Hi Everyone,
This is John Oseto here again, in today’s video I will show you a free visa opportunity in the Netherlands, that you can apply for immediately, it’s a scholarship program for both degree and non degree program, and the duration of the short courses in round 1 is between 2 weeks to 12 months; in round 2 is between 2 weeks to 7 months); and the Master’s programs is between 2 to 24 months. And the name of the program is the Orange Knowledge Program (OKP)
The Orange Knowledge Program (OKP) is a scholarship program funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to contribute to the development of individuals and organizations in eligible countries by providing training and education opportunities in the Netherlands. The program focuses on capacity building within a wide range of fields, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right security, the Rule of Law, agriculture, engineering, water management, economics, and more.
Focus theme
The Orange Knowledge Program has an increased focus on study programs related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right security and the Rule of Law, qualified applications within these themes will be prioritized, but applications in other fields are still welcome. Please check whether your study program aligns the Country Focus Document (224.27 kB) for your country.
First thing first, this program is for working professionals, you’re going to need letters of recommendation from your employer, and if you are a civil servant you will need a letter of recommendation from the government you’re working, don’t let this discourage you, they’re just a piece of paper with a stamp on it.
Also, before you apply for the scholarship you need to secure admission to one of the accredited schools that the OKP scholarship board support, before you apply for the scholarship, don’t get confused about the whole process I will walk you through them step by step
Eligibility criteria for the Orange Knowledge Program may vary depending on the specific application requirements for each course or fellowship. However, generally, the program is open to professionals from certain countries who must be a national of and working in one of the countries on the OKP Country List. This list includes a selection of countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The OKP Country List are: 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. For update of this listvisit Nuffic, the organization responsible for administering the program: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/
On their website, you should be able to find detailed information about the current program, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, available courses or fellowships, and relevant application deadlines.
List of schools in the Netherlands offering the OKP program
List of universities and institutions in the Netherlands that have historically offered courses or programs under the Orange Knowledge Program (formerly known as the Netherlands Fellowship PrograMs or NFP). Please note that the availability of specific programs or courses may change over time, and it’s always best to refer to the official website or contact the respective institutions directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here are some universities and institutions that have participated in the OKP in the past:
- Delft University of Technology
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)
- Leiden University
- Maastricht School of Management
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)
- The Hague Academy for Local Governance
- Utrecht University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Wageningen University & Research
Requirements
A limited number of scholarships is awarded to female and male professionals who are:
- motivated;
- 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
As I said ealier 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.
You can also check if your field of experience eligible for funding on the link below?
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 on strengthening organizations 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.
How to apply
You cannot apply online on this website. Please follow the steps below and apply through the Dutch education institution of your choice.
- Check if 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)’.
- Ask your employer whether they are willing to nominate you 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.
Deadlines of application rounds
You can only apply for a scholarship during an open application round.
Open application round:
- Round 1: submit applications between 8 February – 30 March 16.00 CET for courses starting between 24 July 2023 and 31 January 2024.
This round is open for applications through education institutions. Please carefully check the deadline of the institution of your choice, as they might set a shorter daedline for the application.
Provisionally expected rounds for 2023:
- Round 2: submit applications between 28 June – 5 September 16.00 CET for courses starting after 1 February 2024.
All courses must be completed before 31 August 2024 with the exception of co-financed master’s programs.
Deadlines per institution
Please note that educational institutions may set a shorter deadline for application. Please consult your educational institution for the exact deadlines.
Selection procedure
The procedure is as follows:
1. Candidates register with their Dutch education institution
2. Dutch institution nominates candidates and submits grant application
3. Embassies check eligibility and assess applications
4. Selection results available for Dutch education institutions
5. Grants awarded through Dutch education institutions
Results of applications are announced 3 to 4 months after application. The Dutch education institution through which you applied for the scholarship will contact you on the results of your application.
If you need help
Please contact the Dutch education institution where you want to study on questions regarding your application for the OKP scholarship.
In order to receive help, it is essential to decide where you want to study and what course you want to do. Education institutions can give you more information on the various steps involved in the application and selection procedures, as well as the eligibility criteria.
You can find contact information for the Dutch institutions in our database of study programmes.
Events on studying in the Netherlands
Do you want to study in the Netherlands? Join one of our online Study in NL fairs free of charge. For more information and registration, please visit our events page.
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HOW TO APPLY CLICK HERE
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DETAIL INTRUCTION ON HOW TO APPLY CLICK HERE