Q: Who is eligible for the MSP scholarship?

To be eligible, you must: Be a national of, and working in, one of the MSP countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman and Tunisia. Be between 20 and 45 years old at the time of application. Have a valid passport. You can read more on NUFFIC’s website . Note that if you do not meet these criteria your application will not be taken into account.

Q: How do I apply for the MSP scholarship?

How do I apply for the MSP scholarship? Read all the information in this FAQ and on the NUFFIC website . Apply for “ Making Agribusiness Work: facilitation and coaching ” through iCRA’s website. This is the only course currently eligible for MSP. Prepare all the documents outlined in FAQ three . Once you receive a confirmation email from iCRA, apply for the scholarship via NUFFIC. Here is the link to the application form: EP-Nuffic – Delta – Candidate application Take care to link your motivation to the priority areas defined for your country, which you can read about on NUFFIC’s website .

Question 1

Does iCRA provide scholarships?

Accepted Answer

No, iCRA does not offer scholarships. However, NUFFIC, an organisation funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sometimes offers scholarships. When this happens we often advertise the opportunity. You are of course also welcome to fund your iCRA course via other sources.

Question 2

What is the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)?

Accepted Answer

The MSP is a scholarship programme funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It offers professionals from specific countries in the Middle East and North Africa scholarships to participate in courses in the Netherlands. "Making Agribusiness Work: Facilitation and Coaching" is eligible.

Question 3

Who is eligible for the MSP scholarship?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible, you must:

Be a national of, and working in, one of the MSP countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman and Tunisia.
Be between 20 and 45 years old at the time of application.
Have a valid passport.

You can read more on NUFFIC’s website. Note that if you do not meet these criteria your application will not be taken into account.

Question 4

Which iCRA courses qualify for MSP?

Accepted Answer

Currently (September-October 2024, only iCRA's course 'Making Agribusiness Work: facilitation and coaching' taking place from February - May 2025 is eligible for MSP.

Question 5

What documents does the MSP scholarship application require?

Accepted Answer

All MSP applicants must submit:

A clear copy of their passport.
A completed Employer Statement form that is dated, signed and stamped by your superior on paper with the organisation’s letterhead.

Some applicants will also need to submit:

A complete, signed and stamped Government Authority Statement form. You can check your country’s page of the NUFFIC website to see if this requirement applies to you.

What is the ‘Employer Statement’ and how do I obtain it?

The Employer Statement is a document that confirms your employer’s approval of your participation in the course. It must be completed, dated, signed and stamped by your employer with a letterhead of your organisation added to the top. Then it should be upload to your MSP application.

What is the ‘Government Authority Statement’ and do I need it?

This document confirms that your government supports your application for the MSP scholarship and allows you to participate in the course. If you work for a government entity, you will need a Government Authority Statement. Applicants from select countries who do not work for a government entity may be required to also submit one. Check you country’s page on the NUFFIC website to check if you need one.

Question 6

How do I apply for the MSP scholarship?

Accepted Answer

How do I apply for the MSP scholarship?

Read all the information in this FAQ and on the NUFFIC website.
Apply for “Making Agribusiness Work: facilitation and coaching” through iCRA’s website. This is the only course currently eligible for MSP.
Prepare all the documents outlined in FAQ three.
Once you receive a confirmation email from iCRA, apply for the scholarship via NUFFIC. Here is the link to the application form: EP-Nuffic – Delta – Candidate application Take care to link your motivation to the priority areas defined for your country, which you can read about on NUFFIC’s website.

Question 7

What is the deadline for applying for the MSP scholarship?

Accepted Answer

The second MSP in 2024 round opens on September 3rd and closes on October 18th 2024 at 16.00CET.

Question 8

How can I improve my chance of receiving an MSP scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Tips to improve the quality of your MSP application and increase your chance of success:

Make sure your passport is valid and your application contains a clear copy. Blurry or unreadable passports will not be accepted. You can still cover sensitive information.
Make sure your employer has dated, signed and stamped your employer statement and added the organisation’s letterhead. A filled-in form is not enough.
Check if you need to submit a government authority statement. You can check this on the relevant country page on NUFFIC’s website.
Focus on your impact. The application form contains a question about your motivation. In your answer focus on how this course will help you create more impact in your career. When describing the impact make sure to connect it to the priority areas defined for you country. For example, the priority areas for Iraq are: governance, social change and sustainable economic development. In this case it would be logical to describe how ‘Making Agribusiness Work’ could support sustainable economic development in the agri-food sector. Read more about your country’s priority areas on the MSP website.

Question 9

What if I don’t have a passport?

Accepted Answer

You must have a valid passport at the time of application. Start the passport application process early to ensure it is ready before the MSP application deadline.

Question 10

Can I save a draft of my MSP scholarship application?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot save a draft of your application on the MSP portal. It's important to gather and prepare all necessary documents before starting the online application process.

Question 11

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have additional questions, face technical difficulties or have problems with your application feel free to contact Bianca at registration@icra.global.

Question 12

What benefits do I get from joining the iCRA community?

Accepted Answer

Joining the iCRA community means becoming part of an international network of professionals dedicated to partnership facilitation across the agri-food sector. You'll build global connections, gain access to continuous professional development opportunities and might collaborate on projects.

Question 13

How can I connect with other members of the iCRA community?

Accepted Answer

You can connect with fellow members through various meet-ups, online events like iCRA Expert talks and in our LinkedIn Group ‘iCRA Community’. These platforms provide opportunities to share experiences, exchange contact details and build valuable professional relationships.

Question 14

Are there any networking events or meet-ups for the iCRA community?

Accepted Answer

Yes, iCRA organizes regular meet-ups and networking events, for example online and offline ABC meetups (in both English and French). We also organise Expert talks, starring one or more experts from our network that shares expertise. Our events are designed to help you build your skills in partnership facilitation, learn from experts and peers, and expand your professional network.

Question 15

How can I contribute to the iCRA community and share my experiences?

Accepted Answer

There are opportunities to participate in discussions, present at meet-ups, and collaborate on community projects: if you subscribe to the iCRA Community you will get our invitations in your mailbox.

Question 16

What is an iCRA Expert bite?

Accepted Answer

iCRA regularly publishes ‘iCRA Expert bites’; articles written by iCRA staff or iCRA partners, providing valuable and very practical knowledge and insights on topics like people skills (listening, collaboration, negotiation, networking, conflict management) and educational innovation or agribusiness and value chains. You find these ‘bites’ of iCRA knowledge on our website and we also share them in our social media. So make sure you follow us on your favorite channel!

Question 17

What other alternatives I have to fund my iCRA course?

Accepted Answer

We know that paying for a course can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you out:

Ask your employer to sponsor you: Explain how the skills you’ll gain will benefit your work and lead to better results.
Invest in your career with your savings: It’s a great way to boost your future prospects.
Look for scholarships: Sometimes scholarships are available, though they may have specific conditions. Check Dutch scholarship options here. Of course it is also possible to fund your course by other scholarships you might have access to.
Check with your project leader: If you’re involved in a project with iCRA, there might be funding possibilities through the project budget.

We hope these tips help you find a way to join our course!

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