University of British Columbia (UBC)

The Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications through the IGAD-led BE-Prosper Initiative, providing a fully funded opportunity for qualified professionals to pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada. The programme is designed to strengthen expertise in the blue economy by preparing professionals to address marine resource management, sustainable fisheries, ocean governance, and coastal development challenges across the Horn of Africa.

This prestigious scholarship supports the development of future leaders who will contribute to sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship within their home countries. It is specifically intended for mid-career professionals with relevant academic backgrounds and practical experience in blue economy-related sectors.

Scholarship Summary

Degree Level

The Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 supports:

• Master’s degree programmes
• Graduate-level academic training at the University of British Columbia

The programme is designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced education rather than recent graduates beginning their careers.

Available Study Fields

Applicants may pursue graduate studies in disciplines that support sustainable blue economy development, including:

• Marine Science
• Fisheries Management
• Ocean Governance
• Marine Policy
• Environmental Economics
• Coastal Resource Management
• Maritime Resource Management
• Marine Spatial Planning
• Sustainable Development
• Climate and Ocean Studies

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their chosen field of study aligns with the development of the blue economy in the IGAD region.

Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 Benefits

Successful applicants may receive comprehensive financial support that can include:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• University academic and institutional fees
• Access to world-class research facilities
• Academic supervision from UBC experts
• Participation in international marine research networks
• Opportunities to engage with regional IGAD development initiatives

Beyond financial support, the programme equips scholars with practical knowledge and research experience that can be applied to sustainable marine and coastal development projects after graduation.

Eligible Nationalities

Applications are invited from citizens of the following countries:

• South Sudan
• Somalia
• Djibouti

Only applicants holding citizenship from these participating IGAD member states are eligible for this scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Blue Grant Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of South Sudan, Somalia, or Djibouti.
• Be between 25 and 40 years of age.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as:
  • Marine Science
  • Environmental Economics
  • Engineering
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Other related fields
• Have professional experience in one or more of the following sectors:
  • Government institutions
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • International organizations
  • Private companies involved in marine or coastal industries
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the blue economy in their home country after completing their studies.

The scholarship is specifically intended for professionals with relevant work experience and leadership potential.

Application Process

The selection process consists of two stages.

Stage 1: IGAD Pre-Screening

Applicants must first submit the following documents:

• Letter of Interest
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic degree certificates

Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage.

Stage 2: University of British Columbia Admission

Shortlisted applicants will then complete the UBC admission process, which may require:

• Graduate admission application
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Additional documents requested by the university

Final admission is subject to approval from both IGAD and the University of British Columbia.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence
• Relevant professional experience
• Alignment of the proposed field of study with blue economy priorities
• Leadership ability
• Potential to contribute to sustainable development after graduation

Candidates who demonstrate both academic capability and a commitment to regional development will receive priority consideration.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 varies depending on the official announcement cycle. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their documents and submit their applications as early as possible to maximize their chances of selection.

Why Apply for the Blue Grant Scholarship 2026?

The Blue Grant Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals from the Horn of Africa to gain advanced education at one of Canada’s leading universities. Through fully funded graduate study, scholars will develop specialized knowledge in marine science, fisheries, and sustainable ocean governance while building international research connections that support long-term economic and environmental development across the region.