The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2025/2026 is now open for applications, offering professionals from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region the opportunity to pursue short courses in the Netherlands. This fully funded scholarship aims to contribute to a sustainable democratic transition in participating countries. While the scholarship is awarded to individuals, all applicants must be nominated by their employer, demonstrating the need for training within their organization.
Summary:
- Scholarship Sponsor: Government of the Netherlands
- Host Country: The Netherlands
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Study Level: Postgraduate (Short Courses)
- Number of Awards: Several
- Nationality: International Students (MENA Region)
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the MENA Scholarship Programme, applicants must:
- Be a national of, and currently living and working in, an eligible MENA country.
- Be employed and provide an employer’s statement that meets the Nuffic format requirements.
- Not work for organizations that have their own means of staff development, such as large multinational corporations, donor organizations (e.g., USAID, DFID), or international NGOs.
- Have a valid passport (at least three months beyond the submission date).
- Provide a government statement if required by their country of employment.
- Be under 45 years old at the time of application.
- Not receive more than one MSP scholarship for courses occurring simultaneously.
Eligible Countries:
The scholarship is available to nationals of the following MENA region countries:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Morocco
- Syria (only if residing in an MSP-eligible country)
- Tunisia
Benefits of the MENA Scholarship Programme:
The MSP provides a range of benefits to successful applicants, ensuring that they can focus on their studies without financial concerns. These benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage for the selected short course in the Netherlands.
- Travel costs, including airfare to and from the Netherlands.
- Accommodation and living expenses throughout the study period.
- Health insurance coverage during the course duration.
- Visa application support and cost coverage.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Select a Course: Choose a short course from the official MSP course list.
- Contact the Institution: Reach out to the Dutch higher education institution offering the course for details on course content, deadlines, selection procedures, and required documents.
- Prepare Required Documents: Ensure that all necessary documents are prepared for submission, including:
- A valid passport copy.
- A current employer statement, confirming the applicant’s need for training.
- A government statement (if required by the applicant’s country of employment).
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the online application via the Dutch institution offering the course.
- Wait for Selection Results: The Dutch institution and Nuffic will review applications, and successful candidates will be notified accordingly.
Selection Process:
The selection process for the MSP scholarship is highly competitive. Applications are evaluated based on:
- The relevance of the selected course to the applicant’s professional background and organization.
- The motivation statement provided by the applicant.
- The quality of the employer’s statement and its justification for the need for training.
- The overall impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s career and home country.
#see: Einstein Fellowship 2025/2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Scholars
Application Deadline:
The deadline for applications will be updated soon. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the official website for the most recent information regarding deadlines and application windows.
Why Apply for the MENA Scholarship Programme?
The MSP is a unique opportunity for professionals in the MENA region to gain international exposure, develop advanced skills, and expand their professional networks. By participating in a short course in the Netherlands, scholars will:
- Acquire new knowledge and expertise relevant to their field.
- Improve their career prospects with international training.
- Contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
- Build professional connections with international peers and institutions.
Tips for a Successful Application:
To enhance the chances of securing the MSP scholarship, applicants should consider the following tips:
- Choose a Relevant Course: Select a course that aligns with your career goals and the needs of your employer.
- Prepare a Strong Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate how the course will benefit your career and organization.
- Ensure Complete Documentation: Make sure that all required documents, including the employer statement and passport copy, are properly prepared and submitted.
- Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the Dutch institution offering the course.
- Apply Early: Avoid last-minute applications to reduce the risk of missing deadlines or encountering technical issues.
Conclusion
The MENA Scholarship Programme is a remarkable opportunity for professionals in the MENA region to enhance their skills and contribute to the development of their home countries. With full funding covering tuition, travel, and living expenses, this initiative provides a pathway for career advancement and knowledge exchange. Interested candidates should act quickly, review the eligibility criteria, and prepare a strong application to secure their place in this prestigious program.
