MENA Scholarship 2025

Are you a professional from the Middle East or North Africa dreaming of advancing your career through international education?

The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2025 might be your golden opportunity to study in the Netherlands.

This scholarship opens doors for short courses that can help you gain new skills, grow professionally, and make a real impact back home.

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the MENA Scholarship 2025.

What Is the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)?

The MENA Scholarship Programme is a short-term scholarship funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and administered by Nuffic, a Dutch organization for internationalization in education.

The goal of the scholarship is to build capacity in selected countries by offering professionals the opportunity to follow short courses in the Netherlands.

The MENA Scholarship is specifically designed for mid-career professionals from selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

What’s New for MENA Scholarship 2025?

While the core objectives of the MSP remain the same in 2025, some updates include:

More emphasis on women applicants (50% of scholarships are reserved for women).
Priority for applicants from rural areas to promote inclusive development.
Courses must be career-relevant and have a clear impact on the applicant’s country.

Objectives of the MENA Scholarship Programme

The scholarship focuses on:

Empowering individuals with practical skills and knowledge.
Fostering regional cooperation between the Netherlands and the MENA region.
Supporting sustainable development in key sectors like education, health, agriculture, water management, and governance.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

You must be a citizen of and currently living and working in one of the following MENA countries:

Algeria
Egypt
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Mauritania
Morocco
Oman
Palestinian Territories
Sudan
Syria
Tunisia

Note: The list is subject to change depending on political situations or donor updates.

What Type of Courses Are Covered?

The MENA Scholarship 2025 supports short courses in the Netherlands, lasting between 2 to 12 weeks.

These courses are offered by Dutch higher education institutions and are focused on fields such as:

Public Administration
Agriculture & Food Security
Health Care
Water Management
Environmental Sustainability
Human Rights and Rule of Law

You must choose from the eligible courses listed on the official MSP course database when applying.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the MENA Scholarship 2025, you must meet all the following conditions:

Personal Eligibility:

Be a mid-career professional (typically aged 45 or younger).
Be a citizen and resident of one of the MENA countries listed above.
Be employed and supported by an organization that can help implement knowledge gained.
Have at least 2 years of work experience.
Be proficient in English or French, depending on the course language.

Institutional Support:

You must have the full support of your employer (a signed employer statement is required).
The employer should confirm that you will return to your job after the course.

Educational Requirements:

Hold a post-secondary education diploma (equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree in most cases).

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The MENA Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity. It typically covers:

Course fees
Visa and travel costs
Accommodation
Health insurance
Daily allowance (stipend)

Note: The scholarship does not cover family expenses or additional travel not related to the course.

How to Apply for the MENA Scholarship 2025

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Find a Course

Visit the official MSP course database to browse eligible short courses.
Make sure the course aligns with your job and development goals.

Step 2: Contact the Institution

Reach out to the Dutch university or institution offering the course.
Confirm they are participating in the MSP 2025.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

You will typically need:

Passport or national ID
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
Employer statement
Copies of certificates or degrees
Proof of English/French proficiency (if needed)

Step 4: Apply via the Institution

You do not apply directly through Nuffic.
Instead, submit your application through the Dutch institution.
The institution will guide you on the specific MSP application process.

Application Deadline

The MENA Scholarship Programme has two main application rounds every year. For 2025, tentative deadlines are:

First Round: February 2025
Second Round: June 2025

Deadlines vary by course and institution, so it’s crucial to check early.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning

Here are some expert-backed strategies to make your application stand out:

1. Craft a Powerful Motivation Letter

Clearly explain how the course will benefit your community and workplace.
Align your goals with the development priorities of your country.

2. Secure a Strong Employer Statement

Your employer should confirm your re-employment and support your application.
The statement should be properly signed and stamped.

3. Show Commitment to Return Home

This is not a migration program.
You must demonstrate a clear intention to use the skills in your home country.

4. Target Priority Sectors

Focus on courses related to development themes like agriculture, education, gender equality, or climate resilience.

5. Apply Early

Applications can be competitive.
Starting early gives you time to perfect your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bring my family?

No, the scholarship only covers individual expenses. Family members cannot be sponsored.

2. Can I apply more than once?

Yes, but if you’ve already received an MSP scholarship, you must wait at least 2 years before applying again.

3. Is TOEFL/IELTS required?

Not always. Some courses require proof of English, others don’t. Check with the institution offering the course.

4. Is there an age limit?

There is no official age limit, but priority is given to young to mid-career professionals.