The ICP Connect Scholarship, funded by VLIR-UOS and the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD), is a prestigious opportunity providing fully funded support for exceptional students from 28 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This initiative supports outstanding applicants pursuing one of five specialised Master’s programmes at KU Leuven during the 2026–2027 academic year. These awards are strategically designed to empower future leaders who can drive sustainable development and contribute to positive societal change in their home regions. A total of 50 scholarships are available (10 per programme). The application deadline is 1 February 2026.
ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | KU Leuven, Belgium |
| Funding Body | VLIR-UOS / Belgian DGD |
| Degree Level | Specialized Master’s Programmes (5 available) |
| Number of Awards | 50 (10 per program) |
| Funding | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel, Insurance) |
| Monthly Allowance | €1,400 for living costs |
| Eligible Countries | 28 Developing Countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America) |
| Key Criteria | Nationality/Residence in eligible country, Max Age 35/45, Alignment with Development Priorities |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
ICP Connect Scholarship Details
The scholarship supports five critical Master’s degrees at KU Leuven that are directly relevant to sustainable development goals: Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies, Master of Human Settlements, Master of Food Technology, ICP Master in Sustainable Development, and Master of Water Resources Engineering.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
The selection process focuses on candidates’ potential to act as agents of change, their alignment with sustainable development priorities, and their commitment to knowledge transfer upon returning home. The selection occurs in two phases: academic admission by the Programme Committee, followed by scholarship nomination by VLIR-UOS.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Award Tiers
ICP Connect Scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support for the full standard length of the Master’s programme. All benefits are funded through the recipient’s general grant under the ICP Connect package.
Tier 1: Core Academic and Living Support (€1,400 Monthly)
This tier covers the essential financial needs, allowing the scholar to focus entirely on their studies.
- Value: Full tuition fee waiver.
- Criteria: Provided to all 50 successful scholars for the duration of the programme.
- Value: Monthly allowance of €1,400.
- Criteria: Covers living costs, local transport, meals, personal expenses, and accommodation.
Tier 2: Mobility and Health Coverage
This category ensures smooth relocation and comprehensive health protection throughout the study period in Belgium.
- Round-trip economy airfare to Belgium, including required internal flights.
- Comprehensive Health insurance coverage.
- Coverage for Installation and indirect travel costs.
Tier 3: Programmatic and Development Focus
These benefits provide access to highly specialized academic pathways aligned with global development challenges.
- Access to one of five specialised, development-focused Master’s programmes at KU Leuven.
- Evaluation criteria give preference to candidates with the potential to act as agents of change and with strong motivation.
- Consideration of Gender balance and Regional representation during the nomination phase.
Eligibility Requirements for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026
Applicants must strictly meet the nationality, age, academic, and professional background requirements to be considered.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must meet KU Leuven’s admission requirements for the chosen programme.
- Professional background priority for candidates working or aspiring to work in higher education, government, or civil society. Private-sector professionals and recent graduates may also be considered.
- Study Status:
- Maximum 35 years for first-time Master’s applicants.
- Maximum 45 years for advanced Master’s applicants.
- Must not have been enrolled in a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the entry year.
- Must not have previously received a Belgian government scholarship.
- Visa Status:
- Must be a national and resident of one of the 28 eligible countries (Africa, Asia, or Latin America).
- Program Admission:
- Only one ICP Connect Scholarship application is permitted per academic year.
- English language proficiency is required, with test results due no later than 1 March 2026.
How to Apply for ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
Application for the scholarship is integrated with the application for the Master’s programme at KU Leuven.
- Apply through KU Leuven System: Apply through KU Leuven’s official application system for one of the five eligible Master’s programmes before 1 February 2026 (23:59).
- Upload Scholarship Documents: Upload all required documentation, which includes standard programme-specific documents, two recommendation letters (submitted by referees through official institutional email), and the ICP Connect scholarship form.
- Waive Application Fee: Skip the application fee by uploading the designated PDF under the “Proof of payment of application fee” section of the application portal.
- Submit English Proficiency: Ensure your English language proficiency test results are submitted to KU Leuven Admissions no later than 1 March 2026. Candidates are automatically considered for the scholarship upon application.
Application Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For more Information Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the eligible Master’s programmes for the ICP Connect Scholarship?
The scholarship is only available for five specific Master’s programmes at KU Leuven: Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies, Human Settlements, Food Technology, Sustainable Development (ICP Master), and Water Resources Engineering.
2. How much is the monthly allowance, and what does it cover?
The monthly allowance is €1,400, which is intended to cover the scholar’s living costs, accommodation, local transport, meals, and other personal expenses in Belgium.
3. Is the round-trip airfare to Belgium covered by the scholarship?
Yes, the scholarship covers the round-trip economy airfare to Belgium, including any necessary internal flights.
4. What is the total number of scholarships available for the 2026–2027 academic year?
A total of 50 scholarships are available, with 10 awards designated for each of the five eligible Master’s programmes.
5. What is the main application deadline for the ICP Connect Scholarship?
The application deadline is 1 February 2026 (23:59). Candidates must also ensure their English test results are submitted by March 1, 2026.
6. What are the age limits for applicants?
The maximum age limit is 35 years for candidates applying for their first Master’s degree and 45 years for those applying for an advanced Master’s degree.
7. What is the process for skipping the application fee?
Applicants must upload the designated PDF (available through the scholarship guide) in the KU Leuven application system under the “Proof of payment of application fee” section to waive the fee.
8. Which regions are eligible to apply for the ICP Connect Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to nationals and residents of eligible countries located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
9. When will the final results of the scholarship selection be announced?
Final results are typically announced by spring 2026, with official notifications being issued by late May 2026.
10. Can a private-sector professional apply for this scholarship?
Yes, while priority is given to candidates in higher education, government, or civil society, private-sector professionals and recent graduates may be considered if they provide strong motivation and meet all other criteria.
