If you recently graduated from university and you are wondering what the next step you need to take in life is, the Orange Knowledge Programme is definitely an excellent place to start. The Orange Knowledge Programme is a fully-funded MBA scholarship programme that was orchestrated by the Dutch Ministry of the Netherlands to support societal improvement and skill development in more than 53 developing nations including Nigeria, Benin, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Vietnam, Yemen.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
- Eligible candidates encompass managers, trainee managers, team leaders, supervisors, and small to medium-sized business owners currently engaged in their respective roles. To qualify for the Masterclass in Food Security, applicants should hold positions in the field of food security/agriculture, while those aspiring for the Masterclass in Water Management must operate within water management roles.
- A crucial criterion involves nationality and employment within specific countries listed above. A notable preference will be extended to applicants operating within the designated focus areas for their respective nations.
- Exclusions encompass individuals employed by organizations equipped with their own internal staff development or training mechanisms. Such organizations include international NGOs (e.g., Oxfam, Plan, Care), donor entities (e.g., UN organizations, World Bank, WHO), bilateral donor organizations (e.g., USAID, DFID), significant national or commercial bodies, and multinational corporations.
- Applicants should not concurrently be recipients of or enrolled in another scholarship coinciding with the course duration. When the applicant’s country necessitates it, a Government Statement aligning with the employer’s establishment guidelines is obligatory (BSN will furnish a template).
- Applying for funding is an individual endeavour; representation on behalf of another individual is not permissible. The training itself must be conducted within the framework of the applicant’s employing organization and should be aligned with the organization’s developmental strategies.
N.B: There are priority themes for this scholarship (meaning that applicants with interest in those fields stand higher chances of getting the scholarship). Although they differ from country to country, below is the general list:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Security and Rule of Law
- Food and Nutrition Security
- Water Management
- Private Sector Development
How To Apply (Deadline – September 5 16.00 CET )
- Confirm if your application matches the areas OKP focuses on in your country.
- Make sure you meet the OKP eligibility rules.
- Look for a course from the OKP course list. Search for courses under ‘Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP)’.
- Check with your employer if they can nominate you for an OKP scholarship.
- Reach out to the Dutch educational institution you like to get details about applying, what you need academically, and how to apply online.
- Get your application ready: a statement from your employer, a personal reason for applying, your passport, and a government statement if needed.
- During the application period, use the link the Dutch educational institution sends you to apply online. Keep the application deadline in mind for your chosen institution.
