The VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship, is a fully funded opportunity for applicants from 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue study programs taught in English at Flemish universities in Belgium. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living expenses (board and lodging) for the full duration of the study programme (12/24/36 months). Preference is given to candidates demonstrating strong motivation to become an ‘agent of change,’ those with relevant professional experience in a sustainable development context, and those who have not previously received a scholarship in a higher-income country. The general deadline is February 1, 2026, but it varies by program.
Table of Contents
VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Belgium |
| Study Abroad | Study in Europe |
| Category | Undergraduate Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, and Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | Developing Countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America) |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | Strong Motivation, Professional Experience in Sustainable Development, Regional/Gender Balance |
| Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 (Varies by Programme) |
The VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Study Scholarship offers a prestigious and fully funded pathway for students from 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue studies at English-taught programmes within Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium. This scholarship is designed to support individuals who are committed to becoming an ‘agent of change’ and contributing to sustainable development upon their return home.
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The scholarship targets Masters Programmes (ICP Connect) and awards scholarships for the full duration of the selected study programme (ranging from 12 to 36 months).
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the VLIRUOS ICP Connect Study Scholarship
The VLIRUOS scholarship is comprehensive, offering full financial and logistical support for the duration of the study program.
Tier 1: Financial Reward (Full Living Expenses)
This tier outlines the coverage provided for personal and living costs.
- Living Expenses: The scholarship fully covers living expenses (board and lodging) for the entire duration of the study program.
- Duration: Funding is guaranteed for the full duration of the study programme (12/24/36 months).
Tier 2: Academic and Logistical Support (Full Coverage)
This tier focuses on the full academic and logistical costs covered by the scholarship.
- Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees are covered by the scholarship.
- Travel and Insurance: The scholarship covers travel expenses and provides insurance for the duration of the stay in Belgium.
Tier 3: Program Outcome (Agent of Change Focus)
This final tier focuses on the selection criteria and long-term goal of the scholarship.
- Agent of Change: Selection highly values the candidate’s potential and commitment to become an ‘agent of change’ after completing their studies.
- Sustainable Development: Candidates must show competence in transferring knowledge/skills and setting up extension activities that highlight themes relevant to sustainable development.
- Previous Funding: Preference is given to candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a higher income country (bachelor or master).
Eligibility Requirements for VLIRUOS Study Scholarship 2026
Candidates must be from one of the 30 eligible developing countries and meet specific motivational and professional criteria.
- Academic/Leadership: Candidates’ motivation and professional goals must reflect their competence in transferring knowledge/skills or setting up extension activities relevant to sustainable development. Academic results are important, but potential and commitment are emphasized.
- Study Status: Applicants must apply to one of the ICP Connect study programmes taught in English at a Flemish university or university of applied sciences and arts.
- Visa Status: Open exclusively to applicants from 30 eligible Developing Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Program Admission: Professional experience is strongly preferred, as it demonstrates a greater chance of implementing and/or transferring newly gained knowledge/skills in a sustainable development context. Preference is given to candidates from vulnerable groups (Leave No One Behind – LNOB).
How to Apply for VLIRUOS ICP Connect Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is two-fold: you must first apply to the program and then apply for the scholarship through the university’s portal.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that you are a citizen of one of the 30 eligible countries and meet all the motivation and professional criteria.
- Learn and Select Programme: Learn more about the selected study programmes and visit the website of the institution that offers it to review the specific instructions and deadlines.
- Apply for Programme and Scholarship: Apply for both the study programme and the scholarship through the institution’s website. You must specifically indicate that you are applying for a scholarship. Do not apply for more than one ICP programme per year.
- Await Notification: Programme organizers set their own deadlines. VLIR-UOS will contact selected candidates and those on the waiting list via email no later than mid-June.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the ICP Connect Study Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is a full scholarship that covers tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, and all living expenses (board and lodging) for the full duration of the study programme.
2. Is the scholarship open to all international students?
No. The scholarship is only open to applicants from a list of 30 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America (Developing Countries).
3. What is the deadline to apply for the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarship?
The general deadline mentioned is February 1, 2026, but the start and end dates of the application procedure vary depending on the specific Master’s programme you choose.
4. What is the duration of the funding provided by VLIR-UOS?
The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the study programme, which can be 12, 24, or 36 months.
5. What type of professional experience is preferred for this scholarship?
Preference is given to candidates who can demonstrate a greater chance of implementing or transferring newly gained knowledge in a sustainable development context upon returning home.
6. Where are the study programmes hosted?
The study programmes are hosted at one or more Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts in Belgium.
7. What is the application procedure for the ICP Connect scholarship?
You must apply for both the study programme and the scholarship simultaneously through the website of the Flemish university offering the programme, making sure to indicate your scholarship interest.
8. Is there a preference for gender or background during the selection?
Yes. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to maintain gender balance, and preference is given to candidates from vulnerable groups (Leave No One Behind – LNOB).
9. Can I apply for more than one ICP programme per year?
No, candidates are instructed not to apply for more than one ICP programme per year.
10. Does the scholarship cover students who have studied abroad before?
Preference is given to candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a higher income country (for a bachelor or master degree)
