VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
Fully funded scholarships by VLIR-UOS for students from 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to attend accredited English-taught bachelor, initial master, and advanced master programmes at Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Varies by individual study programme (e.g., January 31, 2026, or February 1, 2026 for specific bachelor tracks)
Country
BelgiumAll Belgium guidesEvery Belgium scholarship in one place→About the VLIR-UOS Scholarships
The ICP Connect scholarship programme, funded by VLIR-UOS, supports students from 29 partner countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue accredited international study programmes taught in English at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium. The initiative aims to equip scholars to act as agents of change who can contribute to societal development in their home countries upon graduation.
The scholarship covers the full duration of the study programme, lasting 12, 24, or 36 months depending on the specific curriculum. Eligible tracks include professional bachelor programmes in fields such as Hotel Management and Applied Computer Science, initial master degrees in areas like Agro- and Environmental Nematology, Rural Development, Aquaculture, and Statistics, and advanced master degrees focusing on human settlements, development evaluation, and governance.
Applicants must hold nationality from and reside in one of the 29 eligible countries at the time of application. Priority is given to candidates employed in higher education, government, or civil society, or those targeting careers in these sectors, though newly graduated applicants and those from the private sector may also be considered with strong motivation.
Selection is conducted by individual programme organisers based on academic merit, professional background, and the candidate's potential to drive sustainable development. Additional selection frameworks target gender balance, regional distribution, and the Leave No One Behind principle for vulnerable groups, alongside preference for applicants who have never previously studied in a high-income country.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Fully funded support covering tuition, travel, insurance, and living costs for the entire degree duration
Opportunity to study at accredited Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts
Access to diverse English-taught bachelor and master degrees aligned with global sustainable development
Strong institutional focus on empowering scholars as agents of societal change in their home countries
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
8 requirements
Documents Checklist
5 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Check eligibility criteria for nationality, age, and professional background.
Visit the website of the specific Flemish higher education institution offering your chosen study programme.
Apply for the study programme and the scholarship simultaneously through the institution's website.
Indicate clearly on your application form that you are applying for the scholarship.
Application Timeline
Mid-November
Call Opening
Next call expected to open in mid-November 2026 for the 2027-2028 academic year
Varies by programme (typically January or February)
Application Deadlines
Set individually by each organizing higher education institution
No later than mid-May
Selection Results
Selected candidates and waiting list notified by email
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Submit your application through the specific university portal well before the individual programme deadline.
Highlight your professional experience in higher education, government, or civil society to gain preference.
Ensure your motivation letter clearly connects your study goals to sustainable development challenges in your home country.
Apply for only one ICP program per year to avoid automatic disqualification.
Check individual university pages for any additional institutional criteria before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. Candidates may apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year, and applying for more than one will lead to exclusion.
Candidates for initial master programmes cannot be older than 35 as of January 1 of the intake year, while candidates for advanced masters cannot be older than 45.
No. VLIR-UOS only offers scholarships for the full duration of the study programme, which is 12, 24, or 36 months.
Deadlines are set individually by each organizing higher education institution and usually fall in January or February ahead of the intake year.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open November - get your documents ready now.
Apply on Official Website →More Scholarships to Explore
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Opens: November