Study-In-Netherlands: 2023 Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) For International Students

The Orange Knowledge Programme aims to advance the development of the capacity, knowledge and quality of both individuals as well as organisations both in the field of higher and vocational education and in other fields related to the priority themes in the programme countries.

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).

Scholarship Details:

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, Guatemala, Guinea, Indonesia, 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 and Zambia.

Applicants for master’s programmes from Indonesia should apply through the OKP-LPDP joint programme.

Scholarship 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 Obligations and conditions.

Scholarship Duration and Reward

An OKP scholarship is intended to supplement the salary that you should continue to receive during the scholarship period.

The scholarship is a contribution towards your costs of living and costs such as tuition fees, visa, travel, insurance etc. You have to cover any difference between the OKP scholarship amount and the actual costs yourself.

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)

Employer statement

You need an employer statement 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 onstrengthening organisations by strengthening people.

Government statement

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

Please check whether your local government requires a government statement:
Government statement requirements

You may also check:

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.

Method of Application

Before you apply, make sure you review the eligibility criteria carefully and check whether your employer is willing to nominate you for the scholarship.

You need to apply directly with a Dutch higher education institution of your choice. Contact the Dutch higher education institution which offers the OKP qualified course of your choice for application procedures. The Dutch institution can give you more information on the various steps involved in the application and selection procedures, as well as the eligibility criteria. Deadline varies depending on the course and the University.

There are 2 application rounds for 2023 (provisionally expected):

• Round 1: 8 February – 30 March 2022 16.00 CET for courses starting between 24 July 2023 and 31 January 2024.

• Round 2: 28 June 2022 – 5 September 16.00 CET for courses starting 1 February 2024.

All courses must be completed before 31 August 2024.

It is important to read the OKP information for applicants and visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.