IHE Delft Sahel, MENA, and Horn of Africa Scholarship 2026: Your Complete Guide
Water is one of the defining crises of our generation. Across the Sahel, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, communities are battling droughts, floods, water scarcity, and deteriorating sanitation infrastructure. If you are a professional from one of these regions who wants to be part of the solution, the IHE Delft Sahel, MENA and Horn of Africa Scholarship could be the turning point in your career.
This fully funded scholarship backed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports candidates from eligible countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, and others, to pursue a world-class Master of Science in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands. This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what the scholarship covers, how to apply, and tips to strengthen your application.
About the IHE Delft Scholarship and the Water and Development Partnership Programme
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the world’s largest international graduate water education institute and is associated with the United Nations. Based in Delft, the Netherlands, it trains water professionals from over 190 countries and is globally recognised for its research and impact in the water sector.
The Sahel, MENA and Horn of Africa Scholarship falls under the IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme’s core mission is capacity strengthening training skilled water professionals who will return to their home regions and drive change where it is most needed.
The programme specifically addresses global water challenges such as water scarcity, food and water security, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable infrastructure in developing regions.
What Does the IHE Delft Scholarship Cover?
Both full and partial scholarships are available. A full scholarship covers the entire cost of the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development, including:
- Tuition fees: Complete programme tuition at IHE Delft fully waived
- Health insurance: Coverage for the full study period in the Netherlands
- International travel: Return airfare from your home country to the Netherlands
- Monthly living allowance: EUR 1,220 per month to cover accommodation and living costs throughout the full study period
For candidates who can arrange partial funding from their employer, personal means, or another scholarship source, partial scholarships are also available to bridge the remaining costs. If this applies to you, contact Ineke Melis at i.melis@un-ihe.org for guidance on applying for complementary funding.
Which Countries Are Eligible for This Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to nationals from specific countries in three regions. You must currently be living and/or working in one of these eligible countries:
Sahel Region
- Burkina Faso
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
Middle East (MENA)
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Palestine
- Yemen
Horn of Africa
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan is currently on hold
- Uganda currently on hold
Note: If your country is listed as ‘on hold’, eligibility may resume. Check the official IHE Delft website for the latest status.
Eligibility Criteria for the IHE Delft Scholarship
To be considered for the scholarship, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Academic admission: You must be academically admitted to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft.
- Residency: You must currently be living and/or working in one of the eligible countries listed above.
- Research commitment: You must agree to conduct your MSc thesis research within your home country or region, linked to a project supported by the Water and Development Partnership Programme.
- Network participation: Active participation in seminars and collaborative events organised by the programme’s regional learning networks is required.
- Return commitment: You must confirm your intention to return to your country of origin or another priority country of the programme after completing your studies.
- English language proficiency: A valid English language test result (such as IELTS or TOEFL) must be submitted before 1 June 2026. Note: Applicants from Kenya are exempted from this requirement.
Selection Criteria: Who Gets Chosen?
Meeting the eligibility criteria is only the first step. IHE Delft also uses the following selection criteria to rank and choose scholarship recipients:
- Gender priority: Strong priority is given to female candidates and individuals from other marginalised groups. Women are especially encouraged to apply.
- Motivation: Your application will include five motivation questions. Strong, specific, and thoughtful answers are a major factor in selection.
- Academic background: A strong academic record increases your chances considerably.
- Work experience: Preference is given to candidates with relevant professional experience in the water, environment, engineering, or development sectors.
- Co-funding: Where candidates are equally qualified, priority is given to those who can demonstrate co-funding from other sources.
How to Apply for the IHE Delft Sahel, MENA, and Horn of Africa Scholarship
One of the most important things to understand about this scholarship is that there is no separate application form. You do not apply for the scholarship independently instead, scholarship consideration is automatic once you have applied for and received academic admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Apply for admission: Submit your application for academic admission to the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development as soon as possible. Early application is strongly advised, given the competitive nature of the scholarship.
