Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) in the Netherlands: Masters and Short Courses

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is a Dutch government scholarship that pays part of your costs for a master's degree or a short course in the Netherlands. It is open to people who work in fields tied to the programme's priority themes. The award is a contribution, not full funding, so you must cover the rest yourself. Applications are closed and the programme ends on 31 December 2024.

Dutch universities that offer OKP qualified programmes and courses.

Two types of study are funded: short courses and master's programmes.

Short courses run 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. Every course open for this round is listed in Studyfinder. Use the filter 'OKP qualified - Yes' to find them: Studyfinder, using the filter 'OKP qualified - Yes'. The same page lists contact details for each institution.

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.

An OKP scholarship adds to the salary you keep receiving while you study. It goes towards your living costs and other costs such as tuition fees, visa, travel and insurance. If the scholarship amount is less than your actual costs, you pay the difference yourself.

The full eligibility criteria are set out in this document: 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, read the eligibility criteria carefully and check whether your employer will nominate you for the scholarship.

You apply directly to a Dutch higher education institution of your choice. Contact the institution that offers the OKP qualified course you want, and ask about application procedures. That institution can explain the steps in the application and selection process, and the eligibility criteria. The deadline varies by course and university.

Two application rounds were provisionally expected for 2023:

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

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

All courses must be finished before 31 August 2024.

Read the OKP information for applicants and check the official website (link below) for full details on how to apply.