scholarship covers: International flights Accommodation Visa fees Meals Daily living expenses Health insurance Field-trip costs This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for eligible public-sector professionals who may otherwise face financial barriers to participating in an international training programme. Programme Dates and Important Deadlines The MMDP 2027 programme will run from: 5 April 2027 – 24 June 2027 The application deadline is: 1 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST Successful applicants are expected to be notified around mid-October 2026. Because the programme is full-time and delivered in person, successful participants should be prepared to travel to Maastricht and commit to the programme for its entire duration. How to Apply Interested candidates should carefully review the official MMDP 2027 course brochure for the detailed eligibility criteria, required documents and application instructions. Applications must be submitted through the official UNU-MERIT online application portal. Apply Now – Migration Management Diploma Programme 2027 Download the MMDP 2027 Course Brochure Applicants with questions about the programme or application process can contact the programme team at mmdp@maastrichtuniversity.nl. Why Apply? The Migration Management Diploma Programme provides an opportunity for eligible government officials and civil servants to strengthen their professional knowledge while engaging with migration experts, policymakers and institutions across Europe. Beyond classroom learning, participants gain practical exposure to migration governance through interactive activities, field trips and networking opportunities. For public-sector professionals from eligible countries who are directly involved in migration and asylum management, the programme can provide valuable knowledge and international perspectives that can be applied within their respective institutions. Final Thoughts The UNU-MERIT Migration Management Diploma Programme 2027 offers eligible government officials and civil servants a fully funded opportunity to receive specialised training in migration management in Maastricht, the Netherlands. With comprehensive financial support covering travel, accommodation, meals, visa fees, insurance, living expenses and field trips, the programme represents a significant professional development opportunity for qualified applicants from eligible countries. Interested candidates should review the official eligibility requirements and prepare their applications well ahead of the 1 October 2026 deadline. Stay connected with Global South Opportunities for the latest scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, grants, and career opportunities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel and be the first to discover new opportunities. Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities is not the scholarship provider or programme administrator. The Migration Management Diploma Programme is offered by UNU-MERIT and funded through the European Union’s Migration Partnership Facility. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application instructions through the official UNU-MERIT programme page before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW