The MENA Scholarship Program is one of the best opportunities available for young professionals from the Middle East and North Africa to study short courses in the Netherlands. This fully funded scholarship allows working professionals to attend short course study programs at Dutch education institutions for a duration of 2 to 13 weeks. The MENA Scholarship Programme covers costs such as tuition fees, travel costs, visa costs, insurance, subsistence allowance, study materials, and other fixed reimbursements according to Nuffic rules. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the MENA Scholarship Program 2027, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, eligible countries, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The MENA Scholarship Programme, also known as MSP, is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the Shiraka programme and is managed by Nuffic. The programme aims to build bridges through knowledge and strengthen capacity within organisations in the Middle East and North Africa.
MSP is designed for professional impact makers who want to improve their knowledge, skills, and networks through practical short courses in the Netherlands. The goal is not only to support individuals but also to strengthen the organisations where they work.
Applicants should note that MSP applications are handled by Dutch education institutions offering the eligible courses. Students do not apply directly to Nuffic first. Instead, applicants must choose an eligible course, apply through the Dutch institution, and then use the scholarship application link provided by that institution.
Related Fully Funded Scholarships in the Netherlands and Europe
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Short Courses
- Institution: Dutch education institutions
- Study Destination: Netherlands
- Course Duration: 2 to 13 weeks
The MENA Scholarship Application Deadline
The deadline for the MENA Scholarship Programme varies depending on the Dutch education institution and the selected short course.
According to Study in NL, applications are handled by the Dutch institutions offering the courses, and additional application requirements may vary by institution.
MSP application rounds are usually held twice a year, commonly around February and September. Applicants should always check the official country page and the course provider’s deadline before applying.
Scholarship Coverage
The MENA Scholarship provides the recipient with:
- Tuition fee
- International travel costs
- Visa costs
- Subsistence allowance
- Insurance
- Study materials
- Additional housing support, where applicable
According to the official MSP obligations document, the scholarship is a contribution towards the costs of the course or programme. Any costs not covered by the fixed reimbursements are the responsibility of the scholarship holder.
Fixed Reimbursements Mentioned by Nuffic
The official MSP obligations document mentions the following fixed reimbursements for face-to-face short courses in the Netherlands:
- Tuition fee: As agreed with the Dutch institution
- Travel costs: €900 for Middle East and North Africa
- Subsistence allowance: €37 per day
- Insurance: €1.51 per day
- Study materials: €35
- Additional housing: €81 per day, where applicable
These reimbursements apply according to Nuffic’s rules and the actual number of days the scholarship holder attends the course.
Eligible Countries for MENA Scholarship Programme
You may be eligible for an MSP scholarship if you are living and working in one of the following countries:
The official Study in NL page notes that Sudan was not part of the MSP scholarship application rounds in 2025 due to current circumstances.
Note for Syrian Applicants
Syrians can apply for the MENA Scholarship Programme if they are living and working in one of the eligible countries listed above.
Eligibility Criteria for the MENA Scholarship
To qualify for the MENA Scholarship, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Applicants must be professionals.
- Applicants must be nationals of, and living and working in, one of the eligible MSP countries.
- Applicants must be between 20 and 45 years old, depending on country requirements. The age of the MSP candidate must not exceed 45 years at the time of grant submission.
- Applicants must be highly motivated. Applicants must be proficient in English because most courses are offered in English.
- Applicants must work in one of the priority areas listed for their country.
- Applicants must be able to transfer and use the knowledge gained in their employing organisation after training.
- Applicants must have a current employer statement in the required format. Civil servants may need a government statement, depending on the country.
- Applicants must have an official and valid passport. Applicants must be available full-time to attend the course.
- Applicants must apply for only one MSP scholarship application.
- Applicants must agree to the MSP obligations and conditions.
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Dutch education institution offering the course.
Required Documents for MENA Scholarship
Applicants are required to prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Employer statement
- Government statement, if required
- Course admission documents
- Scholarship application form
- Motivation statement
- Proof of English proficiency, if required by the institution
- Academic or professional certificates, if required
- Any additional documents requested by the Dutch education institution
The exact document requirements may vary depending on the course provider and country.
How to Apply for the MENA Scholarship?
Please follow the instructions below to apply for the MENA Scholarship:
- Visit the official Study in NL MENA Scholarship Programme page.
- Select your country from the eligible country list.
- Read the country-specific eligibility requirements, priority themes, and application instructions.
- Choose an eligible short course from the available course list.
- Contact the Dutch education institution offering the course.
- Apply for academic admission through the education institution.
- If you meet the admission criteria, the institution will provide instructions or a link to apply for the MSP scholarship through Nuffic’s online application system.
- Prepare the required documents, including employer statement and government statement if applicable.
- Complete the MSP scholarship application through the link provided by the Dutch institution.
- Submit your application before the deadline set by the institution.
- Wait for the selection result. Results are usually announced 3 to 4 months after application.
Note: Students can submit the VUFP application only once. Applicants should carefully review the application before submitting it.
Website
To learn more about the MENA Scholarship, please visit the official website:
