The Netherlands is once again opening academic doors for future leaders across the Middle East and North Africa. The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP), a prestigious Dutch-funded initiative, is now accepting applications for its 2025 short course scholarships, offering fully-funded study opportunities to young professionals from select countries in the region.
What is the MENA Scholarship Programme?
Funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Shiraka Programme and administered by Nuffic, the MENA Scholarship Programme is designed to build bridges through knowledge sharing, professional development, and international collaboration. It offers short-term training in the Netherlands for highly motivated professionals who are poised to create real impact in their home countries.
The programme also includes tailor-made trainings (TMTs) for organizations across the MENA region, allowing Dutch educational institutions to deliver context-specific learning directly aligned with local needs.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a national and resident of one of the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, and Syria (only if residing and working in one of the other listed countries).
Note: Sudan is excluded from the 2025 application rounds due to the current situation. - Be working professionals, 45 years old or younger, at the time of application.
- Demonstrate motivation and alignment with the priority themes set by the programme in their home country.
- Possess a solid command of English or French, depending on the language of instruction.
MENA/MSP Scholarship Coverage and Course Duration
Successful candidates will receive a fully-funded scholarship covering:
- Tuition fees
- Visa costs
- Travel expenses
- Insurance
- Accommodation and daily living allowance
Short courses range from 2 to 13 weeks and are conducted in the Netherlands by recognized Dutch institutions. Each course is tailored to meet the demands of modern global challenges, particularly in sectors like governance, agriculture, water management, entrepreneurship, and education.
Tailor-Made Training (TMT)
Organizations in the MENA region can also benefit from the programme through Tailor-Made Training. This initiative allows teams, departments, or networks of professionals with shared learning needs to engage in bespoke training sessions delivered by Dutch experts — either in the Netherlands or locally.
How to Apply?
Applications are managed directly by participating Dutch institutions. Applicants must:
- Select a short course from an approved list provided by Dutch institutions.
- Meet the institution’s specific admission criteria.
- Align their application with the country-specific thematic priorities set by MSP.
- Apply via the Dutch institution’s application portal within the designated application window.
Ministry Call: https://studyinnl.org/finances/mena-scholarship-programme-msp
Institute Call: https://thehagueacademy.com/scholarship/ (Deadline May 6, 2025).
