The Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 at the University of British Columbia offers fully funded graduate-level opportunities for professionals from South Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti. It focuses on candidates in blue economy sectors like fisheries, marine policy, and coastal governance, following an initial screening by IGAD. This scholarship, part of the BE-Prosper Project, aims to enhance regional capacity and develop future leaders in fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and ocean-based economic systems, aligning with efforts to utilize East Africa’s marine and coastal resources.
Application Deadline:
- 30 April 2026 (IGAD screening phase)
Tell Me About The Scholarship:
The Blue Grant Scholarship, under the Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity in IGAD & Horn of Africa (BE-Prosper) initiative, is a fully funded graduate-level opportunity at the University of British Columbia (UBC). It aims to strengthen regional capacity in blue economy leadership, fisheries value chains, coastal governance, marine spatial planning, and sustainable ocean management.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Applicants must hold degrees in relevant disciplines such as:
- Marine & Fisheries Science
- Environmental Economics / Agricultural Economics
- Maritime Sociology / Community Development
- Veterinary Science
- Maritime or Civil Engineering
- Ocean Policy / Human Geography
- Other related natural science, engineering, or social science fields
Type:
- Graduate Scholarship | Fully Funded | Blue Economy Leadership
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of South Sudan, Somalia, or Djibouti.
- Be aged 25–40 years.
- Already be working in government, private sector, NGOs, civil society, or international/intergovernmental organizations.
- Hold a relevant university degree.
- Demonstrate motivation to contribute to sustainable fisheries management and blue economy development in the IGAD region.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Phase 1: IGAD screening based on Letter of Interest, CV, and degree documents.
- Phase 2: UBC graduate application process (includes references, statement of interest, English proficiency test if required, criminal record check, supervisor confirmation, proof of citizenship).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti.
Where will the Scholarship be Taken?
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; highly competitive, targeted at selected IGAD candidates.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?
- Full funding for graduate-level study at UBC.
- Tuition and academic expenses covered.
- Collaboration with IGAD Secretariat and UBC researchers.
- Training in fisheries economics, marine governance, and sustainable ocean management.
- Integration into regional policy ecosystems to support blue economy strategies.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- Graduate program duration (typically 1–2 years depending on UBC program).
How to Apply:
- Prepare Letter of Interest (LoI) addressing IGAD criteria, CV, and copy of university degree.
- Send screening documents to:
- Sagal Isman ([email protected])
- CC: Tegueste Shimelis ([email protected])
- Questions: Dr. Dejen ([email protected])
- Deadline for IGAD screening: 30 April 2026.
- If shortlisted, proceed to UBC graduate application process (includes fees, references, statement of interest, English test if applicable, criminal record check, supervisor confirmation, proof of citizenship).
- Program begins September 2026.
