Applications are open for the Shiraka Training Programme — Local Governance (2027), hosted by The Hague Academy for Local Governance. Apply before 26 November 2026. This short course is designed for mid-career government professionals from 12 MENA countries. Moreover, selected candidates receive scholarships that cover key participation costs, depending on OECD-DAC status.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Apply before 26 November 2026.
Eligible Countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
Program Duration: Five-week online training (11 Jan–2 Feb 2027), two-week online refresher (22 Mar–2 Apr 2027), one-week in The Hague (19–23 Apr 2027)
Program Location: Online (parts 1 and refresher) and in-person in The Hague, Netherlands (part 2)
Funding/Benefits: Full scholarship covering course tuition, lodging, insurance and (for OECD-DAC countries) international travel and visas
About the Course
The Shiraka Training Programme is part of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Shiraka Programme. It focuses on local governance and targets mid-career public officials and civil servants from selected MENA countries.
The course combines online learning with an in-person session in The Hague. As a result, participants can build knowledge over several stages while engaging with practical governance themes.
The training runs in three parts:
- Five-week online training: 11 January to 2 February 2027
- Two-week online refresher: 22 March to 2 April 2027
- One-week in-person session in The Hague: 19 to 23 April 2027
Who Should Apply
This programme is intended for:
- Government professionals
- Mid-career public officials
- Civil servants from eligible countries
Applicants must be nationals of one of the following countries:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Morocco
- Oman
- Palestinian Territories
- Syria
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Course Structure: Five-week online training (11 Jan–2 Feb 2027), followed by a two-week online refresher (22 Mar–2 Apr 2027), and a one-week in-person session in The Hague (19–23 Apr 2027).
Selected candidates receive a scholarship. For participants from countries on the OECD-DAC list, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs covers international travel, lodging, visa and insurance, and tuition.
However, for participants from countries not on the OECD-DAC list, the scholarship covers lodging, insurance, and tuition only. In that case, participants must pay for international travel and visas.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the Shiraka course application platform. Before you apply, review the official programme page carefully for current requirements and application steps.
👉 Visit the program page for details
