Suriname has made arrangements with Morocco for ten fully funded scholarships for Surinamese students. This was stated by Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS). The arrangement is part of efforts to create more opportunities for education and training through international cooperation.
Bouva explained the plans on Monday, October 5, 2026, in a conversation with the Communicatie Dienst Suriname. According to the minister, Suriname needs well-educated and trained people to contribute to the country’s further development. Education and capacity building therefore form an important part of the foreign agenda.
Morocco had previously offered partially funded scholarships, but according to Bouva these were insufficiently used. During recent diplomatic talks, he therefore pressed for fully funded scholarships. “Let us start with ten, but give us full coverage. Give me ten fully funded scholarships,” the minister said.
According to Bouva, the arrangement has now been formalised. With the full support, he wants to ensure that Surinamese students can actually make use of the available study opportunities.
Discussions are also being held with other countries on education and training. According to the minister, arrangements have been made with Ghana on education scholarships. Opportunities for Surinamese students are being explored with the Netherlands, while Bouva also wants to continue discussions on this with Belgium.
The cooperation also focuses on attracting foreign students and experts to Suriname. According to the minister, they can contribute to knowledge development and strengthening local capacity. He sees opportunities in anthropology, sociology and maritime studies, among other fields, partly because of Suriname’s natural, cultural and geographical characteristics.
The ministry will publicise available programmes and scholarships through its website and social media. Circulars will be distributed to civil servants where necessary. According to Bouva, the aim is to give as many young Surinamers as possible the opportunity to further develop themselves and to apply the knowledge gained after returning to Suriname.
