Netherlands Opens Fully-Funded Water Management Scholarships for Kenyans (Details)

Netherlands Opens Fully-Funded Water Management Scholarships for Kenyans

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that applications are now open for the latest intake of the IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme, offering fully-funded scholarships to Kenyan water professionals. The initiative aims to strengthen a network of experts dedicated to tackling water security challenges in the Horn of Africa region.

Scholarship Worth: Up to KSh 184,000 Monthly Allowance

Successful Kenyan applicants will receive a full scholarship covering the total cost of the two-year MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft in the Netherlands. The comprehensive package includes:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance of €1,220 (approximately KSh 184,427) for accommodation and living costs

• Round-trip international airfare

• Health insurance

• Research support for MSc thesis work in Kenya

Partial scholarships covering tuition with supplementary funding from other sources are also available.

Eligibility Criteria for Kenyan Applicants

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of Kenya (other eligible Horn of Africa countries include Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda)

• Gain academic admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft

• Be currently living and/or working in Kenya

• Commit to conducting MSc research in Kenya or the Horn of Africa region, aligned with programme-supported projects

• Actively participate in learning network seminars organized by the programme

• Confirm intent to return to Kenya (or another priority country) after completing studies

• Submit an employer statement as one of two recommendation letters, confirming how the acquired knowledge will benefit the current organization, and that the applicant will return to the organization after completing the MSc

English Language Requirement

Applicants from Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda are exempted from submitting English test scores.

Selection Priorities

The scholarship selection process gives preference to:

• Female candidates (first priority)

• Candidates with strong motivation as demonstrated in five motivational questions in the online application

• Candidates with strong academic background

• Candidates with relevant professional work experience in water-related sectors

When candidates are equally qualified, priority goes to those who can arrange co-funding from other sources.

How to Apply

The application process for Kenyans is as follows:

1. Apply for admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft via the official IHE Delft online application portal

2. No separate scholarship application form is required – once you receive your academic admission letter, you are automatically considered for the scholarship

3. Submit the employer statement as one of two required recommendation letters

4. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline (English tests are not required for Kenyans)

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

• Scholarship Outcome Announcement: July 1, 2026

Why This Scholarship Matters for Kenya

Kenya currently faces a 35% deficit in specialized water engineers and hydrologists, hampering the implementation of large-scale irrigation projects and the management of critical water towers like the Mau Forest. This Dutch scholarship program is a strategic investment in Kenya’s Blue Economy and aims to fill this skills gap with world-class training tailored to Sub-Saharan Africa’s environmental contexts.

Additional Information

The programme is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. Eligible applicants must agree to conduct MSc research in Kenya linked to programme-supported projects. Active participation in seminars organized for learning networks is mandatory for scholarship holders.

For full guidelines and to apply, visit the official IHE Delft admissions portal and search for the “MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development.” Direct inquiries about complementary funding can be emailed to [email protected].

This scholarship announcement is for the 2026-2027 intake. All information is current as of April 2026.