Study in Netherlands: 2023 Orange Knowledge Scholarship Program for Young Professionals

About the Scholarship Program

The Orange Knowledge Programme aims to enhance the capacity, knowledge, and quality of individuals and organizations in the areas of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Higher Education, and other fields related to priority themes in partner countries.

This game will prove you wrong. It’s free, play and earn money if you can score 50%.

Scholarships are awarded through a highly competitive selection process to motivated professionals who can effectively apply the acquired skills and knowledge in their employing organizations.

Join this WhatsApp Group for Daily Notification of Fully Funded Scholarships

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides financial support for various expenses, including:

• Living costs
• Tuition fees
• Visa fees
• Travel expenses
• Insurance.

However, it’s important to note that any costs exceeding the OKP scholarship amount will be the responsibility of the applicant to cover.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. The scholarship applicant works for one of the following types of national and/or local organizations: ministries, secondary or higher vocational or academic education institutions, universities, the private sector, commissions, or NGOs. The applicant cannot work for:
   • A bilateral or multilateral organization.
   • An internationally active non-governmental organization focused on representing social interests, such as development cooperation, nature and environmental protection, health, or human rights.
2. The scholarship applicant is a professional who, based on their role, years of relevant work experience, and networks within a theme relevant to local development, is in a position or could be put in a position by their employer to apply what they have learned in practice.
   
3. The scholarship applicant holds the nationality of and is a resident and employee in one of the countries listed on the OKP Country List. The list can be found in the document “Country List for Short Courses and Masters: OKP” on www.studyinholland.nl/okp.
   
4. The scholarship applicant possesses a valid identity document.
   
5. The scholarship applicant has been admitted to the course or program for which they are seeking an OKP scholarship.
   
6. If required by the local government, the scholarship applicant must provide a government statement along with the scholarship application. Please refer to the document “government statement requirement” on www.studyinholland.nl/okp for more information.
   
7. The scholarship applicant demonstrates the availability of the required co-funding percentage to finance their study.
   
8. The employer of the scholarship applicant supports the scholarship application by providing a positive reference, declaring the continuation of the applicant’s salary during the program, and ensuring the opportunity for the applicant to put their newly acquired skills and knowledge into practice upon their return.

Regarding eligible courses and programs:

• The scholarship application must be relevant to sustainable development in the country or region where the requesting party is located and aligned with the relevant theme.
• The scholarship application should be in line with the Country Plan of Implementation or Country Focus for the respective country. Please refer to the document “Country Focus” at www.studyinholland.nl/okp. For the Country Plan of Implementation, visit https://www.nuffic.nl/en/subjects/institutional-collaboration-projects/.
• The course/program for which the scholarship applicant is applying should be registered at www.studyfinder.nl (OKP-qualified ‘yes’).
• The course/program should be full-time, unless it is an e-learning course.
• The course/program should be offered in English, French, or Spanish.
• The course/program should be a Master’s degree program or short course that meets the aforementioned requirements.

Eligible Countries

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.

Tips for Being Successful When Applying for the Orange Knowledge Scholarship Program

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success when applying for the Orange Knowledge Scholarship Program (OKP):

1. Review the eligibility criteria: Familiarize yourself with the specific eligibility requirements and ensure that you meet all the criteria before applying. Pay close attention to the target countries, organizations, and themes relevant to the OKP.
   
2. Choose a suitable course or program: Select a course or program that aligns with your professional goals and is relevant to the development priorities of your country. Use the study program database and consult with the Dutch higher education institutions to find the right fit.
   
3. Research the application process: Understand the application procedures, deadlines, and required documents. Contact the Dutch institution offering the course for detailed information and guidelines.
   
4. Prepare a strong application: Craft a well-written and compelling application that highlights your qualifications, relevant work experience, and motivation for pursuing the chosen course or program. Clearly demonstrate how the knowledge and skills acquired will be applied in your organization or country.
   
5. Secure employer support: Ensure that your employer is supportive of your application and willing to provide a positive reference. They should also commit to maintaining your salary during the program and offer opportunities for you to apply the newly gained knowledge and skills upon your return.
   
6. Seek government statements, if required: If the local government requires a statement to support your application, make sure to obtain it and include it with your application. Follow the guidelines provided on the OKP website for obtaining the necessary government statements.
   
7. Submit a complete and well-organized application: Ensure that all required documents are complete, up-to-date, and well organized. Submit the application within the specified deadline and through the designated online application portal.
   
8. Follow up and stay informed: Stay updated on the status of your application and any notifications from the Dutch institution or Nuffic. Be proactive in addressing any additional requirements or requests for information.
   
9. Prepare for the selection process: If your application is nominated, be prepared for the selection process, which may involve further assessments or interviews. Familiarize yourself with the selection criteria and be ready to showcase your capabilities and commitment to the program.
   
10. Stay positive and motivated: Competition for the OKP scholarship is high, so remain positive and motivated throughout the process. Even if you are not selected, consider alternative funding opportunities or explore other avenues for achieving your educational and professional goals.

Remember, thorough preparation, meeting the eligibility criteria, and presenting a strong application are keys to a successful application for the Orange Knowledge Scholarship Program.

Method of Application

Before applying, carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure that your employer is willing to nominate you for the scholarship.

Once you are certain about your eligibility, follow these steps to apply:

1. Identify a course or Master’s program that is eligible for the scholarship. You can find a list of eligible courses in our study program database at www.studyfinder.nl, selecting “OKP qualified: Yes” in the search criteria.
2. Contact the Dutch higher education institution offering the course for information on:
   • Course content
   • Scholarship application deadlines (deadlines may vary per institution)
   • Scholarship application and selection procedures
   • Online application form and required documents
3. Prepare your application and gather the supporting documents.
4. Submit your online application through the Dutch institution providing the course.

For any questions regarding the application or selection procedure, please contact the Dutch institution directly.

Deadline

9 September 2023