MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2025 Fully Funded Opportunity to Study in the Netherlands

The MENA Scholarship Programme MSP 2025 is one of the most important capacity-building initiatives funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Created for professionals across the Middle East and North Africa, this programme offers a fully funded chance to study short, skill-focused courses in the Netherlands. With a strong focus on leadership, institutional strengthening, and practical learning, the MSP helps both individuals and organisations build long-term development impact.

MENA Scholarship Programme Overview

The MSP is a short-course scholarship scheme managed by Nuffic, the Netherlands official internationalisation agency. Unlike academic degree programmes, MSP highlights practical professional training that lasts between two and thirteen weeks. These courses are offered by leading Dutch universities and training centres, ensuring participants gain direct, hands-on experience in areas linked to development within MENA countries.

One of the core strengths of MSP is its dedication to inclusion. Fifty percent of all scholarships are reserved for women, ensuring equal access to training, leadership opportunities, and professional growth.

Eligibility Criteria

The MSP 2025 targets young and mid-career professionals who can create measurable impact in their organisations. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be between twenty and forty five years old
• Hold citizenship of an eligible MENA country
• Live and work in their home country at the time of application
• Be employed by an organisation that benefits from their participation
• Provide an employer statement confirming relevance of the training
• Meet academic and English language requirements of the selected course
• Submit a government statement if required by their country

These criteria make sure the scholarship strengthens institutions, not just individuals.

MSP Scholarship Coverage

The MENA Scholarship Programme is fully funded, meaning it supports major expenses linked to attending short courses in the Netherlands. Coverage usually includes:

• Full course fees
• Visa support
• International travel
• Accommodation during the programme
• Insurance when applicable

Financial coverage may vary depending on the institution and course, so applicants should review the exact details for their selected programme.

Priority Themes for MSP 2025

Each participating MENA country follows specific priority areas set by the Dutch government. Some of the most common themes include:

• Water management and climate resilience
• Renewable energy and environmental sustainability
• Governance, human rights, and rule of law
• Entrepreneurship and economic development
• Gender equality and social inclusion
• Agriculture and food security
• Urban development and infrastructure
• ICT, digital innovation, and media

Applicants should clearly explain in their motivation letter how the chosen course matches their country’s priority themes and their organisation’s goals.

How to Apply for MSP 2025

Step 1: Apply for a Short Course

Choose an eligible short course at a Dutch institution and submit your course admission application directly to the university or training centre.

Step 2: Apply for the MSP Scholarship

After submitting your course application, complete your MSP scholarship application by providing:

• Motivation letter
• Employer statement
• Government statement if required
• Passport or national ID copy
• CV and professional details

Most institutions follow the May 2025 deadline, so early preparation is necessary for a strong application.

Why Apply for MSP 2025

The MSP 2025 offers several benefits that make it a unique opportunity:

• Gain international training from top Dutch experts
• Strengthen your professional skills
• Bring back knowledge that supports your organisation
• Join an international network of MENA and Dutch professionals
• Support gender equality through a scholarship that reserves half of its seats for women

MSP is more than a scholarship. It is a long-term investment in human capital, leadership, and sustainable development across the MENA region.

Final Thoughts

The MENA Scholarship Programme MSP 2025 is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to improve their skills, advance their careers, and contribute to meaningful change within their home countries. With fully funded short courses, strong institutional support, and a focus on practical development, MSP remains one of the most respected scholarship programmes in the region.

Prepare your documents early, align your goals with your country’s priority themes, and take the next step toward becoming a stronger, more capable professional leader.