Every year, thousands of international scholarship opportunities are available to help learners and professionals achieve their educational and career goals. Yet many go unclaimed—not due to a lack of talent, but because of weak applications or lack of awareness.
For professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) 2025, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a golden opportunity. This fully funded initiative allows mid-career professionals to enroll in short, high-quality courses at top institutions in the Netherlands.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand the MSP, meet the eligibility requirements, and submit a strong, standout application—step by step.
Who Should Apply
The MENA Scholarship Programme is intended for professionals in the MENA region who are eager to gain new skills, broaden their global perspective, and apply fresh knowledge to drive local and regional development.
Whether you work in public administration, education, water management, agriculture, journalism, or non-governmental organizations, the MSP is designed to boost your capacity, refine your expertise, and connect you with like-minded professionals from around the world.
You should apply if you:
- Are between the ages of 20 and 45 at the time of application.
- Are a citizen and resident of one of the eligible MENA countries (see list below).
- Are employed in your country of citizenship at the time of applying.
- Have support from your employer to pursue short-term professional development.
- Want to strengthen your contribution to sustainable development in your country.
This scholarship is not just about learning; it’s about empowerment, transformation, and impact.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the MENA Scholarship Programme
Let’s break the process down into clear, actionable steps:
1. Understand the Scholarship Requirements
Start by reviewing the basic eligibility and purpose of the program. The MSP is not an academic degree scholarship. It is designed for short-term professional courses lasting between 2 to 13 weeks, offered by recognized Dutch training institutions.
Eligibility Summary:
- You must be a national and permanent resident of one of the 14 eligible countries:
- Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Sudan, Tunisia, and Nigeria
- You must be working in your country and demonstrate relevance of the course to your job.
- You need to submit a formal employer’s statement (in Nuffic format), confirming support and approval.
- You must hold a valid passport (at least three months beyond the application date).
- You may need a government statement if required by your country.
- You can only apply for one course at a time and must not receive more than one MSP scholarship concurrently.
Understanding these details is crucial to avoid disqualification.
Click here to continue the Application
2. Organize Your Documents
A strong application starts with complete and accurate documents. Be ready with:
- A valid, scanned passport (check the expiry date).
- An employer’s statement explaining how the course aligns with your role and development.
- A motivation letter or essay (this may vary depending on the institution).
- A government statement (only if required by your country’s regulations).
- Application forms from both the Dutch institution and the MSP system.
Prepare these early so you can focus on writing a compelling application.
3. Write a Compelling Personal Statement or Essay
Many applicants lose out at this stage. A well-crafted motivation statement can set you apart.
Structure your essay around three key areas:
- Who you are – Briefly introduce your background, current role, and why you’re applying.
- Why this course – Explain how the course aligns with your current job and future ambitions.
- Impact – Describe how you will apply the knowledge and how it will benefit your organization, community, or country.
Tips:
- Be honest and personal—don’t copy templates.
- Use real examples from your career or challenges you’ve faced.
- Avoid general statements like “I want to improve myself.” Be specific.
4. Highlight Achievements and Goals
Your application is not just about potential—it’s also about what you’ve already accomplished.
Consider mentioning:
- Leadership roles you’ve held at work or in your community.
- Specific projects you’ve worked on (especially in areas like education, climate, governance, or gender equality).
- Training or certifications you’ve already completed.
- Your long-term goals and how this scholarship fits into them.
The selection committee wants to see that you’re a committed professional with a clear vision for your future.
5. Proofread & Review Everything
Before submitting, thoroughly review your application:
- Correct spelling, grammar, and formatting
- Ensure all required documents are attached
- Verify course details (name, duration, institution)
- Make sure your employer’s statement is complete and signed
Pro tip: Ask a trusted mentor or colleague to review everything. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors or suggest improvements.
6. Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline to apply for the MENA Scholarship Programme 2025 is 20 May 2025. Be sure to:
- Submit your course application to the chosen Dutch institution on time.
- Follow their instructions on how to apply for the MSP scholarship.
- Confirm that all required documents are uploaded correctly.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong candidates make avoidable errors. Don’t let these stop your success:
- Missing the deadline
- Using vague or copy-paste motivation letters
- Not aligning the course with your professional goals
- Ignoring required documents like employer statements
- Not checking the course’s specific requirements or eligibility
Being meticulous can be the difference between rejection and selection.
Conclusion & Final Advice
The MENA Scholarship Programme isn’t just about studying abroad—it’s about gaining the tools and network to drive real change in your country. It’s a fully funded opportunity to grow professionally, connect globally, and strengthen your leadership impact.
Start early. Stay organized. Tell your story with clarity and passion.
And most importantly: don’t underestimate yourself. You belong in rooms of influence—and this is your chance to walk through the door.
Call to Action
- Browse eligible courses on the Study in Holland website
- Download our free MSP application checklist (PDF)
- Join our WhatsApp Group for real-time scholarship alerts