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Young professionals from the Middle East and North Africa can now apply for the prestigious MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) to pursue fully funded short courses in the Netherlands.
Funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Shiraka Programme and managed by Nuffic, the MSP aims to:
Build capacity within organizations
Support societal development
Strengthen institutions across eligible countries
Degree Level
The MSP 2025 is open for certification courses at accredited universities in the Netherlands.
Available Subjects
You can study a wide range of subjects under this scholarship:
Courses for 2025:
Integrity and Anti-Corruption
Local Economic Development
Multilevel Water Governance
Gender Responsive Governance
Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Finance
Digital Transformation in the Public Sector
Courses for 2026:
Local Security and Peacebuilding
Citizen Participation and Inclusive Governance
Inclusive Service Delivery and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
Urban Governance: Resilient and Smart Cities
Local Climate Response
Migration and Local Authorities
All courses are conducted in English and typically last between 2 to 13 weeks.
Scholarship Benefits
The MENA Scholarship Programme offers full financial support, covering:
Course tuition
Travel expenses
Accommodation
Living costs
Other benefits include:
Specialized training in governance, sustainability, and public sector management
Professional networking opportunities
Career advancement and leadership development
Tailor-Made Training (TMT) options for groups with specific development goals
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be living and working in one of the following countries:
Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
Age: 45 years or younger by the application deadline (plus two weeks)
Experience: Minimum of two years of professional work experience
Employment: Not employed by organizations with their own staff development programs (such as international agencies or multinational companies)
Language Proficiency: Strong English skills (all courses are taught in English)
Employer Support: A signed employer statement endorsing your application and supporting your action plan
Relevance: Your work should align with one of the thematic areas prioritized by the MSP
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Choose an eligible course from the list provided.
Prepare necessary documents, including your employer’s endorsement.
Submit your application through the official portal: Apply Here
Tip: Apply early to receive feedback on your application and increase your chances of success.
Important Dates
Early-Bird Deadline: April 15, 2025
Final Application Deadline: May 6, 2025
Early applicants will have the opportunity for an application review and improvement suggestions.
Why Apply for the MENA Scholarship Programme?
Fully Funded Opportunity: Covers all major expenses
Career Boost: Enhance your professional and leadership skills
Networking: Join a vibrant global alumni community
Make an Impact: Implement new skills in your home country
Global Exposure: Learn from Dutch expertise in innovation, sustainability, and governance
Official Scholarship Announcement: View Details
