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Course program

The postgraduate training program initiated by UNEP, UNESCO and BMU is implemented by CIPSEM at TU Dresden since 1977. The target group of the program are young environmental specialists and leaders from developing countries including emerging market economies. Each year, a six-month long-course with a comprehensive range of topics, as well as three to four-week short-courses on selective environmental topics take place. Are you interested? Find out more about the characteristics of our program and see the list of upcoming courses. Learn how the application process works and what is included in the fellowship. You might also want to have a look at our blog to get an impression of our course programs. For an overview of past courses and former participants, please have a look at our Alumni section.

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At a glance

Image showing a group of course participants posing next to a large heart with "Our heart beats for education - TU Dresden" written on it.

Course Characteristics

Are you interested in applying for the next UNEP/UNESCO/BMU course year? Find out more about the characteristics of our program and see the list of upcoming courses. Learn what criteria you need to fulfil, what is included in the fellowship and how the application process works.

Participants during a lecture in the seminar room

Questions and Answers

Are you eligible to apply for the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU course program? How does the application process work? What is covered by the scholarship and when are the application periods? These and numerous other questions are answered in our FAQ section.

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Application

Applying for the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU course programme is now already for some years resource-efficiently possible online via our application portal. Read more on application periods, course topics and the application process.

UNEP/UNESCO/BMU Courses

The program of a new course term at CIPSEM is published in the beginning of every year. CIPSEM's course term starts in September of the current year and ends in July of the following year. The courses have different target groups according to their topics. The exact requirements can be found in the respective course descriptions. The application is possible via our online application portal. Application periods vary between courses. By the specific training of future decision makers, the CIPSEM course program contributes to capacity building in sustainable development in developing countries including emerging economies . The integrative and interdisciplinary teaching approach conveys not only knowledge on global environmental processes and methods for the sustainable management of resources, but also promotes abilities in a holistic way of thinking with respect to environmental thematic problems and in finding corresponding solutions. The teaching and working language is English.

Before applying for a course, please read the current CIPSEM Course Programme and make sure that you belong to the target group of the respective course. Please also check the FAQs.

All applications submitted before the deadline and fullfilling the formal criteria will be presented to the International Steering Committee for selection of the participants.

Upcoming courses

International Short Course on Integrated Water Resources Management (SC82)

06 September - 15 October 2021: Basis of the course is a well-founded understanding of the hydrological cycle. This includes natural and anthropogenic processes. Moreover, the course focuses on integrated, intersectoral measures for the sustainable use of water resources. The course program includes topics such as the water cycle, urban water, integrated water resource management and climate change and monitoring systems. The training also considers the sustainable use of wastewater and managed aquifer recharge. Participants will be able to actively contribute to the protection and improvement of water resources in their home countries.

International Short Course on Ecosystem Restoration towards a Green Recovery (SC83)

1 November - 10 December 2021: The course contributes to building up capacities to monitor ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss and its consequences for ecosystem resilience and human livelihoods. It addresses aspects of biodiversity conservation, agri-food systems, adequate legal provisions, robust political requirements and suitable technologies for ecosystem restoration in a holistic anthropocentric view.

International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries (EM45)

12 January - 14 July 2022: In support of the SDGs, this 6-month course follows an integrated and interdisciplinary approach covering the field of environmental management. The curriculum is organised in modules comprising issues of conservation and restoration ecology, water and atmosphere, soil/land resources, sustainable urban and regional development, waste management and circular economy, renewable energy sources. An overarching science-policy interface frames all disciplines. Participants acquire the ability to develop interdisciplinary strategies for sustainable development and to take appropriate measures for environmental protection.