MENA Scholarship Programme

The MENA Scholarship Program (MSP) aims to build bridges through knowledge by offering opportunities for capacity building within organisations in the Middle East and North Africa. It enables young professional impact makers to take part in short courses in the Netherlands, and it facilitates tailor made training for organisations in the region.

The MSP focuses on building strong relations between the participating countries and the Netherlands by fostering strong alumni networks. It contributes to mutual understanding and knowledge sharing. The programme is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Shiraka programme and managed by Nuffic.

MSP Short Course Scholarship

Through this scholarship, a limited selection of working professionals under 45 years old can follow a fully-funded short course study programme in the Netherlands. Short courses can take up to 13 weeks.

Available courses, offered in English or French, vary per country and depend on the priority themes per country. A limited amount of scholarships is awarded to highly motivated professionals who suit the country approach best. Applicants who don't suit their country approach are not eligible for a scholarship.

Participating Countries

You may be eligible for an MSP scholarship if you are living and working in:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Morocco
• Oman 
• Tunisia
• Syria

Apply for a MSP Scholarship

To apply, there are some steps that you must follow:
Step 1. Check if your application falls within the MSP focus areas determined for your country.

Step 2. Check if you meet the MSP eligibility criteria.

Step 3. Find a course on the MSP course list

Step 4. Ask your employer whether they are willing to nominate you for a MSP scholarship.

Step 5. Contact the Dutch education institution of your choice to receive more information about the application procedure, the academic requirements and the link to apply online.

Step 6. Prepare your application; employer statement, motivation, passport, government statement (if required)

Step 7. Submit your application online using the link you receive from the Dutch education institution offering the course you would like to apply for.

Please be notified that the provisional application periods are in February-Mach and September-October. All application deadlines and eligibility criteria are available on this Scholarship Link.