Orange Knowledge Programme in The Netherlands
Netherlands Government
Masters/Short Courses
Deadline: 22 Mar/28 June/11 Oct (annual)
Study in: Netherlands
Course starts 2026/23
Brief description:
The Orange Knowledge Programme aims to advance the development of the capacity, knowledge and quality of both individuals as well as organisations both in the field of higher and vocational education and in other fields related to the priority themes in the programme countries.
Host Institution(s):
Dutch Universities that offer OKP qualified programmes/courses.
Level/Field(s) of study:
Scholarships are available for a selection of short courses (duration 2 weeks to 12 months) and master’s programmes (duration 12 – 24 months).
All courses that are eligible for an Orange Knowledge Programme scholarship for this application round are listed in Studyfinder. Please search in Studyfinder, using the filter ‘OKP qualified – Yes’. You can also find contact details of the institutions there.
Target group:
Mid-career professionals who are nationals of -and living and working in the following 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.
Scholarship value/inclusions:
An OKP scholarship is intended to supplement the salary that you should continue to receive during the scholarship period. The scholarship is a contribution towards your costs of living and costs such as tuition fees, visa, travel, insurance etc. You have to cover any difference between the OKP scholarship amount and the actual costs yourself.
Eligibility:
You will find the eligibility criteria at this link.
Application instructions:
Before you apply, make sure you review the eligibility criteria carefully and check whether your employer is willing to nominate you for the scholarship.
You need to apply directly with a Dutch higher education institution of your choice. Contact the Dutch higher education institution which offers the OKP qualified course of your choice for application procedures. The Dutch institution can give you more information on the various steps involved in the application and selection procedures, as well as the eligibility criteria. Deadline varies depending on the course and the University.
The 3 candidate application rounds for individual scholarships are:
• Round 1: 2 February-22 March (for courses starting between between 25 July and 21 November 2026)
• Round 2: 11 May-28 June (for Short Courses starting between 21 November 2026 and 20 February 2026)
• Round 3: 31 August-11 October 2026 (for Short Courses starting from 20 February 2026 onward and must be completed before 31 August 2026)
It is important to read the OKP information for applicants and visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
Website:
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.studyinholland.nl/study/scholarships/highlighted-scholarships/orange-knowledge-programme
Related Scholarships: List of Netherlands Scholarships
Related Posts:
- British Chevening Scholarships in UK for International Students
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowships in USA for International Students
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program in USA
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- ESED Scholarships for Sustainable Energy Development Studies
- OFID Scholarship Award for International Students
- Top 10 Scholarships for Study in Any Country or Anywhere
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships
- McDonald Fellowships (Fully Funded)
- UK – International Scholarships
- KU Leuven Scholarship| Application Process Fully Funded
- ARES Scholarships Belgium| Fully Funded
- Uk Scholarships for International Students 2026/2026
- Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel Scholarships
- US Colleges and Universities offering International Scholarships
- US Colleges and Universities offering International Scholarships
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Netherlands: Important Information for 2026
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) has historically been a flagship scholarship initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic. It was designed to support mid-career professionals from specific developing countries by providing funding for Master’s degrees and short courses at Dutch educational institutions [1.1.1, 1.2.1].
If you are researching the programme for 2026, it is essential to be aware of its current status to avoid misinformation.
Programme Status: Is it active in 2026?
Official documentation from Nuffic and Study in NL has indicated that the Orange Knowledge Programme concluded on December 31, 2024 [1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.2.2]. Consequently, there have been no new application rounds for this specific scholarship programme since that time [1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.2.2].
While some third-party websites may still display 2026 deadlines or suggest the programme is active, these are often outdated or inaccurate placeholders [1.1.1, 1.1.5]. Prospective students are strongly advised to rely on official channels, such as Study in NL, for verified information regarding current funding opportunities.
Understanding the Legacy of the OKP
For those interested in the impact and structure of the programme, the OKP was highly regarded for its focus on sustainable and inclusive development [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. Its primary goals included:
-
Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills of mid-career professionals to benefit their home organizations and countries [1.1.2, 1.1.5].
-
Priority Themes: Focusing on critical global areas such as Food and Nutrition Security; Water, Energy and Climate; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights; and Security and the Rule of Law [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
-
Professional Development: Providing financial support—including tuition, living expenses, and travel—to enable professionals to study in the Netherlands without losing their salary at home [1.1.2, 1.2.3].
Exploring Alternatives for 2026
Even though the Orange Knowledge Programme has ended, the Netherlands remains a prominent destination for international students and professionals. If you are looking for financial support for your studies in 2026, consider exploring the following resources:
-
Institutional Scholarships: Many Dutch universities offer their own merit-based scholarships. You can find information directly on the websites of the institutions where you intend to apply [1.1.3, 1.2.3].
-
Study in NL: Visit the official Study in NL website to use their comprehensive scholarship search tool, which lists current and verified funding opportunities for international students.
-
Professional Networking: Stay connected with local Dutch embassies or cultural organizations in your home country, as they may occasionally announce new bilateral cooperation programs or sector-specific grants.
Disclaimer: Always verify scholarship details directly through the official university website or the official Dutch government study portal. Be cautious of websites promising “full-ride” scholarships for expired programmes, as these can often be misleading [1.1.1, 1.1.5].
For more information on navigating your career and educational journey, you can also explore helpful resources at WealthInfo.