Orange Knowledge Programme

Orange Knowledge Programme

The Orange Knowledge Programme aims to contribute to a society's sustainable and inclusive development. Its scholarships are open to mid-career professionals in specific countries.

What's on this page?

• About this scholarship
• Countries
• Requirements
• How to apply
• Deadlines of application rounds
• Selection procedure
• Do you need help?

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The Orange Knowledge Programme is planned to end on 31 December 2024. As a result, there will be no application rounds in 2024.

About this scholarship

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) offers scholarships funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs available for a selection of:

• short courses (round 1: duration 2 weeks to 12 months; round 2: duration 2 weeks to 7 months);
• master's programmes (duration 12 to 24 months).

Countries

Please note that the list of participating countries is subject to change and is yet to be updated. In previous rounds, you were eligible for an OKP scholarship if you are a national of and working in:
Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen.

Due to current circumstances, Sudan and Uganda will not be part of the OKP scholarships application rounds in 2023.

Focus theme
The Orange Knowledge Programme has an increased focus on study programmes related to the themes of:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
• Security and the Rule of Law

Qualified applications within these themes will be prioritised, but applications in other fields are still welcome. Please check whether your study programme aligns the Country Focus Document (224.27 kB) (link is external) for your country.

Requirements

A limited number of scholarships is awarded to female and male professionals who are:

• motivated;
• living and working in an OKP country;
• proficient in English or French;
• working in one of the priority areas for their country;
• can motivate using and transferring their knowledge and experience in their employing organisation after their studies;
• agreeing to the latest Obligations and conditions . (link is external)

For more information on the general eligibility criteria please read:
OKP information for applicants

Language

You need English or French language skills to follow classes in the Netherlands. Demands for certificates showing language skills differ per education institution.

Priority themes per country

The main priority areas of the Orange Knowledge Programme are;

• sexual and reproductive health and rights
• security and rule of law
• food and nutrition security
• water management

There are focus areas for each country. Please note that these focus areas, as well as the list of countries is subject to change. Only applications that fall within the focus area of your country of employment are eligible.

Is your field of experience eligible for funding? Please check the Country Focus Document (224.27 kB) (link is external)

Employer statement

You need an employer statement (link is external) that is signed by you and your employer. It shows us that your employer supports your application. And that you can share the knowledge and experience you gained in the Netherlands once you return to your country. This is required because the OKP is focused on strengthening organisations by strengthening people.

Government statement

If you are a civil servant, it might be necessary to sign a government statement (link is external) . This certifies the support of your government for your OKP application.

Please check whether your local government requires a government statement:
Government statement requirements (link is external)

Other requirements

The education institution will inform you on the requirements needed for your application. As this scholarship is for working professionals, applications from students will not be taken into consideration. In order to apply for one of the courses you must motivate:

• that you work within the priority themes for your country as mentioned above;
• how the courses will strengthen both you and the organisation you work for;
• how you will use your newly gained knowledge and experience in your organisation after your study.

How to apply

You cannot apply online on this website. Please follow the steps below and apply through the Dutch education institution of your choice.

Check if your application falls within the OKP focus areas determined for your country.

Check if you meet the OKP eligibility criteria.

Find a course on the OKP course list. Please find a study, using the filter 'Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)' .

Ask your employer whether they are willing to nominate you for an OKP scholarship.

Contact the Dutch education institution of your choice to receive more information about the application procedure, the academic requirements and the link to apply online.

Prepare your application: employer statement, motivation, passport, government statement (if required).

During an application round, submit your application online using the link you receive from the Dutch education institution. Please be aware of the application deadline of the educational institution of your choice.

Deadlines of application rounds

You can only apply for a scholarship during an open application round.

Upcoming application round

The Orange Knowledge Programme is planned to end on 31 December 2024. As a result, there will be no application rounds in 2024.

Deadlines per institution

Please note that educational institutions may set a shorter deadline for application. Please consult your educational institution for the exact deadlines.

Selection procedure

The procedure is as follows:

1. Candidates register with their Dutch education institution
2. Dutch institution nominates candidates and submits grant application
3. Embassies check eligibility and assess applications
4. Selection results available for Dutch education institutions
5. Grants awarded through Dutch education institutions

Results of applications are announced 3 to 4 months after application. The Dutch education institution through which you applied for the scholarship will contact you on the results of your application.

Do you need help?

Please contact the Dutch education institution where you want to study on questions regarding your application for the OKP scholarship.

In order to receive help, it is essential to decide where you want to study and what course you want to do. Education institutions can give you more information on the various steps involved in the application and selection procedures, as well as the eligibility criteria.

You can find contact information for the Dutch institutions in our database of study programmes (link is external) .

Events on studying in the Netherlands

Do you want to study in the Netherlands? Join one of our online Study in NL fairs free of charge. For more information and registration, please visit our events page.