The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2025 offers young professionals from the Middle East and North Africa the opportunity to attend fully-funded short courses in the Netherlands, lasting between 2 and 13 weeks. Funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Shiraka programme and managed by Nuffic, the MSP aims to build capacity within organizations and strengthen ties between participating countries and the Netherlands through strong alumni networks
Courses are offered in English or French and vary by country, based on priority themes. With a focus on short, practical courses, the MENA Scholarship Programme promotes knowledge exchange and leadership development. The Application Deadline is 20 May 2025.
Institutions Details:
- Funded By: Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Shiraka programme
- Managed by: Nuffic
- Place: Netherlands
- Ranking: Dutch institutions such as University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam consistently rank among the top 100-200 globally (QS and THE rankings).
- Programs: Short courses (2 weeks to 3 months) focusing on development-related topics.
- Duration: Varies by course, typically 2 to 13 weeks.
Study Areas
- Each country has its own focus areas, defined by the Netherlands Embassy.
- Focus areas may include
- Youth empowerment,
- Local economic development,
- Water management,
- Security and rule of law,
- Governance, and journalism.
MENA Scholarship Programme Benefits
The MSP covers a wide range of expenses, ensuring scholars can focus entirely on their studies.
- Full tuition fees
- Visa costs
- Travel expenses (economy class flights)
- Accommodation and daily allowances
Benefits Not Included
However, some personal expenses are not covered, such as:
- Personal travel within Europe
- Additional living expenses beyond the stipend
- Family support or dependents’ expenses
Eligibilities for MENA Scholarship Programme
To apply for the MSP, you must:
- Be a professional and national of one of the selected MENA countries (e.g., Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia)
- Young professionals aged 45 or younger, living and working in one of the participating countries.
- Half of the scholarships per country are reserved for female applicants; strong encouragement for women to apply.
- Group Training: Staff from the same organization or groups with similar training needs can apply for tailor-made training (TMT) delivered by a Dutch institution.
- Be nominated by your employer
- Your professional field and your employer’s activities must align with your country’s specific focus areas.
- You must check the country pages on the MSP website for detailed focus areas.
- Participating Countries:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Oman
- Sudan*
- Tunisia
- To know more, Visit
Required Documents
When applying, make sure to prepare the following:
- Valid passport copy
- Government statement (if applicable for your country)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts and certificates (if required by the institution)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
MENA Scholarship Programme Application Process
Applying for the MSP is simple but competitive. Here’s how it works:
- Visit www.mspnuffic.nl to check if your application matches the focus areas for your country.
- Confirm that you meet the MSP eligibility criteria.
- Choose a course from the MSP course list.
- Ask your employer if they are willing to nominate you.
- Contact the Dutch education institution for details about the course, requirements, and online application link.
- Prepare your documents: employer statement, motivation letter, passport copy, and government statement (if needed).
- Submit your application online through the link provided by the institution.
Tips for Successful Application
- Start early to gather documents, especially employer and government statements
- Choose a course aligned closely with your professional background
- Write a compelling motivation letter showing how the course benefits your work and home country
- Be clear about your future goals and how you will apply the skills you learn
- Double-check all uploads to avoid disqualification for incomplete applications
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Living in the Netherlands can be affordable with careful planning. On average, international students need around €900 to €1,200 per month for:
- Housing: €300–€600
- Food: €200–€400
- Transport: €50–€100
- Other personal expenses: €100–€200
Luckily, MSP provides allowances to cover most basic living costs!
Why Do You Need to Choose This Opportunity?
Choosing the MENA Scholarship Programme means more than just studying abroad. It offers you a real chance to boost your skills, network with international professionals, and contribute to your country’s development. Moreover, studying in the Netherlands means immersing yourself in a highly innovative, multicultural environment. It’s a life-changing opportunity that sets you apart as a leader in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions about This Opportunity
Q1: Can I apply for multiple short courses under MSP?
No, you can only apply for one course per application cycle.
Q2: Can I bring my family members with me?
The MSP does not cover expenses for family members or dependents.
Q3: What language are the courses taught in?
Almost all MSP short courses are taught in English.
Q4: Is there an age limit for MSP applicants?
Yes, applicants must be between 20 and 45 years old.
Q5: What happens if my employer refuses to provide a nomination letter?
Unfortunately, without an employer’s nomination, your application will be considered incomplete and ineligible.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For complete information and the application portal, visit:
Official MSP Scholarship Page
