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

• motived;
• 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 .

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

Language

You need English or French language skills to follow classes in the Netherlands. Demands for certificates showing language skills differ per education institution.

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

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.

You cannot apply online on this website. Please follow the steps below and apply through the Dutch education institution of your choice.

1. Check if your application falls within the OKP focus areas determined for your country.
2. Check if you meet the OKP eligibility criteria.
3. Find a course on the OKP course list. Please find a study, using the filter ‘Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)’.
4. Ask your employer whether they are willing to nominate you for an OKP scholarship.
5. 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.
6. Prepare your application: employer statement, motivation, passport, government statement (if required).
7. 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.