MENA Scholarship Programme 2025

MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 in the Netherlands

Are you a young professional from the Middle East or North Africa dreaming of studying in the Netherlands? The MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 offers you a golden chance to join fully funded short courses at top Dutch institutions. Tailored for professionals aged 20–45, this opportunity focuses on strengthening organizations through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Whether you’re in water management, media, gender equality, or sustainable business, this scholarship could be your ticket to learning from the best in the Netherlands — all expenses paid.

About the MENA Scholarship Programme MSP

Funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Shiraka programme and managed by Nuffic, the MSP aims to build bridges through knowledge exchange. It empowers highly motivated professionals from MENA countries to attend short courses (2 to 13 weeks) in the Netherlands. These courses are designed to help individuals grow professionally and bring new insights back to their home organizations.

The programme encourages female participation by reserving 50% of the scholarships for women. It also promotes alumni networks and long-term collaborations between MENA countries and the Netherlands.

Why Choose the MENA Scholarship Programme?

  • Strengthen your organization with global insights
  • Gain a Dutch academic and cultural experience
  • Network with global professionals and change-makers
  • Empower yourself and your community
  • Increase your value in the job market

MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 Overview

Field Details
Scholarship Name MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2025
Funded by Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Managed by Nuffic
Host Country Netherlands
Type Fully Funded
Duration 2 to 13 weeks (short courses)
Scholarships Available 20
Eligible Regions MENA Countries (e.g., Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia)
MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 Deadline
Varies by institution (mostly 20 May 2025)
Age Limit 20–45 years
Language English or French (depending on the course)

Scholarship Benefits

  • Fully funded tuition fees
  • Travel expenses to and from the Netherlands
  • Accommodation and living costs
  • Health insurance during the stay
  • Professional and cultural experience in Europe
  • Access to world-class Dutch universities and training centres
  • Strong alumni network for career advancement

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 in the Netherlands, requirements include: 

  1. Applicants must be 20 to 45 years old and currently living and working in a MENA country.
  2. Must be proficient in English as most courses are in English.
  3. Must be working in one of the priority sectors of their country (e.g., water, energy, governance).
  4. Must have a BSc-level qualification (or equivalent) with relevant professional experience.
  5. Must commit to using the knowledge gained in their home organization.
  6. Must submit an employer statement signed by the applicant and employer.
  7. Civil servants must submit a government statement confirming support for the application (not required for NGO employees).
  8. Preference is given to applicants who haven’t received MSP, OKP, or Shiraka scholarships before.
  9. 50% of scholarships are reserved for women.

Application Process

  • Step 1: Choose a course from the list of participating institutions.
  • Step 2: Apply for academic admission at the institution’s website.
  • Step 3: If admitted, you will receive a link to apply for the MSP scholarship through Nuffic’s online portal.
  • Step 4: Submit all required documents, including the employer/government statement, and a motivational letter explaining how the course benefits your organization.
  • Step 5: Wait for results (typically announced 3–4 months later).

Important: For the Mena scholarship programme 2025 in the Netherlands, deadline is May 20, 2025, but some (e.g., The Hague Academy: 6 May 2025, MSM: 16 May 2025) may close earlier. 

Priority Fields per Country (Examples)

This fully funded scholarship in Netherlands for international students, 2025, offers the following fields: 

  • Algeria: Water, energy, food/agriculture, governance, SME development, youth entrepreneurship
  • Egypt: Rule of law, renewable energy, migration, logistics
  • Iran: Water reuse, quality, and management
  • Iraq: Security, governance, energy, food, private sector
  • Jordan: Youth empowerment, water, climate, urban planning
  • Lebanon: Human rights, sustainable economy, migration

Please check the complete list on the official website.

Courses & Institutions Offering MSP 2025 Short Courses

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
• Water Conflict, Cooperation and Diplomacy
• Water Resources Assessment using Remote-Sensing Data

University of Twente
• Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
• Photogrammetry and 3D Mapping

Maastricht School of Management (MSM)
• CSR, Gender Equality & Sustainable Impact
• Leading in a Digital Era

The Hague Academy for Local Governance
• Local Economic Development
• Anti-Corruption & Integrity
• Smart Cities & Local Climate Response

MDF Training & Consultancy
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
• Gender Mainstreaming in Development

Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)
• Feminist Edge

RNTC Media Training Centre
• Media Campaigns for Social Change

10 Most Searched FAQs About the MENA Scholarship Programme

  1. What is the MENA Scholarship Programme 2025?
    The MENA Scholarship Programme or MSP is a fully funded Dutch scholarship. This is designed for young professionals from MENA countries to attend short courses in the Netherlands.
  2. Who is eligible for the MSP?
    Professionals aged 20–45, working in priority sectors of eligible MENA countries, with English proficiency and employer support.
  3. Which countries are eligible for MSP 2025?
    Please check the list above, with eligible fields offered.
  4. What is the age limit for the MSP scholarship?
    If you’re planning to apply, the good news is that age can be between 20 and 45 years old.
  5. Is it necessary to know Dutch to apply?
    As the courses are taught in English or French, you don’t actually need to learn Dutch.
  6. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
    Approximately 20 per country, with 50% reserved for women.
  7. Can students apply for MSP?
    No, the MSP is only for employed professionals, not for students.
  8. What are the priority fields for Algeria?
    Water management, renewable energy, infrastructure, environment, food processing, youth entrepreneurship, journalism, governance.
  9. How do I apply for the MSP scholarship?
    Apply for course admission through the institution. If accepted, you will be guided to apply for the MSP scholarship via Nuffic’s platform.
  10. When is the deadline to apply?
    Most applications close on 20 May 2025, but some institutions may have earlier deadlines (e.g., 6 or 16 May 2025).

If you’re a driven professional aiming to grow and make a difference in your organization and community, the MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 is the opportunity you shouldn’t miss. With world-class short courses and full financial support, this is your time to learn, lead, and create impact. APPLY NOW.

Want updates on more fully funded scholarships? Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss an opportunity.

About Dr. Umar Hasan

With a Ph.D. in Engineering, he is an educator, researcher, and academic leader. Serving as the Controller of Examinations and Assistant Professor, he founded OpportunitiesPath.com to connect individuals with verified global opportunities.

Leave a Reply