Short courses

“If you are short on time but have a desire to update your knowledge and skills, then joining a short course at UNU-MERIT can be a perfect way of furthering your personal and professional ambitions in just 4-8 weeks. Led by seasoned experts, our courses offer a perfect blend of theory and real-world applications. Embrace problem-based learning, collaborate closely with fellow students, and delve into subjects vital for public policy and human development. Browse our curriculum and find the ideal course(s) that resonate with your aspirations. We hope to welcome you to Maastricht soon.” 

Elaine Lebon-McGregor, Academic Programme Director of the MPP

Short courses available from our MSc programme for 2025-2026

The application process

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for admission applicants have to submit: 

• the completed enrolment application form on qualtrics
• a copy of a valid passport or ID-card
• a CV
• a motivation letter
• a passport picture
• proof (degree(s) and lists of grades) of having obtained a University of Applied Sciences or a University Bachelor of arts or of scientific education degree
• proof of meeting language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)

Additionally, please make sure that you meet the prerequisites regarding the payment details and tuition fee.

If you meet the prerequisites of the short course listed below you want to register for, you can apply for the course here. (the application link will be provided soon).

• Public Policy (MPP4301) - No additional prerequisites
• Public Economics (MPP4302) - No additional prerequisites
• Methods For Policy Analysis (SKL4106) - No additional prerequisites
• Public Policy Analysis (MPP4504) - 1) Attendance of the course of Methods for Policy Analysis (SKL4106); 2) Attendance of the course of Public Economics (MPP4302); 3) Attendance of the course of Public Policy (MPP4301)
• Advanced Methods For Policy-Relevant Research And Analysis (SKL4205) -  SKL4106 Methods for Policy Analysis
• Global Governance And Human Development (GGD4401) - Basic understanding of the policy process, international institutions and actors, stakeholder analysis (MPP4301 Public Policy or demonstratable through past courses/working experience)
• Governing Global Challenges (GGD4502) - 1) Basic understanding of the policy process, international institutions and actors, - stakeholder analysis (MPP4301 Public Policy or demonstrable through past courses/working experience); 2)The attendance of GGD4401 Global Governance and Human Development; 3)Introduction to GIS – ArcGIS Online
• Innovation And Innovation Policy From A System
  Perspective: Global And Local Perspectives (GOI4401) - 1)Introductory R or similar (or willingness to learn quickly);
  2) Knowledge of statistics and/or econometrics are an asset
• Innovation For Twin Transitions (GOI4502) - No additional prerequisites
• Migration Studies: Concepts, Theories and Trends (MGR4401) - No additional prerequisites
• Migration Effects, Policy And Governance (MGR4502) - No additional prerequisites
• Understanding Social Protection: from Justification to Intervention (SPP4401) - 1) Introductory Economics or Public Policy: To ensure they understand fundamental policy concepts and the role of social protection systems;
  2) Introductory Stata
• Sustainable Social Protection: Governance & Finance (SPP4502) - 1) Attendance of the course Social Protection: From Justification to Intervention (SPP4401); 2) Introductory Economics or Public Policy: To ensure they understand fundamental policy concepts and the role of social protection systems; 3) Basic Finance and Accounting: To grasp financial planning concepts and the resource management side of social protection financing; 4) Introductory Excel 
   

During the application process, you will need to upload the following documents:

• A copy of your passport (PDF or JPEG).
• Passport-size picture (JPEG).
• proof (degree(s) and lists of grades) of having obtained a University of Applied Sciences or a University Bachelor of arts or of scientific education degree
• a motivation letter (500 words)
• a CV

After completing the application, you will receive a confirmation email along with the payment information.

Once we receive the payment, we will register you as a participant for the course, and the Short Courses Administration Team will contact you.

Please note that the deadline for applying is at the latest 10 weeks before the start of the selected course(s).

If you have any questions regarding the application documents or the application process, or if there are any clarifications you need before applying, please feel free to reach out to us at the email address: shortcourses@merit.unu.edu.

Tuition fees

The tuition fee for all short courses is 1,500 euros per course and 1,000 euros for subsequent courses (only valid for 2 years after finishing a short course). A refund of the tuition fee is not possible after the course has started.

The payment link will launched soon.

Refund Policy for Course Withdrawal

• Full Refund Before Registration Deadline: Participants who withdraw before the registration deadline and before official registration in the university system are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs.
  Partial Refund After Registration, until one week before the Course Start Date: If a participant withdraws after the registration deadline but before one week of the course start, 50% of the tuition will be refunded.
• No Refunds Once Course Has Begun: No refunds will be issued in case withdrawal happens one week before the course starts.