MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2026

The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) is a professional scholarship scheme funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and administered through Nuffic. It is designed to strengthen the capacities of professionals and organizations in the Middle East and North Africa by supporting participation in short courses offered by Dutch education and training providers.

MSP generally focuses on short, practice-oriented training rather than full degree study. Courses are hosted in the Netherlands and are intended for mid-career professionals who can apply new knowledge and skills in their home organizations and communities after returning home.

The scholarship is typically fully funded or close to fully funded for the approved course and may cover key costs such as tuition, international travel, visa-related expenses, insurance, and a subsistence allowance during the study period. Exact coverage can vary by course provider and funding round.

Applicants are usually expected to be nationals and residents of one of the eligible MSP countries, be employed, and have support from their employer. They should be admitted or conditionally admitted to an MSP-eligible short course at a participating Dutch institution. Because the programme is development-oriented, applicants are often assessed on motivation, relevance to their work, and the likely impact of the training in their home country.

Applications are usually made through the Dutch institution offering the eligible course rather than through a single central application portal. Interested candidates should first identify an MSP-funded short course in the Netherlands, check that they meet the country and professional eligibility conditions, and then follow the provider's scholarship application instructions.