VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships

VLIR-UOS (Flemish Interuniversity Council) with the Belgian development cooperation

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Nationals and residents of the 25 eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America (check the official list, it changes). Age 35 or younger for bachelor's and 2-year master's, and 45 or younger for 1-year advanced master's. No earlier Belgian government scholarship; one ICP application per year. Programmes include Food Technology, Aquaculture, Road Safety, Tropical Biodiversity and Development Evaluation.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Belgian development-cooperation scholarships for English-taught programmes in Flanders. You apply to the programme and the scholarship at the same time on the host institution's website.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Nationals and residents of the 25 eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America (check the official list, it changes). Age 35 or younger for bachelor's and 2-year master's, and 45 or younger for 1-year advanced master's. No earlier Belgian government scholarship; one ICP application per year. Programmes include Food Technology, Aquaculture, Road Safety, Tropical Biodiversity and Development Evaluation.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Feb (annual; each programme sets its own deadline for the September 2027 intake - check the programme page; results are sent by mid-May 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. University Admission Application: Complete application for one of the 15 VLIR-UOS accredited ICP Master’s programs.; VLIR-UOS Motivation & Change-Maker Statement: Essay explaining how you will act as an agent of change in your home institution or country upon graduation.; Professional Experience & Employer Endorsement: Proof of employment in a higher education institution, research institute, government body, or social NGO.; Academic Transcripts & 2 References: Certified Bachelor’s transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL score, and 2 reference letters..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic Merit & Research Potential (30%), Professional Experience & Likelihood of Knowledge Transfer / Multiplier Effect in Home Country (40%), Gender & Regional Equity Balance (30%).

Profile of past winners

Researchers, agronomists, public health officers, and water/environmental engineers employed at universities or NGOs who demonstrate how Belgian technical training will immediately scale a project in their home country.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships?

Nationals and residents of the 25 eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America (check the official list, it changes). Age 35 or younger for bachelor's and 2-year master's, and 45 or younger for 1-year advanced master's. No earlier Belgian government scholarship; one ICP application per year. Programmes include Food Technology, Aquaculture, Road Safety, Tropical Biodiversity and Development Evaluation.

What does VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships cover?

Full scholarship for the whole programme (12, 24 or 36 months): tuition, travel, insurance and a monthly allowance for living costs

When is the deadline for VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships?

Dec – Feb (annual; each programme sets its own deadline for the September 2027 intake - check the programme page; results are sent by mid-May 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships?

Host countries: Belgium.

What documents do I need for VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships?

University Admission Application: Complete application for one of the 15 VLIR-UOS accredited ICP Master’s programs.; VLIR-UOS Motivation & Change-Maker Statement: Essay explaining how you will act as an agent of change in your home institution or country upon graduation.; Professional Experience & Employer Endorsement: Proof of employment in a higher education institution, research institute, government body, or social NGO.; Academic Transcripts & 2 References: Certified Bachelor’s transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL score, and 2 reference letters..

How are applicants selected for VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships?

Academic Merit & Research Potential (30%), Professional Experience & Likelihood of Knowledge Transfer / Multiplier Effect in Home Country (40%), Gender & Regional Equity Balance (30%).

How much work is the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships application?

High: University Master’s Application + VLIR-UOS Motivation & Social Change Statement + Employer Support + 2 References