Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships in the Netherlands for International Students

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a Dutch government initiative that funds short courses and master's degrees in the Netherlands for professionals from selected developing countries. It covers costs such as living expenses, tuition, visa, travel, and insurance, but you must cover any gap between the scholarship and actual costs. The scholarship is open to nationals of specific countries who are working in those countries.

Dutch universities that offer OKP-qualified programmes and courses.

Scholarships support two types of study: short courses and master's programmes. Short courses last from 2 weeks to 12 months in round 1, and 2 weeks to 7 months in round 2. Master's programmes last 12 to 24 months.

All eligible courses are listed in Studyfinder, using the filter 'OKP qualified – Yes'. Contact details for the institutions are also there.

The programme's main priority areas are sexual and reproductive health and rights; security and rule of law; food and nutrition security; and water management. Each country has its own focus areas.

You must be a national of, and working in, one of these countries:

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.

The OKP scholarship supplements the salary you should keep receiving during your study period. It contributes to your living costs and other expenses such as tuition fees, visa, travel, and insurance. You must cover any difference between the OKP amount and the actual costs yourself.

You will find the complete eligibility criteria at this link.

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

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.