University of British Columbia Blue Grant Scholarship 2026, Canada (Fully Funded)
The Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications under the IGAD-led BE-Prosper initiative, offering a fully funded opportunity for selected candidates to pursue graduate-level studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This programme is designed to develop skilled professionals in the blue economy, particularly across the Horn of Africa region, where marine resources and coastal development are becoming key drivers of economic growth.
The scholarship is not just an academic opportunity but a targeted capacity-building initiative aimed at preparing future leaders in fisheries management, marine policy, and sustainable ocean governance.
Degree Level
The Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 supports:
- Master’s level studies
- Graduate-level academic training at the University of British Columbia
It is designed for mid-career professionals rather than entry-level students.
Available Subjects
The scholarship focuses on disciplines related to the blue economy, including:
- Marine science and fisheries management
- Ocean governance and marine policy
- Environmental economics
- Coastal and maritime resource management
- Sustainable development and climate-related ocean studies
- Marine spatial planning
Applicants must demonstrate clear relevance of their academic interest to blue economy development.
Benefits
Selected candidates may receive full financial support for graduate studies at UBC, which may include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Academic and institutional fees
- Access to research facilities and academic supervision
- Integration into IGAD-linked regional development programmes
- Exposure to international research networks in marine and ocean studies
The programme also aims to ensure that graduates return with applied skills that contribute directly to national and regional blue economy strategies.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to nationals of:
- South Sudan
- Somalia
- Djibouti
Only applicants from these countries are eligible under the BE-Prosper regional framework.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Blue Grant Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of South Sudan, Somalia, or Djibouti
- Be between 25 and 40 years old
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as:
- Marine science
- Environmental economics
- Engineering
- Natural resource management
- Related disciplines
- Have professional experience in sectors such as:
- Government agencies
- NGOs
- International organizations
- Private sector roles linked to marine or coastal industries
- Demonstrate commitment to blue economy development in their home country
This scholarship is aimed at mid-career professionals, not recent graduates.
Application Procedure
The application is conducted in two stages:
1. IGAD Pre-Screening Stage
Applicants must first submit:
- Letter of interest
- Updated CV
- Academic degree certificates
Only shortlisted candidates move forward to the next stage.
2. University of British Columbia Admission Stage
Selected candidates will then apply for UBC admission, which may include:
- Academic application form
- Recommendation letters
- English language proficiency proof (if required)
- Additional university-specific documents
Final selection depends on both IGAD and UBC approval.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional experience in blue economy sectors
- Relevance of proposed study area
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to returning and contributing to regional development
Application Deadline
The final deadline for the Blue Grant Scholarship 2026 varies by announcement cycle, but applicants are strongly advised to apply early due to the two-stage selection process.
