VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 are now open for international students from 30 eligible developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These fully funded scholarships in Belgium provide a remarkable opportunity for students aiming to pursue master’s or bachelor’s degrees at prestigious Flemish universities starting in September 2025. Special preference is given to African applicants and women candidates, promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. If you’re looking to study in Europe with all expenses covered, this is your chance to apply for one of the most generous scholarship programs in Belgium.
The VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025 cover full tuition fees, international travel, insurance, and a monthly living allowance for the entire duration of the program—ranging from 12 to 24 months for master’s and up to 2 years for eligible bachelor’s programs. This competitive program aims to empower future leaders who can drive change in their communities after graduation. Selection is based on motivation, professional experience, gender and regional balance, and alignment with the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to study in Europe and be part of global development—apply now through VLIR-UOS!
Benefits of VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025
- VLIR-UOS scholarships cover tuition fees.
- It will also cover travel.
- The Belgium scholarship will cover insurance.
- Moreover, the fully funded VLIR-UOS scholarships will also provide living expenses (board and lodging).
- An amazing opportunity to study free in Europe.
Eligibility Criteria for VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025
- Applicants must hold nationality from one of the 30 eligible countries, and they must reside in any of these eligible countries at the time of application.
- For bachelor or initial master programs, applicants cannot be older than 35 as of 1 January 2025; for advanced Master, applicants cannot be older than 45. Additionally, bachelor program applicants must be at least 19 years old by 1 January 2025.
- Applicants should have a professional background and experience. Preference will be given to applicants who are employed in higher education, civil society, government, or those working in a career in one of these sectors.
- Newly graduated applicants or those employed in the private sector with no work experience can also be considered if they will provide strong motivation and a compelling profile.
- Applicants may apply for only one VLIR-UOS ICP Connect scholarship per year. Applicants cannot receive any other grant or scholarship to participate in this study program or another program simultaneously.
- Applicants may not have previously received any other scholarship from the Belgian government, nor may they have enrolled in any study program at a Belgian higher education institution before 1 January 2025.
Eligible Programs
Professional Bachelors (3 years):
- Bachelor of Hotel Management
- Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
Initial Masters (2 years):
- Master of Epidemiology
- International Master of Science in Rural Development (IMRD)
- Master of Science in Food Technology
- Master of Statistics and Data Science
- Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
- Master in Sustainable Development
- International Master of Science in Agro and Environmental Nematology
- Master of Water Resources Engineering (WRE)
- Master of Transportation Sciences – Road Safety
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems
- Master of Science in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Mundus tropical c/o TROPIMUNDO)
- Master of Science in Sustainable Land Management
- Master of Aquaculture (IMAQUA)
Advanced Masters (1 year):
- Master of Development Evaluation and Management
- Master of Human Settlements
- Master of Governance and Development
- Master of Globalisation and Development
- Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES)
How to Apply for VLIR-UOS Scholarships 2025
- Visit the official VLIR-UOS website: https://www.vliruos.be/get-funded/study-scholarships
- Check all eligibility criteria before starting your application
- Choose one eligible ICP Master’s program (only one per year is allowed)
- Visit the program’s official page to read details and note the individual deadline
- Apply through the institution’s website by following all instructions
- Indicate clearly in your application if you are applying for a VLIR-UOS scholarship
- Do not apply for more than one ICP program in the same academic year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025 (ICP Connect) provide fully funded bachelor’s and master’s funding for students from eligible developing countries. They cover tuition, living, travel, and insurance. Only one application per year is allowed; apply via the host university by early February.
What are the VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025?
VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025 (ICP Connect) are fully funded awards for students from eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees taught in English at Flemish institutions.
Who is eligible for VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025?
Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the 30 eligible countries at the time of application, and meet age limits: under 35 for initial masters or under 45 for advanced masters; bachelor’s applicants must be at least 19.
Which study programs are eligible under VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025?
Eligible programs include professional bachelors like Hotel Management and Applied Computer Science, initial masters such as Epidemiology and Sustainable Development, and advanced masters like Cultural Anthropology and Human Settlements.
What do VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025 cover?
The scholarships fully fund tuition, travel, insurance, living expenses—including board and lodging—and for ICP Connect master’s, coverage includes a monthly €1,400 allowance, round‑trip airfare, and installation costs.
How many VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025 are available?
At KU Leuven, there are 50 ICP Connect Scholarships for 2025–2026—10 per each of the five eligible master’s programmes listed.
How can I apply for VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025?
Apply via the host university’s platform for your chosen programme and indicate you wish to be considered for the VLIR‑UOS scholarship—no separate scholarship form needed.
Can I apply for more than one VLIR‑UOS scholarship per year?
No. Candidates can apply for only one ICP Connect scholarship per year and may not concurrently receive other grants or a Belgian government scholarship.
What selection criteria are used for VLIR‑UOS Scholarships 2025?
Selection considers motivation, ability as an “agent of change,” gender and regional balance, vulnerability (Leave No One Behind), prior scholarship history, and strong recommendations.
What are the next steps after application?
Shortlisted applicants (A‑ or B‑list) are informed by Oceans & Lakes or the host institution, and guidance is provided for final admission steps and documentation.
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