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Netherlands Government Scholarship : Orange Knowledge Program 2024March 1, 2024 by

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

Netherlands Government Scholarship Summary

  • Country: Netherlands
  • Scholarship Type: Merit-based
  • Offered by: Government of Netherlands
  • Institutions: Numerous institutions in the Netherlands
  • Type: Fully funded
  • Degree Program: Short courses, Masters Degree Courses
  • Scholarship Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: October 11 2023

Qualified professionals interested in continuing their education by studying in the Netherlands may opt to apply for a scholarship that fits their needs and qualifications. The Orange Knowledge Program (OKP) is one of the flagship scholarship programs of the government of the Netherlands. It is open to mid-career professionals from specific countries outside the European Economic Area.

Orange Knowledge Program Coverage

The Dutch (Netherlands) government scholarships for the academic year 2022-2023 are fully funded and cover the following:

  • School tuition fee
  • Travel tickets
  • Living costs
  • Health insurance
  • Visa processing fees
  • Research grant

Short courses and master’s degree courses are available under the OKP with the following durations:

  • Short Courses: 2 weeks to 12 months
  • Master’s degree programs: 12 to 24 months

Orange Knowledge Program Eligibility

Persons living in countries outside the European Economic Area are eligible to apply for the OKP scholarship:

  • Bangladesh
  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Colombia
  • Congo (DRC)
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Indonesia (OKP-LPDP joint program)
  • Iraq
  • Jordan
  • Kenya
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
  • Zambia

OKP is available for professionals who are from the countries listed above. Other requirements include the following:

  • English or French proficiency (proven via a reputable certification body)
  • Professionals working in OKP country
  • Motivation and eagerness to learn, including willingness to stay in the Netherlands during the entire duration of the study period
  • Willingness to abide by the scholarship terms
  • Employer statement (for privately hired individuals)
  • Government statement (for civil servants/working in government; requirements here)

Your employer should sign the employer statement. A signed statement denotes your employer’s willingness to allow you to study in the Netherlands. The OKP program aims to support select countries (including focus countries) by giving their professionals a chance to acquire skills and/or higher education. 

This human resource improvement program aims to help people from covered countries. It is expected that once the scholarship ends, the scholar will impart the knowledge and skills they gained in the Netherlands back to their home country. 

Motivation is highly necessary as the Netherlands government wishes to achieve the goal stated beforehand. Hence, OKP scholars are expected to work in the sector related to the priority themes given per application period. The courses will strengthen the scholar’s skills, which will strengthen the organization or company (or government) where the scholar works. Skills learned are expected to be applied by the scholars once they return to their respective home countries.

For example, this 2022, the following priority themes were selected by the OKP and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

  • Food and nutrition security
  • Water management
  • Security and the rule of law
  • Sexual and reproductive health and rights

Each country in the list above may also have additional or different focus areas. Applications to take courses related to the focus areas will be accepted, while those not related to the focus area are less likely to be accepted for the OKP scholarship. 

Orange Knowledge Program Application Period

The application period commonly runs thrice a year in three specified periods:

  • Round 1: February 2 – March 22
  • Round 2: May 11 – June 28
  • Round 3: August 31 – October 11

Focus Countries and Themes

Additional funding is also granted to qualified persons hailing from focus countries. Specific themes are given focus during the same period. Other topics, however, are still considered during the application period. Kindly refer to the official website of the OKP to check the Country Focus.

Short courses and/or masters’ programs that are offered by participating Dutch institutions cover the fields of agriculture, environment, economics, management, commerce, accountancy, engineering, health care, tourism, humanities, law, social sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, computer science, and education (teacher training).

How to Apply For Orange Knowledge Program 

Applications are not coursed through the OKP official website. These are coursed through the OKP-member Dutch institutions. The general procedures for applying for the OKP grant are as follows:

  1. Check the current OKP focus area assigned to your country.
  2. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
  3. Look for your desired course on the OKP course list.
  4. Inquire with your employer (or government) if they are willing to nominate you for the OKP scholarship.
  5. Contact the Dutch institution you have chosen to receive information about their specific application requirements. Usually, the following information is requested:
    1. The course content/syllabus/research thrusts.
    2. Academic requirements
    3. The scholarship application deadline (institutions may have different deadlines so take note).
    4. The scholarship application, including selection criteria and procedures.
    5. The online application form, including required attachments or documents.
    6. English or French proficiency 
  6. Prepare your application documents, which generally include the following:
    1. Employer statement
    2. Passport
    3. Government statement (if applicable)
  7. Submit your documents to the Dutch institution of your choice before their set deadlines. Take note as well of the general OKP application period.

The OKP is only for working professionals seeking higher education experience from Dutch institutions. Applications from students will be automatically rejected. Only those nominated by their employer or government will be considered for processing. Your chosen institution will be the one that will contact you regarding the status of your application. 

The institution will also be responsible for processing your travel requirements, such as visa, flight details, residence permits, health insurance, accommodations, and funding.

Official Website

https://www.studyinholland.nl/finances/scholarships/highlighted-scholarships/orange-knowledge-programme

 

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