- Receive your academic admission letter: Once admitted, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Submit your English language results: Ensure your English test score (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) is submitted before 1 June 2026. Without this, you will not be eligible for the scholarship.
- Answer the five motivation questions: These are part of the online application. Invest time in crafting detailed, genuine answers that reflect your experience, goals, and commitment to your home region.
- Apply for complementary funding if needed: If you have partial funding from another source, contact i.melis@un-ihe.org to explore applying for complementary scholarship support.
- Also apply for the Rabbani Scholarship: IHE Delft officially advises all eligible applicants to also apply for the Rabbani Scholarship to maximise their funding chances.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Scholarship application deadline: 1 June 2026
- English language results deadline: Must be received before 1 June 2026
- Scholarship outcome announced: 1 July 2026
- Programme start date: Early November 2026, in Delft, the Netherlands
About the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development
The MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development is available as a one-year or two-year programme at IHE Delft in the Netherlands. It is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise in water-related challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals.
A key and distinctive feature of this scholarship is the research requirement: all scholarship holders must carry out their MSc thesis research within their home country or region, linked to a specific Water and Development Partnership Programme project there. This ensures that the knowledge and solutions generated directly benefit the communities and regions that need them most.
Scholars are also required to participate in regional learning network seminars throughout their studies building professional connections and contributing to the collective capacity of the water sector in their home regions.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
- Apply for admission immediately. The scholarship is competitive and limited in number. The earlier you secure academic admission, the better your position.
- Prepare thoughtful motivation answers. The five motivation questions in your application are a key selection factor. Be specific about the water challenges in your country, your experience, and how this degree will amplify your impact.
- Highlight your work experience. Candidates with hands-on experience in water, environment, engineering, or public health are given preference. Document your work history clearly.
- Women should apply with confidence. The scholarship explicitly prioritises female candidates. Early-career women and individuals from marginalised groups are especially encouraged.
- Sort your English test early. Book and complete your English language test (IELTS or TOEFL) well ahead of the June deadline. Missing this requirement automatically disqualifies you from the scholarship.
- Apply for the Rabbani Scholarship, too. IHE Delft directly advises all eligible applicants to also apply for the Rabbani Scholarship. Doing so maximises your chances of securing full funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nigeria eligible for the IHE Delft scholarship?
Yes. Nigeria is listed under the Sahel region as an eligible country. Nigerian nationals who are living or working in Nigeria and meet all eligibility criteria can apply.
Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately?
No. There is no separate scholarship application. Once you apply for and receive academic admission to the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development, you are automatically considered for the scholarship if you are from an eligible country and meet the eligibility criteria.
Can men apply for this scholarship?
Yes, men can apply. However, the scholarship gives strong priority to female candidates and individuals from other marginalised groups. Male candidates who meet all criteria and have strong motivation and academic records are still considered.
What English language tests are accepted?
IHE Delft accepts recognised English proficiency tests including IELTS and TOEFL. Applicants from Kenya are exempt from submitting an English test score. Results must be received before 1 June 2026.
Can I apply if I only have partial funding?
Yes. Partial scholarships are available for candidates who can arrange some funding from their employer, personal means, or another scholarship. Contact i.melis@un-ihe.org to discuss applying for complementary support to cover remaining costs.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
The IHE Delft Sahel, MENA, and Horn of Africa Scholarship is one of the most targeted and impactful water-sector scholarships available to professionals from Africa and the Middle East. It is not just a degree, it is an invitation to become part of a global network of water professionals working to solve the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
With full funding, including a monthly stipend, tuition, insurance, and travel, and with a clear emphasis on returning your new expertise to your home region, this scholarship is designed for professionals who are ready to lead change.
If you are from Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Jordan, or any other eligible country and have a background or passion in water, environment, or sustainable development, apply now. The deadline is 1 June 2026, and the first step is submitting your academic admission application to IHE Delft as soon as possible.
