The Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 is an important opportunity for professionals from the Horn of Africa who are interested in sustainable fisheries, blue economy development, and marine governance. Offered under the BE-Prosper initiative by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in partnership with University of British Columbia, the scholarship aims to build regional expertise in fisheries management, ocean governance, maritime connectivity, and sustainable use of marine resources.
This programme is designed for candidates from Somalia, Djibouti, and South Sudan who want to pursue graduate studies in Canada. It supports individuals who are already working in government institutions, NGOs, civil society, international organizations, or the private sector and are committed to advancing the blue economy in the IGAD region.
What makes this opportunity especially attractive is that it offers financial support for tuition, living costs, and travel, while giving participants access to one of the world’s leading universities in fisheries economics and management.
In this article, you will find complete details including eligibility, benefits, application steps, and expert tips to improve your chances of selection.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: University of British Columbia
- Scholarship Provider: Intergovernmental Authority on Development
- Programme Initiative: BE-Prosper
- Program Level: Graduate Studies
- Program Type: Scholarship
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Somalia, Djibouti, and South Sudan
- Deadline: 30 April 2026
Short Explanation: This scholarship supports graduate-level study in blue economy, fisheries, marine science, environmental economics, and related fields while strengthening regional leadership and sustainable ocean management in Eastern Africa.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
- Strengthen expertise in blue economy and fisheries management
- Support sustainable use of marine and coastal resources
- Improve regional cooperation in ocean governance and maritime trade
- Build future leaders in environmental and marine sectors
- Encourage collaboration between Eastern Africa and Canad
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Selected applicants may receive:
- Full tuition support
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel expenses
- Research support
- Opportunity to study at a top international university
- Networking with researchers and practitioners
Clarification: This funding is designed to fully or partially support participants during the program period.
FIELDS OF STUDY
Applicants may apply for graduate studies in areas such as:
- Marine and Fisheries Science
- Environmental Economics
- Agriculture Economics
- Maritime Sociology
- Veterinary Science
- Community Development
- Ocean Policy
- Human Geography
- Maritime or Civil Engineering
- Fisheries Management
- Blue Economy and Coastal Governance
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must:
- Be between 25 and 40 years old
- Be nationals of Somalia, Djibouti, or South Sudan
- Hold a university degree in a relevant field
- Have professional experience in government, NGOs, civil society, private sector, or international organizations
- Show strong interest in blue economy, fisheries, and ocean governance
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainable marine resource management
- Be interested in advanced training and research collaboration
Important Note:
This program is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process has two stages:
Phase 1: IGAD Screening
Applicants must first submit materials for screening by IGAD.
Phase 2: UBC Admission Process
Candidates selected through IGAD screening will proceed to apply for graduate admission at the University of British Columbia.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
For IGAD Screening:
- Letter of Interest
- CV / Resume
- Copy of university degree certificate
For UBC Admission:
- Completed application form
- Application fee
- Reference letters
- Statement of interest
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
- Criminal record check
- Proof of citizenship
- Thesis supervisor information
HOW TO APPLY (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
- Prepare your Letter of Interest, CV, and degree certificate
- Submit the documents to the IGAD screening team
- Wait for the screening results
- If selected, complete the graduate admission process at UBC
- Submit all required UBC documents before the deadline
Advice: Applicants are advised to prepare a strong Letter of Interest that clearly explains their professional experience, motivation, and future goals in the blue economy sector.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Based on experience with scholarship applications, applicants often underestimate the importance of clearly connecting their professional background to the scholarship objectives.
To improve your chances:
- Show how your work relates to fisheries, maritime development, or ocean governance
- Explain how the scholarship will help your country or community
- Highlight leadership experience and technical skills
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainable development
- Avoid generic or copied statements
Strong applicants usually show both technical knowledge and a clear vision for future impact.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Writing a weak Letter of Interest
- Missing the deadline
- Failing to explain career goals
- Ignoring the focus on blue economy and sustainability
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY
This opportunity is not only about funding, but also about:
- Studying at a world-class university
- Building expertise in blue economy sectors
- Expanding international networks
- Strengthening leadership skills
- Contributing to sustainable development in the IGAD region
FINAL NOTE
This is a competitive scholarship with limited opportunities available. Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong applications and ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.
CALL TO ACTION
Apply early and ensure you carefully follow all instructions provided by IGAD and the University of British Columbia.
APPLY NOW
Submit your screening application before 30 April 2026 and take the next step toward becoming a future leader in blue economy and sustainable marine development.
See details here:
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-ad mission/application-components
Download the attached Call for Application Document in PDF below
IGAD Call of Application
