The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic, is an esteemed initiative designed to contribute to the societal development of countries within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program focuses on enhancing the skills and expertise of professionals and students through short courses and specialized training in various fields, enabling them to make significant contributions to the development of their home countries.
The scholarships aim to build capacity within organizations by providing employees from eligible MENA countries the opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop practical skills that can be applied to address local challenges. Through participation in high-quality training programs offered by Dutch higher education institutions, the MSP helps individuals gain valuable insights, tools, and strategies that can positively impact their organizations and communities.
Objectives of the MENA Scholarship Programme
The primary goal of the MENA Scholarship Programme is to:
- Promote Societal Development: Provide targeted training that addresses key areas of need in MENA countries.
- Enhance Professional Skills: Equip professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Foster International Cooperation: Facilitate the exchange of expertise and promote cross-border collaboration between Dutch and MENA professionals.
- Empower Individuals and Organizations: Strengthen the capacity of local organizations by investing in the professional development of their staff.
What the Scholarship Covers
The MENA Scholarship Programme offers full financial support for short courses that last between 2 to 13 weeks in duration. The scholarship package typically includes:
- Tuition Fees:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the chosen short course in the Netherlands.
- Travel Expenses:
- Round-trip airfare between the recipient’s home country and the Netherlands.
- Living Allowance:
- A monthly stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and other daily expenses during the course.
- Health and Liability Insurance:
- Full insurance coverage for health, accident, and personal liability for the duration of the program.
- Study Materials:
- Support for the cost of study materials and books necessary for the course.
By alleviating financial concerns, the scholarship allows recipients to focus fully on their academic and professional development during their time in the Netherlands.
Areas of Study and Focus
The MENA Scholarship Programme supports a broad range of disciplines and fields that are crucial to the development and growth of MENA countries. The focus areas are tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each participating country and may include:
- Governance and Public Administration: Courses aimed at enhancing skills in citizen participation, public service delivery, and policy implementation.
- Sustainable Development: Programs focusing on environmental sustainability, water management, and urban planning.
- Social and Economic Development: Training in social inclusion, economic policy, and entrepreneurship.
- Technical and Vocational Education: Courses designed to build capacity in technical skills relevant to industry and infrastructure.
The courses are offered by renowned Dutch educational institutions and are typically conducted in English or French, depending on the course and the target audience.
Eligibility Requirements for the MENA Scholarship Programme
To be eligible for the MENA Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality and Residence:
- Applicants must be nationals of one of the eligible MENA countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, and Tunisia.
- Professional Experience:
- Must have a minimum of two years of work experience in a relevant field.
- Should be employed by an organization where the knowledge and skills gained from the program can be applied.
- Employer Support:
- Must have written support from their employer to participate in the program. The support should include a commitment to facilitate the implementation of a Back Home Action Plan, which outlines how the new knowledge and skills will be utilized within the organization or community.
- Age Limit:
- Applicants must be 45 years or younger as of the application deadline, plus two additional weeks.
- Language Proficiency:
- Must have a strong command of the English or French language depending on the language of instruction for the selected course.
- Organizational Affiliation:
- The candidate should not be employed by organizations with their own means of staff development, such as international development organizations, large international NGOs, or private companies.
- Priority Sectors:
- Candidates should work in a field that aligns with the priority sectors and thematic focus areas of the MENA Scholarship Programme in their respective countries.
Selection Process
The selection process for the MENA Scholarship Programme is conducted in several stages, ensuring that only the most qualified and motivated candidates are selected:
- Initial Screening by the Training Institution:
- Once an application is submitted, the Dutch institution offering the course will conduct an initial review to ensure that the applicant meets the academic and eligibility criteria. This includes assessing the relevance of the course to the applicant’s current role and the quality of the application materials.
- Registration in Nuffic’s Delta Database:
- If the candidate meets all requirements, they will be invited to register in the Delta database managed by Nuffic.
- Review by the Netherlands Embassy:
- The Embassy of the Netherlands in the applicant’s home country will assess and rank the applications based on their alignment with the country’s focus areas and development priorities.
- Final Selection by Nuffic:
- Nuffic will make the final selection based on the Embassy’s recommendations, the available budget, and the criteria set by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Notification:
- Successful candidates will be notified by the respective training institution. Due to the competitive nature of the scholarship, applicants who do not qualify for the final round will not receive further notification.
How to Apply
To apply for the MENA Scholarship Programme, follow these steps:
- Identify the Course:
- Review the list of eligible courses available on the MENA Scholarship Programme website and choose a program that aligns with your professional background and development goals.
- Submit Application to the Dutch Institution:
- Apply directly to the selected course through the designated Dutch institution’s website.
- Prepare Application Materials:
- Ensure that all required documents are ready, including:
- Completed Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Employer’s Statement: A signed document from your employer supporting your participation.
- Motivation Letter: Detailing your reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your organization and home country.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL score (if applicable).
- Ensure that all required documents are ready, including:
- Register in Nuffic’s Delta System:
- If invited by the institution, register in the Nuffic Delta database as the final step.
Application Deadline
- The application deadline for the MENA Scholarship Programme is March 7, 2025. Ensure that all application materials are submitted well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Final Thoughts
The MENA Scholarship Programme is a unique opportunity for professionals in the MENA region to gain advanced skills and knowledge that can drive positive change in their communities and organizations. By providing comprehensive funding and access to high-quality Dutch education, the program empowers individuals to tackle regional challenges and contribute to sustainable development. For more information and to begin your application, visit the Official Nuffic MENA Scholarship Website.
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