Course in International Financing for Urban Projects
300-hour online course in International Financing for Urban Projects. 6 modules covering the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (2018), the IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2012) and Microsoft Excel. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in International Financing for Urban Projects — studying from the United States
Civil and transportation engineering is a large and visible sector in the United States, supported by federal infrastructure investment and active state and municipal programs. Major firms such as AECOM, Jacobs and Kiewit work on highways, bridges, rail and water systems nationwide. Rail engineering, centered on corridors in the Northeast, Midwest and California, is expanding with passenger and freight modernization. Smart city initiatives in cities like Pittsburgh, Boston and Austin integrate sensors, data platforms and digital twins into infrastructure planning and operations.
Fees for the United States: US$830 (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
What US professional bodies and licences apply to civil and rail engineering?
In the US, civil engineers can obtain the Professional Engineer (PE) licence from state boards, which is often required for public infrastructure sign-off. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is the main professional body. Rail is overseen federally by the Federal Railroad Administration. SEIUM's private qualifications are not official degrees or PE-equivalent credentials, so employers and licensing boards decide any recognition.
Do US civil, rail and smart-city employers value private online engineering qualifications?
US public agencies and engineering firms typically require ABET-accredited degrees, PE licensure for certain roles, and relevant project experience. A private online qualification can support specialist knowledge in areas such as smart infrastructure, but it is not a standard requirement for licensed roles. Its usefulness depends on the employer's policies and on your practical background.
Can a US professional study this part-time while working, and what does the commitment look like?
Yes, the programmes are online, taught in English, and do not require a student visa. The time commitment is about 1,900 hours for a master's, 800 hours for a postgraduate diploma, or 300 hours for a specialist course, so planning is important. Each student has an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments, and some employers sponsor training, so check with yours.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the architecture of international development finance.
Compare financial instruments for urban projects.
Prepare bankable projects with technical and financial analysis.
Apply environmental and social safeguard frameworks.
Manage procurement in accordance with the rules of the multilateral institutions.
Assess financial, currency and implementation risks.
Develop a financing proposal for an urban project.
Who it's for
- Project finance specialist who wants to specialise in International Financing for Urban Projects.
- International cooperation manager who wants to specialise in International Financing for Urban Projects.
- Consultant to multilateral banks who wants to specialise in International Financing for Urban Projects.
- Technical staff member of an implementation unit who wants to specialise in International Financing for Urban Projects.
- Safeguards specialist who wants to specialise in International Financing for Urban Projects.
- Infrastructure investment analyst who wants to specialise in International Financing for Urban Projects.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter development banking.
What you'll work with
- World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (2018)
- IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2012)
- Equator Principles (EP4)
- World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers
- ICMA Green Bond Principles
- FIDIC Red Book 2017
- Paris Agreement (2015)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Multilateral development banks and their governance1.2World Bank, IBRD and IDA1.3IDB, CAF and regional banks1.4European Investment Bank1.5Bilateral agencies such as AFD and KfW1.6Multilateral climate funds1.7Project cycle of the multilaterals1.8Sovereign and sub-sovereign eligibility1.9Credit rating of local governments1.10Case study: funder map for a city
2.1Sovereign and sub-sovereign loans2.2Partial risk guarantees2.3Blended finance2.4Grants and technical assistance2.5Municipal bonds and green bonds2.6Public-private partnerships2.7Urban development funds2.8Currency risk hedging2.9Land value capture2.10Workshop: comparison of financing structures
3.1Concept note and theory of change3.2Technical feasibility study3.3Economic cost-benefit analysis3.4Financial analysis and cash flow3.5Net present value and internal rate of return3.6Project risk matrix3.7Project preparation facilities3.8Funder due diligence3.9Negotiation of terms and conditions3.10Practical exercise: financial model of a transport system
4.1World Bank Environmental and Social Framework4.2IFC Performance Standards4.3Equator Principles4.4Environmental and social impact assessment4.5Involuntary resettlement4.6Stakeholder engagement4.7Grievance mechanisms4.8Environmental and social commitment plan4.9Safeguards supervision and reporting4.10Case study: resettlement plan for a road project
5.1World Bank procurement regulations5.2IDB procurement policies5.3Selection methods and value for money5.4FIDIC contracts and risk allocation5.5Financial management and disbursements5.6Project implementation units5.7Monitoring and results framework5.8Integrity and sanctions of the multilaterals5.9Ex-post project evaluation5.10Workshop: procurement plan for an urban project
6.1Selection of the urban project6.2Identification of the most suitable funder6.3Proposed financial structure6.4Financial model and risk analysis6.5Environmental and social safeguards plan6.6Complete financing proposal6.7Project procurement plan6.8Results framework and indicators6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Microsoft Excel, HDM-4, Microsoft Project, @RISK, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The exercises are based on real procedures: preparing a concept note for a multilateral, financial modelling of an infrastructure project, and drafting an environmental and social commitment plan. Assessment is continuous across each module, plus a final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the architecture of international development finance.
Compare financial instruments for urban projects.
Prepare bankable projects with technical and financial analysis.
Apply environmental and social safeguard frameworks.
Manage procurement in line with the rules of the multilaterals.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
Work is carried out with Microsoft Excel, HDM-4, Microsoft Project and @RISK. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma awarded upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Please consult the recognition policy when you enrol.
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