VLIR-UOS Scholarships (ICP Connect)
The ICP Connect scholarship program funds international students from 29 eligible countries to pursue accredited Bachelor's, initial Master's, and advanced Master's degrees at Flemish universities in Belgium.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Varies by programme; check individual institution pages
Country
BelgiumAbout the VLIR-UOS Scholarships
The ICP Connect scholarship program is managed by VLIR-UOS, the leading funding body for partnerships between Flemish higher education institutions and partner countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It aims to support students who can act as agents of change, contributing to sustainable development in their home regions after graduation.
Scholarships are available for a wide range of English-taught programmes, including professional bachelor's degrees, initial master's degrees, and advanced master's degrees. The duration of the funding covers the full length of the study programme, which typically ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the course.
Candidates must be nationals and residents of one of the 29 eligible countries at the time of application. The selection process is highly competitive and focuses on academic potential, professional motivation, and the candidate's commitment to implementing knowledge in sectors such as government, civil society, or higher education.
VLIR-UOS prioritizes gender balance, regional diversity, and candidates from vulnerable groups. Preference is also given to applicants who have not previously studied in a high-income country. All applicants must apply directly through the website of the specific Flemish institution offering their chosen programme.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Accredited international study programmes taught in English
Focus on sustainable development and societal impact
Support for agents of change in developing regions
Comprehensive coverage of all major study-related costs
Access to high-quality education at Flemish universities
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
5 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Verify eligibility based on the 29 eligible countries and age requirements.
Select a specific study programme from the list of ICP Connect accredited courses.
Visit the website of the Flemish institution offering the chosen programme.
Submit the application for both the programme and the scholarship through the institution's portal.
Indicate clearly on the application that you are applying for the ICP Connect scholarship.
Application Timeline
November
Applications Open
Mid-May
Selection Results Notification
Latest date for notification by email
September
Intake Year
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Check the specific institution website for additional criteria beyond the general VLIR-UOS requirements.
Focus your motivation statement on how you will transfer knowledge to your home country.
Apply early as each programme sets its own specific deadline.
Do not apply for more than one ICP Connect scholarship to avoid automatic exclusion.
Highlight professional experience in government, civil society, or higher education to increase your chances.
Ensure you meet the residency requirement at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No, you may only apply for one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Applying for more than one will lead to exclusion.
You are ineligible if you have previously received a scholarship from the Belgian government or enrolled in a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the intake year.
Yes, candidates for bachelor or initial master programmes cannot be older than 35, and candidates for advanced masters cannot be older than 45 as of 1 January of the intake year.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
Apply on Official Website →Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.
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