Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 under the Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity in IGAD & Horn of Africa (BE-Prosper) initiative is a fully funded opportunity for professionals from South Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia to pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. This scholarship focuses on Blue Economy leadership, fisheries value chains, coastal governance, marine spatial planning, and sustainable ocean management.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a regional economic community headquartered in Djibouti, dedicated to achieving peace, security, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa. Through the BE-Prosper project, IGAD partners with UBC, a world-leading university in fisheries economics and management, to build regional capacity and foster responsible use of marine resources.
Benefits of Blue Grant Scholarship 2026
- Full scholarship covering tuition and fees
- Opportunity to study at the University of British Columbia, a world-leading university in fisheries economics and management
- Advanced training in Blue Economy leadership, fisheries value chains, coastal governance, marine spatial planning, and sustainable ocean management
- Collaboration with researchers and practitioners at UBC and IGAD Secretariat
- Contribution to sustainable fisheries management and responsible use of marine resources in the IGAD region
Eligibility Criteria for the Blue Grant Scholarship 2026
- Strong academic or professional interest in the blue economy, fisheries management, fish value chains, regional trade corridors, ports and maritime connectivity
- Hold a university degree in natural science, engineering, or social sciences with a relevant field such as marine and fisheries science, environmental economics, agriculture economics, maritime sociology, veterinary science, community development, maritime or civil engineering, ocean policy, human geography, or a related discipline
- Between the ages of 25 and 40 years
- Already working in public sectors or government, private sector, international and inter-governmental organisations, NGOs, or civil society organisations in South Sudan, Somalia, or Djibouti
- Motivated to contribute to sustainable fisheries management and the responsible use of marine resources and blue economy sectors in your country or IGAD region
- Interested in pursuing advanced training and collaborating with researchers and practitioners at UBC and IGAD Secretariat
How to Apply for Blue Grant Scholarship 2026?
- Send screening application materials with a Letter of Interest (LoI) addressing all criteria, CV, and copy of university degree to Sagal Isman ([email protected]) copying Tegueste Shimelis ([email protected])
- Eligible and screened candidates from IGAD will then apply for admission to UBC, including: completed application with fees, reference letters, statement of interest, English language test if primary language of instruction is not English, criminal record check, thesis supervisor, and proof of citizenship
- See UBC application details at: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/application-components
- Direct any questions regarding the program to Dr. Dejen ([email protected])
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Blue Grant Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded opportunity at the University of British Columbia.
What is the Blue Grant Scholarship?
The Blue Grant Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity under the BE-Prosper project, supporting professionals from South Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia to pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia in Canada, focusing on Blue Economy and sustainable ocean management.
Who is eligible to apply for the Blue Grant Scholarship?
Eligible candidates must be aged 25-40, hold a university degree in a relevant field (e.g., marine science, environmental economics), work in public/private sectors or NGOs in South Sudan, Somalia, or Djibouti, and have a strong interest in blue economy and fisheries management.
What are the benefits of the Blue Grant Scholarship?
The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition and fees for graduate studies at UBC. It includes advanced training in Blue Economy leadership, fisheries value chains, coastal governance, and collaboration with researchers at UBC and IGAD.
What is the deadline for the Blue Grant Scholarship?
The deadline for the screening application is 30 April 2026. Applicants must send their materials to the specified IGAD contacts by this date.
How do I apply for the Blue Grant Scholarship?
First, send a Letter of Interest, CV, and degree copy to Sagal Isman and Tegueste Shimelis at IGAD. If screened eligible, you will then apply to UBC with a full application including fees, references, statement of interest, and English test if needed.
Which countries are eligible for the Blue Grant Scholarship?
The scholarship targets candidates from South Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia. Applicants must be working in one of these countries in public, private, or civil society sectors.
What fields of study are supported by the Blue Grant Scholarship?
The scholarship supports studies in Blue Economy leadership, fisheries management, fish value chains, coastal governance, marine spatial planning, sustainable ocean management, and related disciplines like marine science, environmental economics, and maritime sociology.
Is the Blue Grant Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the scholarship is fully funded. It covers tuition and fees for the graduate program at the University of British Columbia, as stated in the official call for applications.
What is the role of IGAD in the Blue Grant Scholarship?
IGAD coordinates the screening of eligible candidates from the region and partners with UBC to provide the scholarship. IGAD’s BE-Prosper project aims to build regional capacity in Blue Economy and sustainable resource management.
Can I apply directly to UBC for the Blue Grant Scholarship?
No, you must first go through IGAD’s screening process. Only screened and eligible candidates from IGAD will proceed to the UBC graduate application phase.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Scholarship in Dominican Republic 
Scholarships in Egypt 
Scholarships in Czech Republic 
Scholarships in Kenya 
Scholarships in Greece 
Scholarships in Italy