MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) for Professionals from the Middle East and North Africa

The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) pays for short courses in the Netherlands for working professionals from ten countries. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds the programme.

Awards cover courses that last between two and twelve weeks. The scholarship is a contribution towards the cost of the course, not a full salary replacement, so you keep receiving your salary while you study.

• Host: Dutch universities and academic institutions, Netherlands
• Level: short courses of two to twelve weeks
• Funder: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Who: professionals aged 45 or under from ten MENA countries
• Covers: subsistence allowance, tuition fees, visa costs, international travel, medical insurance and study materials
• Deadline: varies, set by the Dutch institution offering the course

Dutch universities and academic institutions.

Only short courses offered by Dutch higher education institutions can qualify. Ask the institution that runs the course whether it is eligible for an MSP scholarship before you apply.

The award is for professionals aged 45 or under who are nationals of, and working in, one of these countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria, Tunisia.

Both conditions matter: you must hold the nationality and be working in the country at the time of application.

This programme suits mid-career professionals from the ten listed countries who want a short, focused course in the Netherlands rather than a full degree. You need an employer behind you, since your employer must nominate you and support your application.

An MSP scholarship contributes to the costs of the short course you are selected for. It is meant to add to the salary you continue to receive during the study period.

The following items are covered: subsistence allowance, tuition fees, visa costs, international travel costs, medical insurance and an allowance for study materials.

Your employer must nominate you and explain the reasons for your application in a supporting letter.

You must also meet the eligibility requirements of the short course you are applying for.

• Read the official programme guidelines before you contact any institution.
• Ask your employer early for the nomination and supporting letter, since no application can go ahead without them.
• Confirm with the Dutch institution that your chosen course is eligible for MSP funding.
• Prepare your passport, employer letter and course documents in good time.

Contact the institution that offers the course you want and ask for its application procedure. Only the Dutch institution can tell you about the programme, the selection criteria, the application steps and the deadline.

Visit the official website (link below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

• Who can apply for the MSP? Professionals aged 45 or under who are nationals of and working in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Syria or Tunisia.
• What does the scholarship cover? A subsistence allowance, tuition fees, visa costs, international travel costs, medical insurance and an allowance for study materials.
• How long can the course be? Between two and twelve weeks.
• Do I need my employer's support? Yes. Your employer must nominate you and motivate your application in a supporting letter.
• What is the deadline? It varies. Only the Dutch institution offering your course provides the deadlines and selection criteria.