MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)
A fully-funded scholarship for young professionals from selected Middle East and North African countries to attend short courses in the Netherlands. The program aims to build capacity within organizations through knowledge exchange and professional development.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
20 May 2025 (varies by institution)
Country
NetherlandsAll Netherlands guidesEvery Netherlands scholarship in one place→About the MENA Scholarship Programme
The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Shiraka programme and managed by Nuffic. It provides opportunities for young professional impact makers to participate in short courses at Dutch education institutions.
The programme focuses on capacity building within organizations in the Middle East and North Africa. By facilitating short-term training, it aims to strengthen professional networks and foster mutual understanding between the participating countries and the Netherlands.
Eligible applicants must be working professionals aged 20 to 45. The program supports a wide range of thematic areas tailored to the specific needs of each participating country, including water management, governance, renewable energy, and sustainable economic development.
The scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 20 awards available per participating country annually. To ensure gender balance, 50% of all scholarships per country are reserved for female applicants.
The programme also facilitates tailor-made training for groups of professionals or staff from a single organization. These sessions are designed in collaboration with Dutch knowledge providers to address specific organizational training needs.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Fully funded opportunity to study at Dutch institutions
Targeted training designed for professional impact makers
Strong focus on practical knowledge transfer to home organizations
Access to international networks and Dutch expertise
Dedicated reservation of 50% of scholarships for female applicants
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Netherlands
Participating countries include Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Syria, and Tunisia. Sudan is excluded from the 2025 round.
Eligibility Requirements
8 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Contact the chosen Dutch education institution to verify admission requirements and deadlines.
Apply for academic admission directly through the education institution.
Receive a link from the institution to Nuffic's online application system if academic admission is granted.
Submit the scholarship application via the Nuffic online portal.
Wait for the results, which are typically announced 3 to 4 months after the application round closes.
Application Timeline
1 April 2025
Application Round Opening
20 May 2025
Application Deadline
Some institutions have earlier deadlines (e.g., 6 May or 16 May)
3 to 4 months after application
Selection Results
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Contact your chosen education institution well before the application round opens to discuss academic requirements.
Ensure your employer is fully aware of the application, as their signed statement is mandatory.
If you are a civil servant, start the process of obtaining a government statement early, as it can take 4 to 8 weeks.
Clearly articulate in your motivation how the course will benefit your specific organization upon your return.
Check the specific priority themes for your country, as applications outside these areas are not eligible.
Apply for academic admission as early as possible to ensure you receive the Nuffic registration link in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No, the programme is designed for working professionals. Applications from students will not be considered.
Yes, applicants must be 20 to 45 years old.
There are approximately 20 scholarships awarded per participating country each year.
No, applicants must work in specific priority areas defined for their home country.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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