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Mahmoud Salim Rabbani (MSR) Scholarship

Bridging cultures and empowering minds through Euro-Arab educational exchange.

Named in honour of Mahmoud S. Rabbani, founder of the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation, the MSR scholarship reflects his belief in the power of education to bring people and cultures closer together.  The scholarship supports Arab students who have been accepted into a Master’s or PhD programme in the Netherlands, as well as Dutch students pursuing a Master’s or PhD programme in the Arab World.

More than financial support, the MSR Scholarship offers scholars access to mentoring, networks and a community committed to learning, exchange and Euro – Arab understanding.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

  • Be a national of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen  OR be a national of the Netherlands.
  • Have an official unconditional acceptance letter from the University they intend to attend.
  • Apply to a one-year, the final year of a two-year Master’s OR one year of a PhD program.
  • Demonstrate a good command of English, or other language of study, as required by the requirements of the intended program.

What We Offer

The MSR Scholarship is designed to support scholars not only financially but also personally and professionally through their academic journey.

Recipients receive:

  • A scholarship valued up to 15.000 euro.
  • A dedicated mentorship programme offering personal and professional guidance
  • Access to the Foundation’s extensive and diverse network, community and platforms.
  • Opportunities to engage with people and initiatives that further dialogue and understanding between Europe and the Arab World.

What We Look For

We look for talented and motivated individuals who share our belief in the power of education and dialogue to create positive change.

Successful candidates demonstrate:

  • Academic excellence.
  • Financial need.
  • A commitment to continued academic and professional development in their field.
  • The ambition to use their knowledge and experience to contribute positively to their communities and wider society.
  • Strong motivation that aligns with the Foundation’s mission of promoting Euro-Arab Dialogue and Understanding.

What You Need To Apply

Please have the following documents ready:   

  • Motivation letter in English, maximum two pages;  
  • Curriculum Vitae (in English);  
  • Colour copy of your valid passport;  
  • Copies of degrees or diplomas with academic transcripts, with English translations where necessary;  
  • Two signed references from either academic or professional referees, in English;  
  • Official letter of acceptance from your host University;  
  • Official course description of the programme offered by your host University;  
  • A detailed budget covering tuition fees, living expenses and any other source of funding available to you during the academic year. The maximum amount that may be awarded is € 15,000 for the academic year. You must use our  Budget Template.   

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Applications for the MSR Scholarship open yearly from the 1st of January until the 31st of March*.  

Applicants can expect to receive the outcome of their application in May.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply to their chosen University as early as possible to ensure that they receive and official acceptance letter before the Foundation’s application deadline.

*Our application deadline of March 31st is a guideline fixed by the Selection Committee of our Board. We are unfortunately not able to be flexible, as a later date would not allow sufficient time for our scholars to apply for visas and make other necessary arrangements to travel to Netherlands.  

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview in mid-April. Those not invited will be informed of their decision.

Additional Information

Please note: 

  • Scholarships cannot be applied retrospectively to university costs that have already been incurred. Funding is available only for eligible expenses from the date the scholarship is officially awarded. 
  • The Foundation works with a number of Partner Universities through separate scholarship agreements. 
  • If you are applying to any one-year Master’s at  Leiden University, the KIT Royal Tropical Institute  for Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health and Health Equity or the Erasmus Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) for Master of Arts (MA) Development Studies, please do not use the MSR application. Applications for these institutions must be made through our Partner Scholarship page.  
  • This scholarship is awarded specifically for the programme, the academic institution and academic year and cannot be transferred to another programme, institution or academic year.   
  • The MSR Scholarship is not a full scholarship and does not cover all study and living expenses. Students are responsible for ensuring that they can demonstrate sufficient financial means to meet the requirements for a student visa and/or residence permit in the Netherlands. 

Terms and Conditions

Once a scholarship has been awarded and accepted, the signed Terms and Conditions form constitutes an agreement between the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation and the MSR Scholar.

Scholars are required to:

  • Submit a mid-year academic progress report including grades achieved to date.
  • Submit a report reflecting on their scholarship experience within two months of completing their studies. The Foundation reserves the right to edit this report for communication purposes.

Download the Terms and Conditions here. (link)