Application for Orange Knowledge & MENA Scholarship 2024

The Orange Knowledge and MENA Scholarship Program, sponsored and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers a unique opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to enhance their skills and contribute to sustainable development.

About Application for Orange Knowledge

Held at The Hague Academy, this two-week training program provides a range of courses focused on various aspects of local-level sustainable development.

Aims of the Orange Knowledge Scholarship:

The Orange Knowledge Scholarship Program has several aims at its core:

1. Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Development: The program seeks to contribute to society’s sustainable and inclusive development by equipping individuals, groups, and organizations with the necessary skills and knowledge.
2. Skills and Knowledge Enhancement: The scholarship aims to assist participants in achieving their goals and targets by providing them with valuable skills and knowledge in areas such as Food and Nutrition Security, Water, Energy, Climate, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Security and Rule of Law, Private Sector Development, Climate, Women, and Marginalized Groups.

Courses Offered in the Program:

Candidates interested in the scholarship program can choose from the following eligible courses:

1. Fiscal Decentralisation & Local Finance
2. Migration & Local Governance
3. Gender Responsive Governance

The MENA Scholarship Program:

The MENA Scholarship Program is specifically designed for individuals from Middle Eastern and North African countries that face challenges in certain areas.

The primary objective of this program is to empower employees to engage in short-term courses that can enhance the capacity of their organizations.

Courses Offered in the MENA Scholarship Program: The MENA Scholarship Program focuses on the following courses:

1. Fiscal Decentralisation & Local Finance
2. Inclusive Service Delivery & the SDGs
3. Citizen Participation & Inclusive Governance
4. Gender Responsive Governance
5. Urban Governance: Resilient & Smart Cities
6. Local Climate Response
7. Migration & Local Governance

Eligibility Criteria for the Orange Knowledge Scholarship:

To qualify for the Orange Knowledge Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the eligible countries and currently working in their home country.
2. Employer: Applicants should not be employed by an organization that already provides staff development opportunities.
3. Work Experience: A minimum of two years of working experience is required.
4. Language Proficiency: Applicants must be fluent in English.
5. Support Documentation: Applicants must submit a Back Home Action Plan and written support from their employer to participate in the program.
6. Priority Areas: Applicants should work in a prioritized area that aligns with their home country’s focus.

Eligibility Criteria for the MENA Scholarship Program:

To be eligible for the MENA Scholarship Program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Working Professional: Applicants should be working professionals in any of the focus countries.
2. Age Requirement: Applicants should be 45 years old or younger at the application deadline.
3. Employer’s Capacity: Applicants must work for an organization that lacks the capacity to sponsor staff development.
4. Work Experience: A minimum of two years of working experience is required.
5. Language Proficiency: Applicants must be fluent in English.
6. Support Documentation: Applicants must submit a Back Home Action Plan and written support from their employer.
7. Thematic Approach: The applicant’s thematic approach should align with the work prioritized in their country.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should carefully follow the instructions below when applying for the scholarship:

1. Early Bird Deadline: The early bird deadline is on July 19, 2024.
2. Prepare Motivation Answers: Be ready with thoughtful and compelling motivation answers.
3. Gather Required Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are ready for submission.
4. Document Specifications: All documents must not exceed 2 MB and should be in PDF format.
5. Application Deadline: The final application deadline is on August 22, 2024.
6. Begin Application Process: Start your application process by clicking here.

FAQs

What is the Orange Knowledge and MENA Scholarship, and who is eligible to apply in 2024?

The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) and MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) are scholarships funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These scholarships are aimed at professionals from specific countries to pursue short courses or master’s programs in the Netherlands.
For 2024, eligible applicants must be from a select list of countries, primarily in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East (for OKP) or the Middle East and North Africa (for MSP). Applicants should be mid-career professionals with a strong background in their field and a desire to contribute to their country’s development. Specific eligibility criteria may include a relevant professional experience, employer endorsement, and proficiency in English.

How can I apply for the Orange Knowledge and MENA Scholarships for the 2024 academic year?

To apply for the Orange Knowledge or MENA Scholarship for 2024, follow these steps:

1. Choose an eligible course from a participating Dutch institution listed on the OKP or MSP official websites.
2. Apply directly to the Dutch institution offering the course, ensuring you meet their admission requirements.
3. If admitted, the institution will provide guidance on submitting the scholarship application through the Dutch university’s or training provider’s online portal.
4. Applications typically include documents like your resume, employer statement, motivation letter, and academic records.

For OKP, the application period varies throughout the year, while MSP has more specific deadlines, typically starting in early 2024.

What are the benefits of the Orange Knowledge and MENA Scholarship, and what expenses are covered?

The Orange Knowledge and MENA Scholarships provide significant financial support, covering a wide range of expenses:

• Tuition fees for the course or master’s program.
• Travel costs, including return flights between the scholar’s home country and the Netherlands.
• Living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and other personal expenses during the stay in the Netherlands.
• Insurance (health, liability, etc.) for the duration of the program.
• In some cases, additional allowances may be provided for study materials or visa-related expenses.

Conclusion

The Orange Knowledge and MENA Scholarship Programs present excellent opportunities for individuals from eligible countries to enhance their skills and contribute to sustainable development.

By focusing on crucial areas such as governance, finance, and climate, these scholarships empower participants to make a positive impact in their respective fields.

Interested candidates should apply early and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria to seize this valuable opportunity for professional growth and knowledge enhancement.