Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
Applications are now being accepted for the Sahel, Middle East, and Horn of Africa Scholarships, offering the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science degree in Water and Sustainable Development at the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands. Interested candidates from the eligible regions are encouraged to apply for this prestigious scholarship program which provides comprehensive funding support.
Scholarship Details
The IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers a limited number of scholarships aimed at enhancing capacity and building a network of water professionals within the program's target regions and countries. Both full and partial scholarships are available to successful applicants.
Recipients of the full scholarships will have all expenses covered during their MSc studies in Water and Sustainable Development, including tuition fees, insurance, international travel costs, and a monthly living allowance of €1,220 to cover accommodation and daily expenses throughout the duration of the program.
An important condition of the scholarship is that students must conduct their MSc research within their home country or region, collaborating with projects supported by the program locally. In addition, scholars are expected to actively participate in and contribute to seminars organized by the program’s learning networks. This engagement helps to further strengthen regional capacities, foster a robust professional network in the water sector, and develop knowledge specifically relevant to the focus regions.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship targets nationals from specific countries across three key regions:
- Middle East: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen
- Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda
- Sahel: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must have academic admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development.
- They should currently live or work in one of the eligible countries listed above.
- Candidates agree to carry out their MSc research in their home country or region in connection with one of the program’s projects implemented there.
- Active participation in seminars organized by the program’s learning networks is required.
- Applicants must confirm their commitment to return to their country of origin or another priority country within the program’s scope after completing their studies.
Employer’s Recommendation Letter
As part of the application, candidates are required to upload two recommendation letters. One of these must be from the applicant’s current employer and must meet the following criteria:
- Written on official company letterhead.
- Clearly dated and signed.
- Explicitly state how the knowledge and skills gained from the MSc program will enhance the organization’s activities and performance.
- Confirm the applicant’s intention to return to the organization after finishing the MSc at IHE Delft.
- If applicable, indicate involvement in any projects funded by the Water and Development Partnership Programme.
Only applications with an employer recommendation letter fulfilling these conditions will be eligible for the Water and Development Partnership Programme (WDPP) scholarship selection.
Selection Criteria
- Strong preference is given to female applicants.
- Applicants must demonstrate a high level of motivation, responding thoroughly to five motivation questions included in the online application.
- A solid academic background is essential.
- Candidates with relevant professional experience are favored.
- In cases where multiple candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to those able to secure partial funding from other sources.
How to Apply
There is no separate application specifically for this scholarship. Applicants from eligible countries who meet all criteria will automatically be considered after applying for admission and receiving their academic acceptance letter.
Given the limited number of scholarships and available funding, IHE Delft encourages applicants to also seek other scholarships for which they may qualify, including partial funding opportunities. Additionally, candidates eligible for the Rabbani scholarship should consider applying for both scholarships.
Prospective students from the targeted countries are urged to apply for admission to IHE Delft as early as possible. It is also recommended to improve English proficiency and, if necessary, register for an English language test in a timely manner, since proof of English language skills is a mandatory requirement for final admission and scholarship eligibility.
