Fully funded scholarship for short courses + degree courses in various fields in Nederland by OKP!

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is inviting scholarship applications for the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) from mid-career professionals from South Africa and other participating countries to study in the Netherlands towards a Short Course or a Master's Degree.

The OKP Scholarship aims to advance the development of capacity, knowledge and quality of individuals as well as organisations in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Higher Education and in other fields related to priority themes in the OKP partner countries.

More information on the Orange Knowledge Programme scholarship can be found at https://www.studyinnl.org/finances/orange-knowledge-programme.

Degree level

Master’s (duration 12 to 24 months)

Short courses (2 weeks to 7 months)

Deadlines

The deadline to apply for the OKP scholarships is 05 September 2023.

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

Fields of Study

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.

• Check Database of study programmes for other study programmes

Qualified applications within these themes will be prioritized, but applications in other fields are still welcome.

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

Each country has its focus areas. 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.

Check the Country focus document for field of experience eligible for funding.

Who can apply?

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

• motivated;

• nationals of eligible OKP countries;

• living and working in an OKP eligible country;

• applicant holding a valid identity document and passport;

• proficient in English or French (check institution requirements);

• working in one of the priority areas for their country;

• applicants who can motivate how they will use and transfer their knowledge and experience in their employing organisation after their studies;

• endorsed by their employer for the scholarship – a signed employer statement will be required;

• applicants should be working for either a government, secondary or higher vocational or academic education institutions, universities, private sector, commissions or selected NGOs. Applicants may not work for a bilateral or multilateral organisation; or a non-governmental organisation that is internationally active and is focused on representing social interests, such as development cooperation, nature and environmental protection, health or human rights;

• must agree to the OKP obligations and conditions.

Participating institutions may require additional information that are needed to apply.

Take note: As this scholarship is for working professionals, applications from students will not be taken into consideration

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

What the scholarship offers

• tuition;

• cost of living allowance;

• travel (including cost of covid tests where applicable);

• accommodation;

• visa costs; and

• insurance.

Applicants must read the OKP obligations and conditions carefully to understand the terms of the scholarship offer. Applicants will need to cover any difference between the OKP scholarship amount and the actual costs of taking up the scholarship.

Application process

Before applying, applicants should review the eligibility criteria carefully and check that their employer is willing to nominate them for the scholarship.

Applicants should follow the steps below and apply through the Dutch education institution of choice:

• Check that 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)';

• Confirm employer support and endorsement 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. Applicants are advised to check their spam emails continuously to make sure they do not miss the email from the institution.

Important dates:

• Applications (students): 28 June - 5 September 16.00 CET

• Courses starting after 1 February 2024

• All short courses must be completed before 31 August 2024

• All Master’s must be completed by 31 January 2025, with the exception of co-financed master’s programmes.

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

Contact

Enquiries regarding your application for the OKP scholarship should be sent directly to the Dutch education institution where you would like to study.

Visit the database of study programmes for contact information for the Dutch institutions.

Documents and links

Orange Knowledge Programme | Study in Holland

Country Focus Document

Database of study programmes

Information for applicants

OKP Counties: 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.

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

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