The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced the Blue Grant Scholarship under the Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity (BE-Prosper) Project. This initiative aims to strengthen regional expertise and leadership in the blue economy across the Horn of Africa, with a strong focus on sustainable marine resource management and regional economic development.
The scholarship provides selected candidates with the opportunity to pursue advanced graduate studies in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, a globally recognised institution in fisheries economics and marine resource management.
Programme Overview
The Blue Grant Scholarship is designed to build capacity in critical areas of the blue economy, including:
- Fisheries management and value chains
- Coastal governance and marine spatial planning
- Sustainable ocean resource management
- Regional trade, ports, and maritime connectivity
The programme targets professionals from the IGAD region and supports their development into future leaders capable of addressing complex environmental and economic challenges.
The academic programme is scheduled to begin in September 2026, following a two-phase application and selection process.
Application Process
The application process is structured in two key phases:
Phase 1: IGAD Screening
Applicants must first undergo a screening process conducted by IGAD. This stage evaluates eligibility, motivation, and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Phase 2: University Admission
Successful candidates from the screening phase will proceed to apply for graduate admission at the University of British Columbia. This stage includes fulfilling all academic and institutional requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be nationals of:
- South Sudan
- Somalia
- Djibouti
- Be aged between 25 and 40 years
- Hold a university degree in a relevant discipline such as:
- Marine and fisheries science
- Environmental or agricultural economics
- Engineering (marine, civil, or related fields)
- Ocean policy or human geography
- Veterinary science or community development
- Be currently employed in:
- Public sector or government
- Private sector
- NGOs or civil society organisations
- International or intergovernmental organisations
- Demonstrate a strong interest in:
- Blue economy development
- Sustainable fisheries and marine resource management
- Regional economic integration
Applicants should also show a clear commitment to applying their knowledge to benefit their home countries or the wider IGAD region.
Key Selection Considerations
During the screening process, candidates will be assessed on:
- Academic and professional background
- Relevance of their field of study to the blue economy
- Motivation and career goals
- Potential to contribute to sustainable development in the region
- Interest in collaborative research and policy development
Applicants are expected to demonstrate readiness for advanced academic training and the ability to engage with international research communities.
Scholarship Benefits
While specific funding details are aligned with the programme structure, the scholarship is described as fully funded, covering key academic and study-related expenses associated with graduate education at the University of British Columbia.
The programme also provides:
- Access to world-class academic supervision
- Opportunities for international collaboration
- Exposure to cutting-edge research in marine and environmental sciences
Application Requirements
For the initial IGAD screening, applicants must submit:
- A Letter of Interest (LoI) addressing all eligibility and motivation criteria
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A copy of their university degree certificate
Applications should be sent via email to:
For programme-related inquiries, applicants may contact the designated programme coordinator.
University Admission Requirements (Phase 2)
Shortlisted candidates will need to complete the graduate application process at the University of British Columbia, which may include:
- Completed application form and payment of application fees
- Academic reference letters
- Statement of interest
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Criminal record check
- Identification of a thesis supervisor
- Proof of citizenship
Important Dates
- Application Deadline (IGAD Screening): 30 April 2026
- Programme Start: September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to allow sufficient time for the two-stage process.
Programme Impact
The Blue Grant Scholarship contributes to regional development by:
- Building technical expertise in marine and coastal systems
- Strengthening institutional capacity in the IGAD region
- Promoting sustainable use of ocean and aquatic resources
- Supporting evidence-based policy and regional integration
Through partnerships between IGAD and leading academic institutions, the programme aims to create a new generation of professionals equipped to address environmental and economic challenges in Eastern Africa.
Conclusion
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development Blue Grant Scholarship represents a strategic investment in the future of the blue economy in the Horn of Africa. By combining academic excellence with regional relevance, the programme offers a transformative opportunity for professionals committed to sustainable development and marine resource management.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
