ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27 offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue master’s studies in Belgium. This prestigious program covers all major expenses including tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living costs for the full duration of the study. The scholarship supports students who aspire to gain advanced education at one of the leading Flemish universities or universities of applied sciences and arts, with programs taught entirely in English.
Each year, the VLIR-UOS Scholarship invites talented individuals from 30 eligible countries to apply for the ICP Connect Master’s Programmes. The application timeline and requirements may vary depending on the specific course, so candidates are encouraged to review program details carefully before applying. This initiative aims to empower future leaders by providing world-class education and fostering sustainable development across the Global South.
Benefits
The ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27 covers:
- Tuition fees
- Travel costs
- Insurance
- Living expenses (board and lodging)
- Full duration of the study programme (12, 24, or 36 months)
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27, you must:
- Motivation: Candidates’ motivation and professional goals must reflect their competence in transferring knowledge/skills or setting up extension activities and highlighting themes relevant to sustainable development and pertinent to the study programme.
- Not only are academic results important, but so are – especially – the potential and commitment of the candidates to become an ‘agent of change’ after completing their studies.
- Professional experience: Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a greater chance of implementing and/or transferring newly gained knowledge/skills upon completion in a sustainable development context, such as in the higher education sector, government, civil society or the private sector, thereby contributing to positive societal change.
- Gender balance: A balance between male and female candidates awarded ICP Connect scholarships is targeted. VLIRUOS strongly encourages female candidates to apply.
- Regional balance: A reasonable cross-section of scholars from different countries and regions is targeted, provided there are sufficient qualified candidates.
- Leave No One Behind (LNOB): In case of equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates from vulnerable groups.
- Previously awarded scholarship: Preference will be given to candidates who have never received a scholarship to study in a higher income country (bachelor or master).
How to Apply?
- Check your eligibility carefully to ensure you meet all the required criteria before applying.
- Explore the available ICP Connect Master’s programmes and choose the one that aligns with your goals.
- Visit the official website of the institution offering your chosen programme to learn more and follow their application instructions.
- Apply for both the study programme and the ICP Connect scholarship through the institution’s online portal. Clearly mention that you are applying for the scholarship.
- You may only apply for one ICP Connect scholarship per academic year.
- Each programme sets its own application deadline, so review the details on the university’s website.
- After the selection process, VLIR-UOS will contact successful candidates and those on the waiting list by email, usually by mid-June.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27 offers fully funded Master’s programmes to applicants from 29 eligible countries. It covers tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses, with strict eligibility rules, one application per year, and selection based on merit and societal impact.
Who is eligible for the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27?
Applicants must be from one of 29 eligible countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. Age limits apply depending on the programme, and preference is given to those with experience in higher education, government, or civil society sectors.
What study programmes are covered by the ICP Connect scholarship?
The scholarship supports Master’s and Advanced Master’s programmes taught in English at Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences. Students can select programmes aligned with sustainable development and societal change goals.
What costs does the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27 cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living expenses including board and lodging. It is offered only for the full duration of the programme, which can be 12, 24, or 36 months depending on the course.
Can I apply for multiple ICP Connect scholarships at the same time?
No. Candidates may only apply for one ICP Connect scholarship per year. Applying for more than one programme or receiving another scholarship simultaneously will lead to exclusion from consideration for this award.
Are there preferences in selection for the ICP Connect Scholarship?
Yes. Selection considers motivation, professional goals, potential to transfer knowledge, gender balance, regional balance, and inclusion of candidates from vulnerable groups. Preference is also given to those who have never studied in higher income countries.
How do I apply for the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27?
Candidates should first check eligibility, then select a programme and visit the institution’s website for instructions. Applications for the programme and scholarship must be submitted online, clearly indicating the scholarship request in the portal.
What is the application deadline for the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27?
Each programme sets its own application deadline. Candidates should carefully check the specific dates on the institution’s website. VLIR-UOS receives results from programme organisers and contacts candidates afterward.
When will candidates be notified of the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27 results?
VLIR-UOS contacts selected candidates and those on the waiting list by email as soon as possible after the selection process, and no later than mid-June of the intake year, ensuring sufficient time for visa and programme preparations.
Can previous scholarship recipients apply again for the ICP Connect VLIR-UOS Scholarship 2026-27?
No. Candidates who have previously received a Belgian government scholarship or enrolled in a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January of the intake year are not eligible to apply for the ICP Connect scholarship.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the ICP Connect application?
Questions about the programme or application process should be directed to the respective organising university. General scholarship inquiries can be clarified by contacting VLIR-UOS or attending information sessions provided for applicants.
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