About the opportunity
Moving the Migration Policy Agenda Forward (MMPAF) is a capacity-building programme designed for government officials working in migration and/or asylum, and it is also open to other practitioners and students interested in managing migration and asylum policies. The programme is offered by UNU-MERIT and consists of a series of tutor-led online courses using various teaching and evaluation methods, including lectures and interactive sessions. Special attention is paid to hands-on practical exercises via the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. The 2026 edition features two online courses: Irregular Migration (23–27 November 2026) and Migration & Development (30 November – 4 December 2026). Each course runs for one week on a full-time basis, requiring a 40-hour weekly commitment from participants.
Funding and benefits
- Fully funded capacity-building programme funded by the European Union (EU) through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Who can apply?
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
- Hold at least a Bachelor's degree
- Be sufficiently confident in computer skills to follow an education programme online
- Work as government officials in the field of migration and/or asylum in eligible countries, or be other practitioners/students interested in managing migration and asylum policies
- Have full and written support from their employers stating that the applicant will not be expected to carry out their work duties for the duration of the MMPAF
Required documents
- Copy of a valid passport or ID
- Written support from employer stating that the applicant will not be expected to carry out work duties during the programme
When to apply
- Application deadline: 4th October 2026 at 23:59 CEST
- Notification of Selection: Mid-October 2026
- Irregular Migration course dates: 23-27 November 2026
- Migration & Development course dates: 30 November – 4 December 2026
How to apply
- Submit your details and all required supporting documents through the online application portal via the official website.
Additional information
- The programme is funded by the European Union (EU) through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Government officials working in migration or asylum in eligible countries.
- Practitioners or students with a Bachelor's degree and a strong interest in migration policy.
- Professionals who are fluent in English and comfortable with online learning environments.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week for each course, which is mandatory.
- Applicants must provide written employer support confirming they will be relieved of all work duties during the training.
- The courses are very short and intensive (one week each), requiring a high level of digital literacy.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program fits those seeking rapid capacity-building in irregular migration and migration and development. It is an excellent way for practitioners to apply Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to real-world migration and asylum policy challenges.
Our take
A strong choice for government officials and migration practitioners who need a high-intensity, fully funded training program to enhance their policy management skills.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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